The A-5 district is a single-family district allowing for one dwelling per lot and for noncommercial accessory uses generally associated with family residential areas.

2.101. [Primary uses.] The following primary uses of property in the A-5 district shall be allowed: One single-family dwelling per lot; nonprofit, civic, lodge halls; municipal recreation uses; elementary school offering general education courses; churches; temples; cemetery; gardens for noncommercial use; country club associated with local neighborhood.

2.102. [Accessory uses.] The following accessory uses of the property are allowed [in the A-5 district]: Signs not exceeding 12 square feet in areas pertaining to rental, sale, or lease of property, home occupations, yard sales not more than two times per year; home occupation complying with the definition for such; accessory buildings on the same lot as the primary residences when such buildings are carports, storage sheds, garages, or garden houses (not raised for profit); gardens; radio and television towers for noncommercial use; uses customarily incidental and accessory to residential uses; fences; day care child nurseries, when done within the home of the occupant-owner of the property and not more than six children attending at one time.

2.103. Prohibited uses. [Uses prohibited in the A-5 district are as follows:] Mobile homes; multifamily dwellings; all uses not permitted herein; [and] businesses not considered a home occupation.

2.104. Height. No building [in the A-5 district] shall exceed 35 feet or 2½ stories in height, whichever is greater.

2.105. [Area regulations.] Area regulations for all buildings [in the A-5 district are as follows:]

1.

Minimum yards.

a.

Front yard: Front building lines shall conform to the average building lines in a developed block, but in no case shall it be less than 25 feet measured from the street right-of-way line. [The] Front yard shall be at least 25 feet in depth. On through lots, this minimum front yard shall be provided on both streets. On corner lots, it shall be on one street with the other corner considered a side yard.

b.

Side yard: At least seven feet per each side.

c.

Rear yard: At least 20 feet in depth.

Accessory building: Five feet minimum from rear lot line.

2.

Lot size.

a.

Lot width: Minimum of 65 feet. (See exception for cul-de-sac lots.)

b.

Lot size: Minimum of 6,500 square feet.

c.

Lot size per living unit: Minimum of 6,500 square feet of lot area per living unit.

3.

[Accessory buildings and uses.] Accessory buildings and uses shall not intrude upon the required side yards and shall not take up more than 40 percent of the required rear yard. An accessory building must be at least five feet off the rear lot line.

Note— The A-5 district is no longer available. Areas zoned A-5 may remain A-5 under the requirements of the old zoning ordinance in effect before December 23, 2006.

The A-6 district is a single-family dwelling residential district requiring large lots and allowing for noncommercial uses generally associated with family residential areas.

2.201. [Primary uses.] Primary uses of property allowed [in the A-6 district are the]: Same as section 2.101 of [the] A-5 district.

2.202. [Accessory uses.] Accessory uses allowed [in the A-6 district are the]: Same as section 2.102 of [the] A-5 district.

2.103 [203].[Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the A-6 district are as follows]: Mobile home trailers; multifamily dwellings; all uses not permitted herein; [and] businesses not considered a home occupation.

2.204. Height regulations. No building [in the A-6 district] shall exceed 35 feet in height or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

2.205. [Area regulations.] Area regulations for all buildings [in the A-6 districts are as follows]:

1.

Yard.

a.

Front yard: Front building lines shall conform to the average building lines in a developed block, but in no case shall it be less than 25 feet. On through lots this minimum front yard shall be provided on both streets. On corner lots, [the] front yard required shall be on one street, and the other corner considered a side yard.

b.

Side yard: There shall be two side yards, one on each side of the building, having an area of two percent of the total lot width, with a minimum of eight feet from any side line for lots under 100 feet, and a minimum of ten feet from any side property line for lots over 100 feet in width.

c.

Rear yard: There shall be a rear yard having a depth of not less than 20 percent of the depth of the lot; provided, however, that the depth of the required rear yard shall not be less than 25 feet. An accessory building shall be located at least five feet from the rear lot line.

2.

Lot size.

a.

There shall be a lot width of a minimum of 75 feet. (See exception for cul-de-sac.)

b.

Every lot shall contain an area of not less than 11,250 square feet per living unit.

3.

[Accessory buildings and uses.] Accessory buildings and uses such as storage sheds, garden houses, etc. shall not take up more than 40 percent of the rear yard area, and shall not interfere with the required side yard. They shall be located at least five feet from the rear lot line.

The A-7 district is a residential district that allows both single-family and multifamily residential units (low density per lot area) as well as noncommercial uses generally associated with family residential areas.

2.301. [Permitted uses.] Primary permitted uses [in the A-7 district are] all uses permitted in the A-5 district; duplexes; condominiums; townhouses; and multifamily dwellings, provided the yard area requirements are met; philanthropic uses; guesthouses; [and] group homes.

2.302. [Accessory uses.] Accessory uses allowed [in the A-7 district are the]: Same as [the] A-5 district and snowball stands for seasonal use only; washaterias that are part of apartments, [and] parking.

2.303. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the A-7 district are]: All uses not permitted herein [and] mobile homes.

2.304. Height regulations. No building [in the A-7 district] shall exceed 45 feet in height or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

2.305. [Area regulations.] Area regulations for all structures except attached townhomes (see section 2.15) [in the A-7 district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Front yard: Front building lines shall conform to the average building lines in a developed block, but in no case shall it be less than 20 feet. When there is undeveloped land for a distance of 150 feet on both sides of a proposed building, the minimum building setback line shall be 25 feet from the established street right-of-way lines. On through lots and corner lots, this minimum depth shall be provided on both streets.

b.

Side yard: Same as for [the] A-6 side yard.

c.

Rear yard: Same as for [the] A-6 rear yard.

2.

Lot size.

a.

There shall be a lot width of a minimum of 65 feet. (See section 2.15.)

b.

Every lot shall contain an area of not less than 7,200 square feet per family, where more than one family occupies the same building an additional 2,500 square feet of yard area per family is required.

