In order to classify, and regulate the locations of uses and locations of buildings designated for specific areas, and regulate and determine the areas of yards, courts and other open spaces within or surrounding such buildings, property is so hereby classified into districts as prescribed by this Article.

A.

Where uncertainties exist, such as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, or alleys, the boundaries shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

B.

Boundaries indicated, as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed to follow such lot lines.

C.

Boundaries indicated, as approximately following City limits shall be construed as following City limits.

D.

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the tracks.

E.

Boundaries indicated following shorelines shall be construed to follow such shoreline and, in the event of change in the shoreline, shall be construed as moving with the actual shoreline.

F.

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections B through E above, shall be so construed. The scale of the map shall determine distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map.

G.

Boundaries indicated following other boundary lines, watercourses, and other natural topographical features, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

H.

Where street or property layout existing on the ground is different than what is shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections A through H, the Mayor or his/her designee shall interpret the district boundaries, provided such adjustment does not exceed one (1) acre in area.

A.

No building, structure, or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered unless in conformity with all of the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located.

B.

No part of a yard or other open space or off-street parking or loading space required about or in connection with any building for the purpose of complying with this code shall be included as part of a yard, open space, or off-street parking or loading space similarly required for any other building.

C.

No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this code shall be reduced in size or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein except where to do so would lead to lots that are less nonconforming than prior to the re-subdivision. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this code shall meet at least the minimum requirements established by this code and the Subdivision Regulations of the City of New Roads.

D.

Regulations of land under water - All lands within the City, which are under water and are not shown as included within any district, shall be subject to all the regulations of the district adjacent to the water area. If the water area adjoins two (2) or more districts, the boundaries of each district shall be construed to extend into the water area in a straight line.

E.

Location of streets and public ways - Whenever any street, alley, or other public way is vacated by official action of the governing body of the City, the zoning district adjoining each side of such street, alley, or public way shall automatically extend to the center of same and all area included therein shall then become subject to all appropriate regulations of the extended districts.

A.

All land within the corporate limits of the City of New Roads is hereby divided into the following zoning districts.

RA—Residential Agriculture

R—Single Family Residential

R-2—Single Family and Two Family Residential

RM—Multi-Family Residential

C-1—Neighborhood Commercial

C-2—General/Downtown Commercial

C-3—Highway Commercial

OS—Open Space and Recreation

IS—Institutional

I-1—Light Industrial

BMP—Business/Manufacturing Park

B.

The boundaries of each zoning district are to be indicated upon the official zoning map as approved by the City Council of the City of New Roads. Said map and subsequent amendments thereto shall be considered as a part of this Code.

C.

If, in accordance with the provisions of this code and statutes, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map, such changes shall be made on this official zoning map after the City Council has approved the amendment, and attached to this code. Each such change of the map shall be dated, signed, and certified. However, amendments shall become effective when adopted by the Council.

D.

No change of any nature shall be made in this official zoning map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the procedure set forth in this Code. Any unauthorized changes of whatever kind, by any person or persons, shall be considered a violation of the code and punishable under Article I - 1.7 Enforcement of this code.

E.

The official zoning map as adopted and/or amended in accordance with these regulations shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land, buildings, and other structures in the City.

F.

Classification of Annexed Territory. All areas taken into the City limits of the City of New Roads shall be zoned as a zoning district of the City of New Roads, based on a recommendation from the Planning Commission. Additional standards for annexations are located in Article XI: Annexation Standards.

A.

RA—Residential Agriculture . The purpose of the RA Residential Agriculture District is to maintain New Roads rural character, conserve natural areas and environmental quality, and ensure efficient provision of public services and facilities. This district promotes options for low-density rural development and agricultural activities while providing opportunities for a small-scale rural economic base.

B.

R—Single-Family Residential . The purpose of the R Single Family Residential District is to provide for single-family development in traditional residential platted neighbors.

C.

R-2—Single Family and Two Family Residential . The purpose of the R-2 Single Family and Two Family Residential District is providing for single-family residences, two-five family residences, townhomes and when appropriate and in compliance with the standards of this code, manufactured housing.

D.

RM—Multi-Family Residential . The purpose of the RM Multi-Family Residential District is to provide for medium to high-density residential uses. Due to the greater density of population, these districts are located where they can be easily served by City infrastructure.

