1.101. The city is divided into four types of districts:

A districts-residential

O districts-old district

C districts-commercial

I districts-industrial

1.102. The four types of districts are further divided into the following specific districts:

A-5 single-family

A-6 single-family urban

A-7 mixed residential

A-8 multifamily urban

A-R rural residential

A-9 apartment

A-10 mobile home/manufactured homes

C-2 commercial

C-3 neighborhood commercial

OT old town district

LI light industrial

HI heavy industrial

As shown on the official zoning map, together with all explanatory matter thereon, the map and these districts are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance when properly certified and attested.

1.103. If, in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and statutes, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map, such changes shall be made in this official zoning map monthly after the amendment has been approved by the city council, and attached to this ordinance. Each such change of the map shall be dated, signed, and initialed. However, amendments shall become effective when adopted by the city council. 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 ordinance. Any unauthorized changes of whatever kind, by any person or person[s], shall be considered a violation of the ordinance and punishable under part 3.4 of this ordinance. The official zoning map, which shall be located in Ponchatoula City Hall shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land, buildings, and other structures in the city. The map shall be kept by the secretary of the planning and zoning commission.

1.104. Classification of annexed territory. Areas not previously zoned shall be classified A-rural residential, unless otherwise stated.

(Ord. No. 529, § 2.10, 1-14-2000)

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

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

1.203. Boundaries indicated as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following city limits.

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

1.204.[205.] Boundaries indicated as 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.

1.205. [206.] Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections 1.2 through 5 above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

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

1.208. Where street or property layout existing on the ground is at variance with that shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections 2.01 through 2.07 above, the board of adjustment shall interpret the district boundaries, provided such adjustment does not exceed one acre in area. The building official will make all recommendations on boundary interpretation at zoning rules interpretation.

1.301. 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.

1.302. No building or other structure shall hereafter be erected or altered:

a.

To exceed the height;

b.

To accommodate or house a great number of families;

c.

To occupy a greater percentage of lot area; [or]

d.

To have narrower or smaller rear yards, front yards, side yards, or other open spaces than herein required; or in any other manner contrary to the provisions of this ordinance.

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

1.304. No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this ordinance shall be reduced in size of area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Yards of lots created after the effective date of this ordinance shall meet at least the minimum requirement established by this ordinance. Within each district, the regulations set by this ordinance shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class of kind of structure or land.

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

1.306. 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.

In computing the front and side yard setback depths of every building or structure to be erected on any lot abutting on any street shown as a designated major street on the major street plan or future land use plan showing major streets, the required setback, as hereafter shown, shall be as indicated in the street plan or land use plan. All public rights-of-way shall be kept clear of fences, buildings, and other such permanent manmade structures which may be an obstruction.

The official zoning map of the City of Ponchatoula shall at all times be on display at city hall and accessible for review by citizens during the city's normal working hours and days. Zoning changes, as approved by the city council, shall be made to the map within ten days after they are adopted by the city council. Changes made to the map shall be made only by the person or persons so designated to perform this duty by the zoning commission.