2.306. [Accessory buildings.] Accessory building[s] shall not intrude into required side yards.

The A-8 district is primarily a multifamily district allowing limited kinds of commercial uses that are typical of multifamily residential areas, but are not considered nuisances to the residential character of the [A-8] district.

2.401. [Permitted uses.] Permitted primary uses [in the A-8 district are] uses permitted in the A-6 and A-7 districts; apartments, boardinghouses; townhouses; condominiums; beauty and barber shops; laundromat; washateria; child day nursery, fraternity, sorority house; country club; snowball stand and sweet shop serving prepackaged foods and not having seating facilities or onsite prepared foods other than snowballs.

2.402. [Accessory uses.] Accessory uses allowed [in the A-8 district are the] same as [for] A-6 and A-7 districts.

2.403. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the A-8 district are] all uses not permitted herein, [and] mobile homes.

2.404. Height regulations. No building [in the A-8 district] shall exceed 45 feet in height or three stories, whichever is greater.

2.405. [Area regulations.] Area regulations (see section 2.15 for townhomes and condominiums)[in the A-8 district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Front yard: Front building lines shall conform to the average building lines in a developed block but in no case shall it be less than 20 feet. On through lots this minimum depth shall be provided on both streets. On corner lots, multifamily units shall provide the minimum front yard on both streets. Single-family and commercial shall provide [the] minimum front yard on at least one street.

b.

Side yard: For single-family structures, [the side yard] shall be six feet on each side. Multifamily dwellings, townhouses and condominiums shall have a minimum of eight feet of side yard each side. All other uses shall have a minimum ten feet of side yard each side.

c.

Rear yard: There shall be a minimum rear yard of 20 feet for all uses. Accessory uses of lots shall be located at least five feet from rear lot lines.

2.

Lot size.

a.

There shall be a lot width of a minimum of 50 feet.

b.

Every lot shall contain an area of not less than 5,000 square feet per family; where more than one family occupies the same building an additional 2,500 square feet per family is required.

2.406. [Accessory buildings.] Accessory buildings [in the A-8 district] shall not intrude into required side yards.

The A-R district is primarily a residential district that is not intensely developed and which is intermixed with large open areas, usually used for agricultural or grazing purposes. This area often would apply to newly annexed areas.

2.501. [Permitted uses.] Permitted primary uses [in the A-R district are] all uses permitted in the A-6 and A-7 districts; middle schools; high schools; mobile homes on individual lots; agricultural uses; farming and farm buildings; cemetery; [and] keeping of horses, cows, chickens and roosters, goats, sheep, and other farm animals.

[Accessory uses.] Accessory uses [in the A-R district] shall be the same as allowed in A-6 and A-7 districts.

2.502. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the A-R district are] all uses not permitted herein.

2.503. Height regulations. No building [in the A-R district] shall exceed 45 feet in height or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

2.504. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [for the A-R district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Front yard: Front building lines shall in no case be less than 30 feet. Front yard[s] shall be no less than 30 feet.

b.

Side yard: Minimum of ten feet per each side.

c.

Rear yard: Minimum of 20 feet.

2.

Lot size.

a.

There shall be a lot width of a minimum of 65 feet at the building line.

b.

Every lot shall contain an area of not less than 7,200 square feet per family; where more than one family occupies the same building, an additional 2,500 square feet per family is required.

2.505. [Off-street parking.] Off-street parking requirements [for the A-R district] are provided for in part 4.

[The A-9 district is] No longer available. Areas zoned A-9 may remain A-9 under the requirements of the old zoning ordinance, in effect before September 5, 1985.

2.701. [Permitted uses.] Permitted primary uses [in the A-10 district are:] Parking of individual mobile home trailers, uses permitted in A-8 area provided minimum A-8 area and yard requirements are met, one mobile home per legal lot of record, [and] single-family homes other than mobile homes.

[Accessory uses.] Accessory uses [in the A-10 district] shall be the same as per the A-6, A-7 and A-8 districts.

2.702. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the A-10 district are] All uses not permitted herein.

2.703. Height regulations. No building [in the A-10 district] shall exceed 45 feet in height or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

2.704. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [for the A-10 district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Front yard: Mobile homes and structures shall be set back from the front lot line a minimum distance of 20 feet. There shall be a 20-foot front yard minimum.

b.

Side yard: There shall be two side yards, having a minimum width of six feet each.

c.

Rear yard: There shall be rear yard having a minimum depth of 15 feet.

2.

Lot size.

a.

Lot: A minimum frontage of 40 feet, a minimum lot area of 4,000 square feet per family.

b.

Uses of lots other than for single homes and mobile homes shall conform to A-8 yard and lot requirements.

3.

Additional provisions.

a.

All mobile homes shall be properly connected to municipal water and sewer systems and be properly anchored.

b.

Mobile home spaces which are to be sold must first be approved as part of an officially submitted subdivision, and such subdivision plat shall be filed with the parish clerk of court's office. One mobile home per lot [shall be permitted].

( Ord. No. 760 , 12-10-2018)

The C-2 commercial district represents major commercial uses that may be considered a nuisance to residential areas. Generally C-2 uses will be on major traffic arteries and separated from residential uses.

2.801. [Permitted uses.] Permitted primary uses [in the C-2 district are as follows:] All commercial office, retail and service (not industrial) businesses not specifically restricted or prohibited; amusement enterprises including, but not limited to, the provision of stage entertainment; bowling alleys, skating rinks, and pool rooms; auto retail, wholesale, or repair services; bus and railway station; retail businesses where articles are sold at retail on the premises; storage; billboards; service stations; new and used auto sales, tire sales and service, auto parts sales; car wash; grocery stores; department stores; dress shops; children's clothing stores; furniture stores; gift shops; farmers' supplies and warehouse; lawnmower sales and service shops; hardware stores; general merchandise stores; office equipment sales; housing sales; electrical supply stores; hobby shops; television and radio electrical supply stores; television and radio repair service shops; taxicab company; dry goods stores; ice cream stands; snack bars; snowball stands; bakeries and pastry shops; distributors of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning supplies; army surplus sales; lock and key service shops; fish markets, meat markets; electrical appliance sales stores; custom draperies and carpet sales stores; shoe repair shops; dance studios; donut and coffee shops; package liquor stores; game rooms; self-service gas stations; full-service gas stations; restaurants; fast food restaurants; offices; off-street parking facilities; financial services; hospitals; hotel; motel; warehouse; lounges; bars; church; child nursery; municipal building; convenience foodstores; animal hospital; lumberyard as part of a retail establishment; wholesale stores; fruit markets; sweet shops; trailer sales; cosmetics shops; pizza parlors; photographic studios; funeral home; music stores; sporting goods stores; miniwarehouses; schools; nursing homes; and nonprofit civic clubs.

