This article will herein be referred to as "The Pointe Coupee Parish Zoning Code" and may be cited and referred to as "this zoning code."

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

This zoning code is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Louisiana Revised Statute 33:4780.40.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

The provisions of this zoning code apply to the development of all land within the unincorporated areas of Pointe Coupee Parish. No development of land shall be undertaken in contravention of this zoning code.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

This zoning code is to take effect on July 10, 2025.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

The purpose of this zoning code is to promote and improve the health, safety, morals, appearance, and general welfare by the establishment of zoning districts and corresponding regulations.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

All decisions, administrative, commission or council, under this zoning code shall be consistent with the direction established in the Pointe Coupee Parish Comprehensive Plan.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

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

(Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

(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.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

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.

(Ord. of 8-10-21(2); Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))

(a)

Official map established. The boundaries of the zoning districts are established and shown on the "Pointe Coupee Parish Zoning Map" and may be referred to and cited 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 and described in this zoning code. The official zoning map must be properly attested and kept on file by the planning director. (Ord. of 8-10-21(2))

(1)

The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the president of the parish attested by the parish clerk and bearing the seal of the parish under the following words: "This is to certify that this is the official zoning map of the parish," together with the date of the adoption of this zoning code.

(2)

No changes of any nature shall be made in the official zoning map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this zoning code. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person or persons shall be considered a violation of this article and punishable as provided under the laws of the parish and the state. It will be the responsibility of the planning director or his/her designee to update the official zoning map with the adopted amendment within ten (10) working days of the effective date of the zoning district amendment and to record the number of the amending ordinance and the date of its passage on the amended official zoning map as follows: "On (date), by official action of the parish council, the following (change) changes were made in the official zoning map: (brief description of nature of change)," which entry shall be signed by the president and attested by the parish clerk. No unauthorized person may alter or modify the official zoning map. The planning director shall keep a file of copies of all superseded versions of the official zoning map for historical reference.

(3)

Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the official zoning map which may from time to time be made or published, the official zoning map, which may include computer generated or stored maps, shall be in the office of the planning director or other place easily accessible to the public, and shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures in the parish.

(4)

Replacement of official zoning map. If the official zoning map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the parish council may by ordinance adopt a new official zoning map which shall supersede the prior official zoning map. (Ord. of 8-10-21(2))

(b)

Official map interpretation.

(1)

If any uncertainty exists with respect to the intended boundaries as shown on either the official land use map or the official zoning map, the planning director is authorized to interpret the boundaries.

(2)

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

(i)

Boundaries are the center lines of streets, alleys, water way or right-of-way shall be construed to be the boundary of such district.

(ii)

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

(iii)

Where the boundaries do not coincide with the locations of streets, alleyways, water ways, rights-of-way, parcel or lot lines, the boundary shall be determined using the scale shown on the map. (Ord. of 8-10-21(2))

(Ord. of 6-10-2025(1))