^a Not to Exceed seventy-five (75) children

Key: P = Permitted Use; CU = Conditional Use; (blank) = Not Permitted

^a Not to exceed four (4) attached dwellings

^b Not to exceed eight (8) attached dwellings

^c Townhouse developments shall have a minimum lot width of thirty (30) feet.

^d A five (5) foot rear or side yard is required except where a nonresidential use abuts a residential use. In this case the minimum yard requirement is ten (10) feet.

^e Applicable to residential lots six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater.

(Ord. No. 2018-02 , § II, 6-6-18; Ord. No. 2018-04 , § II, 11-13-18)

A.

C-1—Neighborhood Commercial . The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide for of small, low-impact retail, personal services and offices uses within or adjacent to residential areas. The commercial uses in this district should be of similar size and scale of nearby residential uses.

B.

C-2—General/Downtown Commercial . The purpose of the General/Downtown District is to encourage commercial activities that supports local residents, promotes walkable developments with low intensity uses and provides an economic benefit to the City. The district encourages a diverse mix of commercial uses.

C.

C-3—Highway Commercial . The purpose of this district is to accommodate for a wide variety of commercial and retail uses. The intent is for a mix of large scale commercial uses. This district is best suited along major arterial streets and intersections of major streets. Uses should be compatible with surrounding developments in terms of scale and building design and should comply with appropriate development guidelines for lighting, signage, traffic control and access, noise, and hours of operation. Developments should provide for adequate off-street parking.

Key: P = Permitted Use; CU = Conditional Use; (blank) = Not Permitted

^a No rear or side yard is required except where there is a separation between buildings. In this case the minimum yard requirement is five (5) feet.

^b A ten (10) foot rear or side yard is required except where a nonresidential use abuts a residential use. In this case the minimum yard requirement is twenty (20) feet.

^c Applicable to residential lots six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater.

(Ord. No. 2018-02 , §§ III, IV, 6-6-18)

A.

OS—Open Space, Park and Recreational District . The purpose of the Open Space, Park and Recreation District is to provide a classification for parks located within neighborhoods; large parks and recreation facilities; and greenway corridors that provide connections between neighborhoods and public amenities such as cultural centers and large parks. These districts may serve for active or passive recreation and includes waterfront recreational actives. The OS district may also include certain ancillary commercial activities such as performance venues and concessions.

B.

IS—Institutional District . The purpose of the Institutional District is to accommodate uses of civic, religious, educational or public nature in areas that provide accessibility for the public to utilize the facilities.

Key: P = Permitted Use; CU = Conditional Use; (blank) = Not Permitted

A.

I-1—Light Industrial . The purpose of the Light Industrial district is to accommodate a wide range of uses, including those engaging in the manufacturing, processing, creating, repairing, renovating, painting, cleaning or assembling of goods, merchandise or equipment. Other more intense industrial or manufacturing uses may also be permitted under specific conditions so as to limit the impact on adjacent areas in terms of lighting, signage, traffic, odor, noise, airborne particles and hours of operation.

B.

BMP—Business Manufacturing Park . The purpose of the Business Manufacturing Park District is to provide for office spaces and low intensity manufacturing with supporting uses in a campus type setting.

Key: P = Permitted Use; CU = Conditional Use; (blank) = Not Permitted

A.

Purpose . It is the purpose and intent of this Code to establish uniform procedure for providing for the protection, enhancement, preservation, unity of design and use of places, sites, building, structures, streets, neighborhoods, and landscape features in the community through the enabling of overlay districts. These districts serve to enhance underlying zoning districts. Overlay districts may achieve the following:

1.

Promotion of the health, safety, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of New Roads through the regulation of design, aesthetics, location, bulk, size of buildings and structures.

2.

Reduction of congestion on the streets; safety from fire, flood and other dangers; provision of adequate light and open space; protection of natural environments and cultural resources in order to provide for a sustainable community.

3.

Promotion of accepted design principles in areas of new development and redevelopment in order to raise the level of community understanding and expectations for the quality in the built environment, to protect and enhance local aesthetic and functional qualities, and to stimulate business and promote economic development.

B.

Designation of Overlay Districts .

1.