2.802. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the C-2 district are] uses judged by the planning commission to be detrimental to a neighborhood because of odor, smoke, dust, gas, excessive glare, light, noise, or vibrations; industrial and manufacturing facilities; all residential uses; [and] adult uses.

2.803. Height regulations. No building or structure [in the C-2 district] shall exceed 65 feet in height.

2.804. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [in the C-2 district are as follows:]

1.

Yard; general.

a.

Whenever a C-2 district abuts upon a residential district, whether it be a single-[family] or multifamily district, the C-2 use shall provide a minimum yard depth of one-half the height of the commercial building, or 20 feet (whichever is greater), such yard space being located between the C-2 use and the residentially zoned property (i.e. on the abutting side). Such yard space may only be used for parking and not for other business-related activities. Solid fencing of at least six feet in height must be provided abutting residential uses or zones.

b.

Front yard: Five-foot open front yard (green area, no parking), and a minimum of 30 feet building setback. (The five-foot grass area may be within the 30 feet).

c.

Side yard: Minimum of ten feet side yard each side except when abutting upon residential zoning. (See section 2.804.a.)

d.

Rear yard: Minimum of five feet rear yard except when abutting upon residential zoning. (See section 2.804.a.)

e.

See section 1.4, rights-of-ways.

2.

Lot size. [Lot size shall be a] minimum of 4,000 square feet per lot.

3.

Lot layout. A lot layout with building locations, driveways, dumpster location, drainage, and parking must be submitted to the building department before building plans are approved and a permit issued.

2.805. [Off-street parking.] Off-street parking regulations [for the C-2 district shall be] as provided for under part 4.

2.806. [Loading zone.] Loading zone requirements [in the C-2 district] shall be provided as set forth in part 4.

2.807. [Buffer zone.] Buffer zone requirements [in the C-2 district] shall be provided as set forth in section 2.1604.

(Ord. No. 575, § 2.802, 6-26-2002)

The C-3 neighborhood commercial district is a more restrictive business district that generally abuts residential property and that may include residential uses. Business uses in this [C-3] district generally should be of a type that are nonnuisance generating.

2.901. [Permitted uses.] Permitted uses [in the C-3 district are] any use permitted in A-8 district except mobile home; professional offices; barber shops; florist; beauty shops; residential; church; child or plant nursery; health clinics, but not general hospitals, mental or animal hospitals; country club; artist studios; municipal recreation use; home occupations; general education schools; launderette; cleaners; funeral homes and mortuaries; similar business uses that would not present a nuisance to residential areas; sweet shops [and] uses conditionally approved by the zoning commission.

2.902. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses in the C-3 district are all uses not permitted herein; uses detrimental due to odor, smoke, dust, gas, excessive noise, vibration; retail, warehousing, and industrial not listed in 2.901 above are not permitted; sale or service of alcohol; adult uses; mobile homes are not permitted; [and] amplified music considered to be a nuisance to residents.

2.903. Height regulations. No building [in the C-3 district] shall exceed 45 feet in height or 2½ feet in height or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

2.904. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [in the C-3 district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Whenever a C-3 district abuts upon a residential district, whether it be a single[-family] or multifamily, the C-3 use shall provide a minimum yard depth of one-half the height of the commercial building, such yard space being located between the C-3 use and the residentially zoned property (i.e. on the abutting side). Such yard space shall not be used for parking or for business related activities.

b.

Front yard: For dwellings, [front yards] shall be the same as the A-8 district; for nondwellings (or mixed use) there shall be a minimum five-foot yard requirement and a minimum of 20 feet building setback.

c.

Side yard: For dwellings, [side yards] shall be the same as the A-8 district; for nondwellings (or mixed use) there shall be a minimum side yard of five feet on each side except when the business property abuts upon residential zoning (see 2.904.a.), a greater side yard may be required.

d.

Rear yard: For dwellings, [the rear yard] shall be the same as the A-8 district; for nondwellings (or mixed use) there shall be a minimum of 20 feet, and a greater rear yard may be required as per section 2.904.a.

e.

See section 1.4, right-of-way.

Lot layout. A lot layout [for the C-3 district] with building locations, driveways, parking, dumpster location, [and] drainage must be submitted to the building department before building plans are approved and a permit [is] issued.

2.

Lot size. [The lot size in the C-3 district shall be the] same as [the] A-8 district.

2.905. [Off-street parking.] Off-street parking regulations [in the C-3 district shall be] as provided for under part 4.

2.906. [Loading zone.] Loading zone requirements [in the C-3 district] shall be provided as set forth in part 4.

2.906. [907]. [Buffer zone.] Buffer zone requirements shall be provided as set forth in section 2.

The C-3B neighborhood commercial district is a more restrictive business district that generally abuts residential property and that may include residential uses. Business uses in this C-3B district generally should be of a type that are nonnuisance generating.

2.910. Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the C-3B district are any use permitted in A-8 district; professional offices; barber shops; florist; beauty shops; residential; church; child or plant nursery; health clinics, but not general hospitals, mental or animal hospitals; country club; artist studios; municipal recreation use; home occupations; general education schools; launderette; cleaners; funeral homes and mortuaries; grocery stores, not exceeding 1,000 square feet of floor space; similar business uses that would not present a nuisance to residential areas; sweet shops uses conditionally approved by the zoning commission.

