This chapter will herein be referred to as "The West Baton Rouge Parish Zoning Ordinance" which is enacted pursuant to the authority granted in R.S. 33:140.171 through 33:140.179.

(Code 1973, § 26-1; Ord. No. 17-98, § 26.1(26.1.1), 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 8-99, 6-10-1999; Ord. No. 26-02, pt. VIII, 10-24-2002)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare; to lessen congestion in the street; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of land; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewer, schools, parks, and other public requirements and to minimize flood losses by the establishment of zoning districts and corresponding regulations.

(Code 1973, § 26-2; Ord. No. 17-98, § 26.1(26.1.2), 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 8-99, 6-10-1999)

State Law reference— Purpose of zoning regulations adopted by police jury, R.S. 33:140.173.

(a)

Official zoning map. The parish is hereby divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the official zoning map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter.

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

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

(b)

Replacement of official zoning map. In the event that the official zoning map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the parish council may by resolution adopt a new official zoning map which shall supersede the prior official zoning map.

(Code 1973, § 26-3; Ord. No. 17-98, § 26.1(26.1.3), 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 8-99, 6-10-1999)

State Law reference— Creation of districts by parish police jury, R.S. 33:140.172.