Relationship to Base Districts. The underlying base district requirements may be altered in the overlay district, however, the uses and standards in the underlying base zoning district shall be in effect unless otherwise stated in the overlay district regulations.

C.

Location of Overlay Districts . Subject to the process for a map and text amendment in this code, an overlay district may be established in any zoning district in the City of New Roads.

D.

General Overlay District Requirements .

1.

Unless modified by the overlay districts, the regulation of the base-zoning district applies.

2.

In case of conflicting standards, the overlay requirements shall apply.

3.

All new development with the exception of single family dwellings shall be subject to the requirements of Article IV - 1.5 Site Plan Review.

4.

Overlay district regulations shall apply to structures where renovation, redevelopment, or expansion of the existing structure exceeds 50% or more.

5.

Any redevelopment, renovation, expansion or change in use that does not meet the nonconforming use, lot, and structure standards of Article VIII: Non-Conformities shall comply with these regulations.

A.

Purpose and Intent . The purpose and intent of the Overlay District is to maintain and enhance the commercial vitality of the business area, to ensure that new construction and property development are harmonious with the character and planned public improvements in the district, to encourage planned development; and to increase capital investments and economic growth within the district. The purpose of this section shall include the following;

1.

Protect and enhance existing development.

2.

Encourage original and innovative development.

3.

Ensure that new development is environmentally sensitive.

4.

The overlay district will have economic and financial benefits by increasing the attractiveness of the area for economic development.

B.

District Boundaries . See Official Zoning Map.

C.

Site and Development Standards .

1.

Lot Size. The minimum lot area for this overlay district shall be the same as for the underlying zoning district which it is located.

2.

Lot Width and Depth. The minimum lot width for this overlay district shall be the same as for the underlying zoning district which it is located.

3.

Minimum Setbacks for principle and accessory buildings shall be specified as below. The setback requirements along the corridor shall at a minimum conform to the following:

a.

Front Yards: Fifty feet.

b.

Side Yard: twenty-five.

c.

Rear Yard: Twenty-five feet (25') plus five feet (5') for every one hundred fifty feet (150') of lot depth, not to exceed forty feet (40').

D.

Parking and Circulation Standards .

1.

The maximum parking for retail developments larger than 20,000 square feet shall not exceed one space per 100 square feet of building.

2.

Developments larger than 20,000 square feet shall provide the following pedestrian corridors:

a.

One or more continuous internal pedestrian walkways, no less than six (6) feet in width, from the public parking area to the principle customer entrance of all principal buildings on site.

b.

All internal pedestrian walkways shall be distinguished from driving surfaces through the use of durable low maintenance surface materials such as pavers, bricks or scored concrete to enhance pedestrian safety.

3.

All parking lots must have a concrete or asphalt curb and gutter cross section.

4.

All parking lot design, including roadways entrances must comply with State of Louisiana DOTD requirements.

5.

Where applicable parking lots between developments shall be linked to provide vehicular and pedestrian connections.

E.

Bicycle Parking Requirements . One Bicycle rack shall be provided for every 10,000 square feet of building.

F.

Landscaping and Screening . Landscaped areas shall attempt to incorporate existing on-site trees and shrubbery into the landscape scheme in accordance with the requirements of Article VI -2.2 Landscaping and Screening.

G.

Lighting . The minimum lighting requirements shall be the same as for the underlying zoning district in which it is located.

H.

Signage . Signage shall comply with the provisions of Article VII Sign Regulations of this Code, except as follows:

1.

When more than one (1) freestanding and/or building sign is proposed on a multiple occupancy structure, a Master Sign Plan must be submitted for review and approval by the Administrative Official.

a.

Non-Residential Signage: The size and placement of each sign must be proportional to, and visually balanced with, the building façade and the side of the building where it is located.

i.

Freestanding signs.

a.

Sign height (excluding the sign base, foundation, or berm) shall not exceed seven (7) feet from the sign structure base. In addition, a sign base, foundation, or berm may be allowed up to three (3) feet in height above the natural ground level if landscaping around the sign is installed and maintained by the owner. In no case shall the overall sign height, including the sign base, foundation, or berm, exceed ten (10) feet above the natural ground level.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed seventy-two (72) square feet.

c.

Freestanding signs are encouraged, but not required to be monument signs These signs may be installed in the landscaped area of the front and side yards. Additionally, all freestanding signs should have landscaping at the base of the sign.

ii.