2.911. Prohibited uses. Prohibited uses in the C-3B district are all uses not permitted herein; uses detrimental due to odor, smoke, dust, gas, excessive noise, vibration; retail, warehousing, and industrial not listed in 2.910 above are not permitted; adult uses; amplified music considered being a nuisance to residents; and sale or service of alcohol is not permitted.

2.912. Height regulations. No building in the C-3B district shall exceed 45 feet in height or three stories, whichever is greater.

2.913. Area regulations. Area regulations in the C-3B district are as follows:

1.

Yard

a.

Yard depth, space: Whenever a C-3B district abuts upon a residential use or district, whether it be a single-family or multifamily, the C-3B use shall provide a minimum yard depth of one-half the height of the commercial building, such yard space being located between the C-3B use and the residentially zoned property (i.e., on the abutting side). Such yard space shall not be used for parking or for business related activities.

b.

Front yard: For dwellings, multifamily or single-family, front yards shall be 25 feet; for nondwellings (or mixed use) there shall be a minimum five foot green area front yard requirement and a minimum of 20 feet building setback.

c.

Side yard: For dwellings, there shall be ten feet each side; for nondwellings (or mixed use), there shall be a minimum side yard of five feet on each side except when the business property abuts upon residential zoning (see 2.904.1.a of appendix A, zoning), a greater side yard is required.

d.

Rear yard: For dwellings, there shall be a minimum of 20 feet; for nondwellings (or mixed use), there shall be a minimum of 15 feet and a greater rear yard may be required as per section 2.904.1.a of appendix A, zoning.

e.

See section 1.4, right-of-way.

2.

Lot layout. A lot layout for the C-3B district with building locations, driveways, parking, dumpster location, drainage must be submitted to the building department before building plans are approved and a permit is issued.

3.

Lot size. The lot size in the C-3B district shall be the same as the A-8 district for residential; 4,000 square feet minimum for commercial lots.

2.914. Off-street parking. Off-street parking regulations in the C-3B district shall be as provided for under part 4.

2.915. Loading zone. Loading zone requirements in the C-3B district shall be provided as set forth in part 4.

2.916. Buffer zone. Buffer zone requirements in the C-3B district shall be provided as set forth in section 2.1604 of appendix A, zoning.

(Ord. No. 575, §§ 2.9, 2.91, 6-26-2002)

The OT old town district zone is a mixed use district representing the commercial sector of the City of Ponchatoula Historical District (as recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior). It is characterized by mixed residential, commercial, and office uses; buildings built on or close to the lot lines; and the historical character of the buildings. Properties must be located within an official historic district to use this zoning classification.

2.1001. [Permitted uses.] Permitted uses (in the OT district aka HD historical district are) any residential use not otherwise prohibited hereinafter and any use permitted in the C-2 district, not otherwise prohibited hereinafter.

2.1002. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses (in the OT district aka HD historical district) are mobile homes, billboards, manufacturing or industrial uses considered to be a danger to the health and safety of the buildings and their residents, music played at a level to be considered objectionable to residents, adult uses, bar rooms, lounges and night clubs. Alcohol sales are only permitted if accessory to a full service restaurant or provided for in an approved retail store establishment.

2.1003. Height restrictions. No building [in the OT district] may be built to exceed the height of the building it is replacing, or if no building is being replaced, to exceed 65 feet.

2.100[4]. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [for the OT district are as follows:]

1.

Yard. There shall be no minimum rear, side, or front yard requirements except for newly constructed buildings, which must provide a rear yard of 20 feet in depth and a side yard of five feet.

2.

[Lot size.] There shall be no minimum lot size. A minimum of 800 square feet of lot size per living unit shall be provided for residential uses.

2.1005. Parking. This [OT] district shall be exempted from off-street parking requirements.

2.1006. Accessory uses and structures. Any city approved use reasonably related and accessory to the principal use of the property. Service and consumption of alcohol on-site during approved hours, and only in conjunction with a full service restaurant and only on-site and inside or in the patio or courtyard of approved full service restaurants are allowed.

(Ord. No. 529, § 2.10, 1-14-2000; Ord. No. 667, 4-12-2010)

Cross reference— Historic preservation, § 70-61 et seq.

The LI light industrial district represents industrial uses that engage in light manufacturing and processing not considered dangerous to nearby residential or commercial areas. No residential uses, aside from [the] plant caretaker's/watchman's quarters, are allowed in this [LI] district.

2.1101. [Permitted uses.] Permitted uses [in the LI district are as follows]:

Animal hospital

Assembly plants

Bottling plant

Canneries (except fish and meat products)

Carpentry shop

Caretaker's quarters

Cellophane products (previously pulverized clay kilns fired only by electricity or gas)

Cleaning and dyeing works

Cold storage or refrigeration plants

Communication towers

Confectionery manufacturing

Contractor's storage yards

Dairy products manufacturing

Electrical parts, assembly and manufacturing

Fruits or vegetable canneries

Furniture manufacturing

Garment manufacturing

General warehousing

Glass products manufacturing

Leather products manufacturing (previously prepared leather)

Lumberyards and woodworking

Machinery, farm sales, repairing, and overhauling

Millwork

Open storage of building material, lumber, coal, machinery and pipe when the material is enclosed within a solid fence at least six feet high; said fence to be within [a] required building [at] least six feet high; said fence to be within required building lines.

Paint mixing and treatment (no employing a boiling process)

Parcel delivery service

Printing/publishing plant

Salvaging yard

Sheet metal products (light)

Sign painting shop

Textile products manufacturing

Television and radio broadcasting transmitters

Tire retreading, recapping, rebuilding

Truck and auto repair

Wood products assembly and finishing

Warehouse or storage of noncombustible materials (including ministorage)

Wholesale business

Other light manufacturing approved by the zoning commission

2.1101[2]. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the LI district are] residential dwellings, church, schools offering general education courses, and adult uses [and] all uses not compatible with the character of this [LI] district.

