Louisiana City Zoning Code

The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the effective date of this Zoning Code, May 2, 1983, may be continued, although such use does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter. If no structural alterations are made, a non-conforming use of a building may be changed to another non-conforming use of the same or more restricted classification

Whenever the use of a building becomes non-conforming through a change in zoning requirements or zone boundaries, such use may be continued as in Subsection (A) of this Section.

Whenever a non-conforming use of a building or structure has been discontinued for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, such use shall not be re-established and the use of the premises shall thereafter be in conformity with the zone in which it is located.

Where no enclosed building is involved, discontinuance of a non-conforming use for a period of six (6) consecutive months shall constitute abandonment and discontinuance and such use shall not be re-established and the use thereafter shall be in conformity with the regulations of the zone in which it is located.

No existing building, premises or property devoted to a non-conforming use, except when required to do so by law or order, shall be enlarged, extended or structurally altered, unless such use is changed to a use permitted in the zone in which such building, premises or property is located.

Any building or structure containing a non-conforming use at the effective date of this Zoning Code, May 2, 1983, and which has not come under Subsections (C) or (D) of this Section, which is damaged by fire, flood, wind or other act of God or man, may be restored to its original size and use within twelve (12) months of said damage.

No building or structure designed or intended to be utilized for non-conforming use shall be constructed or allowed unless construction is already underway at the time of the enactment of this Zoning Code. All outstanding building permits for construction which do not meet these requirements shall be rendered null and void by the enactment of this Zoning Code.

No building or structure shall be erected, added to or structurally altered until a permit has been issued by the City Clerk. No such building permit shall be issued for any building where said construction, addition or alteration or use thereof would be in violation of any provisions of this Chapter without prior approval of the City Council.

To obtain a building permit an applicant shall first submit to the City Clerk an application for the same, along with three (3) copies of a layout or plot plan drawn to scale showing actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon and the exact size and location of the lot of the building or structure and any accessory buildings to be erected. This application and layout or plot plan shall be forwarded by the City Clerk to the City Administrator or other authorized officer of the City who shall assure that they comply with this Zoning Code and all City Building Codes, after which such officer shall forward the same to the Mayor along with his/her recommendation as to the disposition of such application. The Mayor shall then instruct the City Clerk to issue or not to issue the building permit.

One (1) copy of said layout or plot plan shall be returned when approved and a permit has been issued to the applicant and two (2) copies shall be filed with the City Clerk.