Building Signage.

a.

Building signage shall not extend higher than the building surface upon which they are mounted.

b.

Permitted sign area shall be a minimum of twenty (20) square feet and a maximum of one (1) square foot for each one (1) square foot of linear street frontage, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square feet.

2.

Amortization of legal, non-conforming signs over twenty-four (24) feet in height.

a.

All freestanding signs in the overlay district over twenty-four (24) feet in height and legal, nonconforming to the provisions of this code shall be removed, altered or repaired to conform to the provisions of this Code within an amortization period of two (2) years after the effective date of this Code.

b.

Any non-conforming sign that has been granted a variance from the City of New Roads Comprehensive Zoning Code prior to the effective date of this Code shall be exempt from amortization unless a change in occupancy, tenant and/or signage. Upon request to change the signage, the site shall be subject to the provisions of this Code. Repair and maintenance may be permitted to ensure signage is maintained in a safe, neat and orderly condition and appearance.

(Ord. No. 2018-02 , § V, 6-6-18)

A.

Purpose . The purpose of the New Roads Historic Core Overlay District shall be to provide a district that acknowledges the historic character of the area by combining residential uses with small-scale commercial, service and office establishments, which are relatively compatible. Lot sizes, setbacks, parking and landscaping requirements shall be more flexible to address the unique characteristics of an area with smaller lots.

1.

The protection and stewardship of all structures in the designated historic districts in the City of New Roads.

2.

The protection of those structures that have architectural and historical value and that should be preserved for the benefit of the people of the municipality and the state.

3.

Encouraging preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of structures, areas and neighborhoods to prevent future blight.

4.

Fostering civic pride in the beauty of, and accomplishments in, New Roads past history.

B.

New Roads Historic Core Overlay District Defined . See Official Zoning Map.

C.

Application of District Regulations . The regulations of this article shall be in addition to and shall overlay all other zoning districts and other Code requirements regulating the development of land so that any parcel of land lying within the overlay district shall also lie within one or more of the underlying zoning districts. Therefore, all property within this overlay district will have the requirements of both the underlying and overlay zoning district in addition to other Code requirements regulating the development of land, unless otherwise specified. In the case of conflicting standards between this article and any other City of New Roads Ordinances, the overlay requirements shall control. These regulations apply to all development, redevelopment or expansion of existing development within the historic district.

D.

Site Design and Development Standards .

1.

Buildings .

a.

Due to the unique nature of the Historic District, all new construction or reconstruction of existing structures shall be made to conform to the architectural periods or styles prevalent in the Historic District, specifically the neighboring structures. Conformance with this intent shall be at the discretion of the Historic District Commission.

b.

No building within the Historic District shall be moved from the Historic District.

c.

The Historic District Commission shall refer to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, & Reconstruction Historic Buildings in considering all proposals for rehabilitation and/or new construction. Copies of the guidelines shall be available at the Historic District Commission office.

d.

The Historic District Commission may develop its own set of detailed design guidelines for the construction, reconstruction, removal, alteration, and demolition of structures in a Historic District. These guidelines shall be published and be available at the Historic District Commission office.

2.

General District Characteristics .

a.

Suitable Colors and Color Combinations . The Historic District Commission shall prepare and maintain a book of historic colors suitable for use. This book shall be available at the Historic District Commission office. All construction, including new construction, reconstruction, partial renovations, or refurbishing of existing structures or construction of new or refurbishment of existing signs shall conform with this book of historic colors and shall be compatible with the neighboring properties.

b.

Fences . All fence designs must be in harmony with the nature of the District. A list of fencing materials that are generally acceptable, including composite material fencing, shall be maintained at the Historic District Commission office. The following fencing materials are not acceptable: barbed wire, chain-link, concrete block, stockade, plastic, plywood, hardboard, or asbestos board.

c.

Porches and Overhanging Balconies . No porches, galleries, or overhanging balconies may be removed, but new or additional balconies may be constructed if they conform to the distinctive architecture of the building and of the Historic District. The application for Certificate of Appropriateness for all such new construction or any renovation shall be subject to the requirements of this Section.

d.