2.1103. Height restrictions. [Height restrictions in the LI district are none, except when a building abuts upon a residential or neighborhood commercial district, in which case it shall not exceed the maximum height permitted in the residential or neighborhood commercial district, unless such building is set back from the property line at least 50 feet from the abutting residential or neighborhood commercial district.

2.1104. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [in the LI district are as follows:]

1.

Yard.

a.

Whenever an Ll district abuts upon a residential or C-3 neighborhood commercial district, there shall be a 50 feet wide yard provided on the LI property, such yard space running the length of the abutment between the residential and/or neighborhood commercial district. In addition, solid buffer zone fencing shall be required by the zoning commission.

b.

No front yard open area is required, but a building setback of 25 feet minimum is required. A minimum side and rear yard of five feet each shall be provided, unless the property abuts C-3 or residentially zoned districts or housing on the side or rear. In those cases, the 50-foot open yard area as per [2.1104]a above would be provided.

c.

Buffer zone requirement[s] shall be met as provided for in section 2.

2.

Lot size. [Lot size requirements are none, except that principal building(s) shall not cover more that 60 percent of the lot area.

Site plans. Before a building permit is issued by the city, site plans as required in the C-3 district shall be submitted and approved.

2.1105. [Off-street parking and loading.] Off-street parking and loading zone provisions [for the LI district] shall be as provided for under part 4.

The [HI] heavy industrial district is located so as to protect residential and commercial areas from possible nuisance-generating or potentially dangerous manufacturing or processing activities.

2.1201. [Permitted uses.] Permitted uses [in the HI district are] all uses permitted in the LI district; manufacturing or storage of chemical products, oil, gasoline; smelters; processing of metal products and petroleum products; food products manufacturing or processing; [and] other heavy industrial uses approved by the planning and zoning commission.

2.1202. [Prohibited uses.] Prohibited uses [in the HI district are] residential, office, retail, commercial, educational, and recreational uses. All uses not compatible with the character of this [HI] district, except as related to the business on-site (i.e. offices in a manufacturing plant).

Site plans. Before a building permit is issued by the city, site plans [for the HI use] must be reviewed as per the C-3 district.

2.1203. Height restrictions. [Height restrictions for the HI district are the] same as LI industrial district, section 2.1103.

2.1204. [Area regulations.] Area regulations [for the HI district are the] same as LI industrial district, section 2.1104.

2.1205. [Off-street parking and loading.] Off-street parking and loading zone provisions [for the HI district] shall be as provided for under part 4.

2.1301. Planned unit developments or (PUDs) are permissible and shall be reviewed by the zoning and planning commission on a case-by-case basis but will meet the minimum requirements set out below:

a.

Must be located in a commercial or residentially zoned district other than A-6.

b.

Must contain an area of at least five acres in size.

c.

Must contain common open space and such space shall be equivalent to, or more than, the amount of total reduction in lot sizes requested.

d.

Lot sizes may be reduced from the general lot sizes of that district (zoning) to a specific minimum lot size, but all such reductions shall be compensated for by an equivalent amount of land in cluster open space to be preserved or maintained for scenic, recreation, or conservation purposes. Common open space must be maintained by a designated person or group.

e.

Must contain zero lot line housing, though not exclusively so.

f.

Lot area per living unit rations must be retained, though common open space will be considered in this calculation.

2.1302. Zero lot line housing, as defined in the definition section of this ordinance, is recognized as a viable development alternative in particular situations. It shall be allowed in zoning districts as specified by the zoning commission and must be included as part of a planned unit development.

2.14[01]. Definitions.

1.

Trailer; mobile home/manufactured housing. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling unit, with or without a permanent foundation.

2.

Trailer/mobile home park or court. A site with required, approved improvements and utilities for the long[term] or shortterm parking or placement of mobile homes.

2.1402. Mobile homes.

1.

Mobile homes or trailers may only be located in the A-10 zoning district.

2.

When located in these districts, mobile homes shall be placed on the lot in the manner prescribed by the district regulations and shall conform to the uses allowed in that district.

3.

Mobile homes may be located on a lot in which there already exists one single-family residence if such lot contains at least 9,000 square feet and if all structures on the lot can meet the minimum front, side, and rear yard requirements and the "lot square footage per dwelling (family) unit" requirements and the "lot square footage per dwelling (family) unit" requirement. This shall apply to the A-10 district only.

4.

All trailers/mobile homes to be located or moved within the City of Ponchatoula shall apply for a moving permit and a building permit from the city hall before such move takes place. The cost of the permit shall be the current amount as found on the fee schedule of the city clerk for the City of Ponchatoula. City inspectors will inspect the placement, anchoring, sewage and water connections of all mobile/manufactured housing.

5.

All mobile homes within the corporate limits shall have proper connections to municipal water and sewer systems (when such system is within 300 feet from the property line) before occupancy by the owners or tenants. Proper tie-in at the property line shall be the responsibility of the owners or tenants. Water and sewer lines on private property shall be placed at the owner's expense. Connection to the municipal system shall be on an individual unit basis and not through the use, in whole or in part, of another structure's sewer and water connections. Failure to properly tie into the municipal water and sewer systems before occupancy of a mobile home shall be illegal under this section and shall result in a fine in accordance with Ordinance No. 602 section 4; the owners shall be required to properly tie in before occupancy can be continued. The city shall at all times have the right to access private property for connection or termination of utility services.

6.

Mobile homes shall be tied down and staked to the ground as per the building and safety codes.

7.

An occupancy permit, allowing occupancy of a unit after all criteria mentioned above have been met, shall be applied for from the city before occupancy of a trailer. No occupancy permit shall be issued to the owners or tenants of a mobile home until the city's building official and the public works director have certified that all criteria related to this section, as well as other applicable mobile home provisions, have been met. There shall be no charge for an occupancy permit. Failure to obtain an occupancy permit before occupancy of a mobile home shall result in a $100.00 fine and a restriction of occupancy of the unit.

