(22-1)(a)

General provisions.

(22-1)(a)(1)

Title. This chapter shall be known as the "zoning code for the City of Gonzales, Louisiana" and may be cited and referred to as "this zoning code."

(22-1)(a)(2)

Authority. This zoning code is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by R.S. 22:4721 et seq.

(22-1)(a)(3)

Applicability. The provisions of this zoning code apply to the development of all land within the City of Gonzales. No development shall be undertaken without prior authorization pursuant to this zoning code.

(22-1)(a)(4)

Effective date. This zoning code was adopted on April 25, 2016, and became effective the same date.

(22-1)(a)(5)

Purpose.

a.

This zoning code is adopted for the purpose of guiding development in accordance with the City of Gonzales's comprehensive plan and existing and future needs of the City of Gonzales in order to protect, promote and improve the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, appearance, prosperity and general welfare.

b.

The regulations hereby enacted are designed to exercise the full range of authority available to the City of Gonzales under Louisiana law to:

1.

Promote the public health, safety and general welfare, while recognizing the rights of real property owners, by adopting a comprehensive zoning ordinance.

2.

Help achieve the goals, objectives and policies of the comprehensive plan.

3.

Prevent the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration or dispersal of population by creating zoning districts consistent with the character of each area within the City of Gonzales and adopting an official zoning map.

4.

Provide the most beneficial relationship between the uses of land and buildings and the circulation of automobile traffic and pedestrians throughout the City of Gonzales, and to secure safety from natural disaster, fire, and other dangers by providing for the proper location and width of streets, sidewalks, and buildings.

5.

Provide for a range of open spaces through the most efficient design and layout of the land.

6.

Carry out such other purposes in the public interest as may be specifically cited in this zoning code.

(22-1)(a)(6)

Intent. This zoning code is intended to provide a mechanism for implementing the following goals:

a.

Protecting the natural infrastructure and visual character of the region.

b.

Creating a range of housing opportunities and choices.

c.

Creating mixed use, walkable neighborhoods.

d.

Encouraging community and stakeholder collaboration.

e.

Fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

f.

Making development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective.

g.

Mixing land uses.

h.

Preserving open space, farmland, rural character, natural beauty and critical environmental areas.

i.

Providing a variety of transportation choices and transportation corridors that are planned in coordination with land use.

j.

Strengthening and directing development towards existing communities.

k.

Taking advantage of compact building design where infrastructure is in place.

(22-1)(a)(7)

Minimum requirements. The requirements of this zoning code shall be considered as the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare.

(22-1)(a)(8)

Conflicting provisions.

a.

All development must comply with relevant federal and state regulations. Whenever any provision of this zoning code imposes a greater requirement or a higher standard than is required in any federal or state statute or regulation, the provisions of this zoning code shall govern unless preempted by federal or state law.

b.

It is not the intent of this zoning code to interfere with or annul any easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties; provided that where this zoning code imposes a greater restriction upon the use and dimensions of buildings, structures, or land, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other ordinances, regulations, or permits, or by easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this zoning code shall govern, except where expressly qualified in this zoning code.

(9)

Severability. Should any provision of this zoning code be decided by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, that decision shall not affect the validity of this zoning code other than the part declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(22-1)(b)

Official maps.

(22-1)(b)(1)

Zoning district map. The boundaries of the zoning districts are established and shown on the "City of Gonzales Zoning District Map" and may be cited and referred to as the "official zoning map." The official zoning map is hereby made part of this zoning code. All notations, references and other information shown shall have the same force and effect as if fully set forth or described in this zoning code. The zoning map must be properly attested and kept on file by the administrator.

(22-1)(b)(2)

Official map interpretation.

a.

In the event that any uncertainty exists with respect to the intended boundaries as shown on the official zoning map, the administrator is authorized to interpret the boundaries.

b.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zoning district shown on the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply:

1.

Boundaries are the center lines of the streets, alleys, waterways and rights-of-way, unless otherwise indicated. Where designation of a boundary line on either map coincides with the location of a street, alley, waterway or right-of-way, the center line of the street, alley, water way or right-of-way shall be construed to be the boundary of such district.

2.

Where the boundaries do not coincide with the location of streets, alleys, waterways and rights-of-way, but do coincide with parcel or lot lines, such parcel or lot lines shall be construed to be the boundaries.

3.

Where the boundaries do not coincide with the location of streets, alleys, waterways, rights-of-way, parcel or lot lines, the boundary shall be determined by the use of the scale shown on the map.

c.

The applicant may appeal the map interpretation to the city council as set forth in section 22-6(b)(4), appeal of administrative decision.

(Ord. No. 3084, Att., 4-25-16)