Aerials, Antenna, Telecommunication Towers, etc . The placement or construction of aerials, antennas, satellite dishes of any type, or other forms of objects not in keeping with the presentation of the Historic District shall not be located where they can be seen by casual observance by the general public. Applications and plans for the discreet placement or construction of any of these items shall be submitted to the Historic District Commission for its approval.

e.

Commercial Vehicles . No heavy duty or highway duty vehicles (such as semi-trailers or large travel trailers), except in the case of deliveries or repairs, shall be parked in plain view of the general public in the residential areas of the Historic District. Any existing authorized use as of the effective date of this Code shall be allowed as a non-conforming use.

3.

New Construction . Proposals for new construction in the Historic District will seek compatibility with existing structures through the appropriate use of site planning, materials, decorative details, architectural elements and scale. A proposal should not draw unnecessary attention to itself in any one of these characteristics. The architectural context is of primary concern.

a.

Scale . The relationship of the building and its elements, including doors and windows, to other structures in the District. It is important in considering scale that a careful study is made of the height, width, and mass of buildings in the immediate neighborhood and Historic District as a whole. This study should serve to confirm or deny the appropriateness of the height, width, and mass of the proposed building. Maximum height of any new structure shall conform to the proportion and scale of the building, but in no case shall a new structure exceed a height of thirty-five (35) feet above the street. [For additional information see The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings.

b.

Building Site . The positioning of a building on a lot. This process includes determining the setback of a building, the spacing of the building from adjacent buildings, and the location of the walls, fences, walks, drives, and landscaping, as any of these are used in the overall design. The setback of any new construction shall correspond to those of the adjacent properties, but shall not be in conflict with setback requirements.

c.

Building Materials . The surface building fabric that contributes to the exterior character and appearance of a building. The materials used in the new construction should conform to the style of the structure, the neighborhood and the Historic District.

d.

Decorative Details . The ornamentation or embellishment of the structure, including cornices, lintels, arches, balustrades, chimneys, shutters, columns, and other common details. When used, these details should create a unifying effect on a building and should be compatible with the context of the neighborhood.

e.

Architectural Elements . The parts of a building that are integral to its composition, including balconies, roofs, porches, chimneys, dormers, parapets, and other parts of a building that contribute to its overall shape and silhouettes. The choice and arrangement of elements of a proposed building should reflect those of other buildings in the neighborhood. The building should not draw unnecessary attention to itself by failing to relate to neighboring styles. The object is to compliment the context of the Historic District.

E.

Landscaping Requirements . All landscaping within the Historic District shall meet the minimum landscaping requirements for the underlying zoning district.

1.

Where a Historic Commercial district abuts any adjacent existing residential district, buffer zones shall be provided as per Article VI - 2.2.K Landscaping and Screening except in the following cases:

a.

All yard ornamental statuary, fixtures, amenities, gazebos, etc. shall be compatible with the scale and proportion of the structure(s) and lot size. The context of these items shall be appropriate to the Historic District.

F.

Signage . See Article VII-1.4 Historic District Signage. Architectural review and all signage shall be performed by the Historic District Commission, which shall determine if a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be granted prior to permits being issued.

G.

Parking Requirements . Parking requirements for this district shall be in accordance with Article VI - 2.3 Off -Street Parking and Loading Standards, except for the following exceptions:

1.

Commercial establishments within this District shall have no off-street parking requirements.

2.

Residential uses shall be required to have one off-street parking space per dwelling unit.

A.

Purpose. The Legislature of the State of Louisiana has, in R.S. 38:84, delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, it is the purpose of the inundation district to apply special regulations to the use of land in those areas which are subject to severe inundation at frequent intervals as determined by proper authority, which while permitting reasonable economic use of such property will help to protect human life, prevent or minimize material losses, and reduce the cost to the public of rescue and relief efforts occasioned by the occupancy of such flood areas.

B.

The "FO" district is established to require elevation of main floor levels of all buildings to a height of not less than one foot (1') above base flood elevation. In any areas shown on the district map as inundation areas, floor levels of all buildings shall be not less than indicated and levels may be amended as necessary by a report of the city engineer based on later information. The flood level in New Roads is twenty-five feet (25) above mean sea level.

C.

Other districts classified with a suffix "FO" on the district map shall establish the land us practices but will be subject to the minimum floor level requirements as established by the "FO" district.