8.

Mobile homes may not be located on single-family lots, where other dwellings are already located on the same lot, except as otherwise provided.

9.

No mobile home, except an owner occupied mobile home, that is older than five years of age will be allowed to be placed within the city limits. Verification by title shall be acquired before a permit shall be issued. An owner occupied mobile home that is not older than 12 years of age will be allowed to be placed within the city limits. Verification by title shall be required before a permit shall be issued. In addition, any owner occupied mobile home exceeding five years of age shall meet the following criteria:

a.

The mobile home must have a HUD label certifying that it was built in accordance with the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety standards.

b.

The mobile home must be equipped with smoke detectors.

c.

Windows shall be at least five feet square and no higher than four feet from the floor.

d.

The electrical wiring shall be in good condition and approved by a state licensed electrician.

e.

Within a distance of 50 miles of the city limits, the city building inspector shall examine the mobile home for structural and safety defects including but not limited to roof leaks, leaks at windows and doors, plumbing leaks, heating and cooling systems not properly maintained, rot and insect damage. Any defects found by the city inspector shall be remedied prior to a permit being issued. If the mobile home is found to be defective and the prospective owner requests a second inspection or in the event that the prospective owner requests an inspection of an alternate mobile home, the prospective owner shall pay the building inspector's mileage at the current IRS reimbursement rate and an amount equal to his hourly wage for the time he spends on the travel and inspection. In the alternative, the prospective owner may have an inspection performed by a HUD certified mobile home inspector, dated within 30 days of the application for permit.

f.

The city building inspector shall inspect for damage during transport and if damaged, all repairs shall be made prior to issuance of an occupancy permit.

g.

The mobile home may not be leased, transferred, assigned, donated, willed or bequeathed to or for the use of anyone except the original occupant or occupants or their immediate family members (mother, father, child, or sibling).

h.

In the event that the mobile home ceases to be owner occupied or occupied by a member of the original owner's immediate family, the current owner or occupant shall be responsible for its removal from the city limits at his or her expense.

2.1403. Replacement mobile homes (non-conforming district). In those districts in which mobile homes are prohibited but in which a mobile home existed on a lot within that district prior to the enactment of the city zoning ordinance as amended in 2009, the provisions of 2.1402.9 shall apply so as to include all owner occupied mobile homes on owner occupied lots within the district.

2.1404[3]. Temporary trailers.

1.

Temporary trailers/mobile homes may be used for construction sites within the city limits for no more than six months and only after application and review by the building official. They must be removed after this period.

2.

A temporary trailer permit, obtained from city hall, shall cost $25.00, and such permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the outside body of the trailer.

3.

Temporary trailer permits shall be issued only in conjunction with the applicant's construction of a permanent dwelling unit or business.

4.

If temporary trailers need to be located in conjunction with a city public improvement project or in relationship to a commercial or industrial construction project, special exceptions shall be allowed by the city building official, and the $25.00 fee shall be waived.

5.

Temporary trailers failing to follow the provisions above and/or failing to be relocated by the owner after the allotted six-month period has ended, shall face penalty and/or civil enforcement, brought upon the owner(s) by the city. Such enforcement may include removal of the illegal trailer from its lot or space by the city, with the costs of such removal chargeable to the property and/or trailer owners.

6.

Applicants shall indicate to the city how sewage will be treated and removed from the site. The city building official must approve such methods.

(Ord. No. 593, 10-10-2003; Ord. No. 658, 3-9-2009; Ord. No. 672, 9-13-2010)

2.1501. Definitions. For the purposes of this ordinance the following terms shall apply:

1.

Townhouse or townhome. A single-family attached dwelling in a row of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit (though each townhouse may be two-story), and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more common fire resistant walls. There is no common ownership.

2.

Condominium. A building, or group of buildings, in which units are owned individually, and the structure, common areas, and facilities are owned by all the owners on a proportional, undivided basis.

Comment: By definition, a condominium has areas and facilities and there is an association of owners organized for the purpose of maintaining, administering and operating the common areas and facilities, It is a legal form of ownership of real estate and not a specific building style.

2.1502. General provisions.

1.

Townhouses may be built in the following districts: A-7, A-8, A-10, C-3, A-R, HD and shall follow the lot, yard, and parking requirements of those districts. Condominiums may be built in the following districts: A-8, A-10, C-3, [and] HD.

2.

When built within these districts, the following yard and lot requirements will supersede those of the district in which they are built:

a.

Where townhouses are built in the A-7 and A-R districts they shall not be located on lots of less than 80 feet wide at the building line.

1.

Minimum widths for a portion of the lot or lots on which each townhouse is to be constructed shall be 20 feet, and minimum side yards on each side of the townhouse building shall be ten feet each side.

2.

Minimum lot area on which a townhouse group can be built shall be 6,000 square feet, and [the] minimum lot area per living unit shall be 2,000 square feet. This shall apply to the A-R and A-7 districts only.

3.

Minimum rear yard shall be 15 feet, and [the] minimum front yard shall be 20 feet from a public right-of-way. The setback (building line) shall be 20 feet.

4.

Building height shall not exceed 45 feet or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

5.

All townhome front yards shall be properly landscaped and permanently maintained.

6.

Each unit in a townhome shall have its own lot yard space, in the back or side yard, of at least 300 square feet, reasonably secluded from view from streets and neighboring property owners. Such space is typically used for parking. This space shall be allowed to extend into the side or rear yards for up to 50 percent of the side or rear yard width (e.g.: if a rear yard is 20 feet wide, the townhome yard space may extend ten feet in that rear yard).

b.

Parking. All townhomes and condominium units shall have two parking spaces per unit, plus one visitor space for every two units.

c.

No more than six contiguous townhomes or condominiums shall be built in a row with the same or approximately the same front building line, and not more than ten units shall be contiguous.

d.

Townhouses and condominiums built in districts A-8, A-10, HD, and C-3 shall follow the yard and lot requirements outlined below:

1.

Minimum widths for the portion of the lot or lots on which each townhouse is to be constricted shall be 18 feet, and the minimum lot width on which townhome or condominium groups can be built shall be 60 feet at the building line.

2.

Minimum lot area on which a condominium or townhouse group is built shall be 4,200 square feet, and [the] minimum lot area per living unit shall be 1,400 square feet.

3.

Minimum front yard setback shall be 20 feet, [the] minimum rear yard shall be 15 feet and [the] minimum side yards shall be eight feet each.

4.

Building height shall not exceed 45 feet or 2½ stories, whichever is greater.

5.

All townhomes and condominiums shall be properly landscaped and permanently maintained.

2.1601. Fences, walls, and hedges.

a.

Visibility of intersections in residential districts. On corner lots in any residential district, nothing shall be erected, placed, or allowed to grow in such a manner as materially to impede vision in a triangle area bounded by the street right-of-way lines on such corner lots a distance of 20 feet from the point of intersection of the two rights-of-way.

b.

Fences, walls, and hedges. Not withstanding other provisions of this ordinance, fences, walls, and hedges may be permitted in any required yard, or along the edge of any yard, provided that no fence, wall, or hedge along the sides or front edge of any required front yard shall be over four feet in height. Height measurement shall be measured vertically from ground level.

c.

Solid wood or brick fences of no more than six feet in height may be erected on those parts of a lot that are as far back or farther back from the street than the required front yard (building setback line).

d.

Open wire fences for tennis or badminton courts may be erected to a height of ten feet if such courts are located in side or rear yards.

e.

Open wire fences in industrial zoned districts may be erected to a height of ten feet.

f.

Solid fences may be erected up to eight feet in height if such fences are being used as the required buffer between commercial and residential property.

g.

Fences shall have a minimum of 1⅝ inches diameter galvanized pipe supports placed no more than seven feet apart. Wood fencing material shall be of weatherproofed wood of grade 1 or grade 2 lumber.

h.

All structural type fences shall be indicated and described as part of any building permit application and shall be added to the value of a building permit.

i.

The property owner(s) shall be identified and described as part of any building permit application.

2.1602 Signs.

a.

The purpose of these sign regulations is to provide uniform sign standards which promote a positive city image reflecting order, harmony, and pride and which prevent signs from becoming public nuisance. Objectives to be pursued in applying these standards are as follows:

1.

To protect the residential nature of certain neighborhoods while identifying individual business, industrial or public uses in other areas without creating confusion, unsightliness, or visual obscurity or adjacent businesses.

2.

To place signs in a fashion that will not obstruct the flow of traffic or cause a public safety hazard of any sort.

3.

To ensure that off-premises advertising is compatible with adjacent land uses and does not obscure views of adjacent on-premises signs.

4.

To ensure that all signs in terms of size, scale, height, and location are properly related to the overall adjacent land use character and lot size.

b.

All signs, where applicable, will meet the standards of the city building code and must receive a building permit.

c.

No sign, sign structure, or sign support shall project onto any property line unless permission is obtained from the property owners involved.

Prohibited signs.

a.

Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, may be confused with traffic control signs or signals, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign, signal or device.

b.

Any sign which emits sound, odor, or visible matter which serve as a distraction to persons within the public right-of-way, or in any manner so as to obstruct clear and free vision with respect to view of traffic or to other signs already in place.

c.

Signs placed or erected at any intersection, road, right-of-way, or in any manner so as to obstruct clear and free vision with respect to view to traffic or to other signs already in place.

d.

Billboards, whether on or off-premises, except in the C-2 highway commercial district and in industrial districts.

e.

Illuminated or flashing signs in residential districts.

f.

Unsafe signs.

g.

No person shall park an advertising vehicle for more than one day, 24 hours.

h.

Billboards on top of one another ("piggyback").

i.

Billboards and off-premises signs exceeding 120 feet face size on each side.

j.

Changeable letter or temporary signs that are not permanently affixed to signposts in a safe manner and that have no exposed extension cords.

Abandoned, unsafe, or damaged signs.

a.

All unsafe or temporary signs shall be removed or repaired within 48 hours from receiving notice from the building official that such sign is a safety hazard.

b.

All abandoned signs and their supports shall be removed within 30 days of abandonment or within 30 days from receiving notice form the building official. This shall include political campaign signs.

c.

All damaged signs shall be removed or repaired within 30 days of receiving notice form the building official.

d.

The building official may notify the property owner allowing a sign on his/her property or the owner of the sign, if known, in enforcing the above.

e.

If no remedial action is taken by the responsible parties in the time frame stated above, the building official may have the signs removed at the expense of the responsible and/or noncomplying party involved and may write a misdemeanor ticket.

f.

Signs on public right-of-way or public property may be removed by the city with no required notice.

Signs in residential districts.

a.

There will be no signs in the residential districts except for the following:

Signs, nonilluminated and nonflashing, related to a permissible home occupation, and these signs being no larger than two square feet.

Public signs relating to traffic, safety, and informal purposes.

Signs accessory to a permissible commercial establishment, provided that these signs are not flashing.

Temporary signs no more than ten square feet in area relating to the lease or sale of a premises garage sale or election. No more than two such signs per lot.

Churches, public and semipublic buildings, hospitals and institutions may have bulletin boards not more that 16 square feet in area in a front yard. These boards or signs may not be flashing but may be illuminated if light is focused directly on [the] board or if [the] board is dimly lit.

b.

The illumination of a sign within 80 feet of and facing a residential zone lot line shall be diffused or indirect and designed to prevent light shining into residential windows; and in no event shall flashing or intermittent [signs be permitted] into and nearer than 300 feet to dwellings in a residential district.

c.

There shall be no flashing signs in a C-3 neighborhood district.

Billboards (off-premises signs).

a.

Billboards shall be considered any structure or portion thereof upon which are outdoor advertising signs which advertise, promote, or disseminate information not related to the goods, products, or services comprising a primary use on the premises on which the sign is located, being either:

1)

Poster panels or bulletins normally mounted on building wall or freestanding structure with advertising copy in the form of pasted paper; or

2)

Multiprism signs, same as above, and alternately advertising messages on one display area; or

3)

Painted bulletins, where the advertiser's message is painted directly on the background of a mounted or freestanding display area.

b.

Billboards will be allowed only in C-2 and industrial districts if at least 80 feet from any residentially zoned property line (measured from the end point of billboard closest to residential zone) and if complying with the standards set out below.

c.

The maximum area (one side face) of any billboard in the City of Ponchatoula shall be 120 square feet and shall have a maximum height of 45 feet.

d.

All lighting of billboards shall be so shielded as not to produce intensive or excessive light or glare onto adjacent property. Light shall be directed only on to the face of the billboard, and no flashing lights will be permitted.

e.

Billboards shall be kept in good repair and shall be built in accordance with the building code of the City of Ponchatoula.

f.

Billboards shall have a minimum setback equaling the setback of structures on lots contiguous to the lot upon which the billboard is located. When contiguous lots are not developed, the minimum setback for billboards shall be 20 feet from the street line. Greater setbacks shall be honored if billboards face onto interstate or state highways on which the state has their own requirements.

g.

No two billboards shall be spaced less than 500 feet apart on any one side of a street in a permitted district. State regulations shall apply to interstate and controlled access roads.

The following signs and/or advertising items shall become nonconforming on the effective date of this ordinance and shall be brought into compliance within six months of the effective date of this ordinance.

Signs, which by reason of their size, location, movement, or coloring may be confused with traffic control signs or signals, or the light of any emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign.

Signs placed on intersections of roadway right-of-way which interferes with the smooth flow of traffic or causes an obstruction to view of traffic.

a.

When any legal nonconforming sign is changed in relationship to a business changing or use of property changing, any new signs erected must be in compliance with this ordinance and will not be allowed to continue as a nonconforming sign. Abandoned signs shall be removed.

b.

Temporary signs on [a] public right-of-way or public property advertising yard sales, campaigns, elections, etc., shall be removed. Persons wanting to place any such sign on [the] public right-of-way shall first receive permission from the city building official, at which time a record shall be kept of the person requesting permission to place such signs, and the approximate location(s) of the sign(s).

If these temporary signs are not removed within 48 hours, as stated above, the city, through the building official's office, will remove the signs at the expense of the owner whose name and address have been recorded.

Special temporary signs such as banners crossing [the] public right-of-way shall receive permission from the mayor before placing such banner. Such sign installation must be approved by the building official and mayor and may only be to announce community, nonprofit events.

2.1603. Satellite dish; communication towers. Satellite dish antennas are accessory uses of a lot and thus may not interfere with the required side or front yards established by this ordinance. [The] dish shall be placed in a rear yard in residential districts and in residential uses of property. Front or rear yards may be used for dish placement in commercial and industrial zones.

2.1604. Buffer zones. Buffer zones shall be established between potentially conflicting uses and when it appears that a nuisance would be caused by locating a new business or industrial use adjacent to a conforming residential use.

1.

The buffer zone shall be established by the party creating the nuisance, and such buffer zone property provision shall be included in any transfer of deed when such property is sold or transferred. Change in the use of such property shall not relieve the owner of the responsibility of maintaining the required buffer zone.

2.

Buffer zones shall be maintained and kept clean and shall consist of the following:

a.

A six- or eight-foot high solid wooden, brick, or masonry fence plus at least a five-foot wide strip of open space (not used for parking or other commercial activities) between the residential and commercial property lines. Such open space shall have planted on it shrubs or trees that grow to at least eight feet in height, and that shall form a solid barrier when mature. These plants shall be maintained and at least four feet in height when planted.

b.

If no fence is provided, the nuisance generating property shall provide at least a 20-foot wide strip of open space between the property lines. Such space shall be used to grow shrubs or trees that shall grow to at least eight feet in height and that shall form a solid barrier when mature.

2.1605. General provisions.

1.

Every building shall be on a lot and except, as otherwise permitted, there shall be no more than one primary building on one lot in residential areas. (See part 2.1606 i.)

2.

Outdoor lighting shall be placed and shielded so that light is focused downward.

3.

All residential and business property having front yard requirements shall keep those areas properly maintained and landscaped.

4.

Where property is located along a federal or state highway, yards and building setbacks must at least meet the minimum state or federal requirements, regardless of the lesser provisions of this ordinance.

2.1606. [Exceptions and modifications.] Exceptions and modifications to the zoning district requirements, as set out below, shall be observed when interpreting the regulations. However, unless otherwise stated, exceptions and modifications shall be considered variances to this ordinance and must be approved as such.

1.

The following exceptions to yards shall be observed:

a.

On lots fronting onto two nonintersecting streets, front yards shall be provided on both streets.

b.

Sills, cornices, and ornamental features may not project more that three feet into a required yard, except when there is a servitude on the side or rear of a lot, no part of a building shall be built upon or overhang any part of the servitude.

c.

Terraces and decks which do not extend above the level of the ground (first) floor may project into a required yard, provided these projections shall be at least two feet from any lot line.

d.

If side or rear yards are provided where they are not required (e.g. in some C districts), they must be at least 30 inches wide.

e.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this ordinance, no building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered within 25 feet of the centerline of any street.

f.

On lots occupied by dwellings, not more that 40 percent of the rear yard of the main building may be occupied by accessory use buildings (e.g. sheds).

g.

Front yards shall be left open and unobstructed except for plants, landscaping, driveways, and fencing.

h.

Carports and accessory buildings shall not be constructed in required side yards and shall not be enclosed for occupancy without written permission from the city building official.

i.

In any of the commercial or industrial districts, there may be more than one permitted building on a lot or tract, provided that the required yards between buildings shall be provided and maintained, parking requirements are met, traffic flow, building and site plans approved by the city planning commission and building official.