UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE GUIDE

JANUARY 2020

Mayor Belinda C. Constant Councilman Wayne A. Rau, At-Large

Councilman Milton L. Crosby, District 1 Councilman Michael A. Hinyub, District 2 Councilman Jackie J. Berthelot, District 3

Councilman Mark K. Miller, District 4

Planning Commissioner Lisa Carr Planning Commissioner Amelia Pellegrin, Chair Planning Commissioner James Rolf, Vice Chair

Planning Commissioner Rudy Smith Planning Commissioner William Tomasak

Matthew Martinec, Director, Planning and Major Projects (mmartinec@gretnala.com)

Danielle Miller, GIS Planner (dmiller@gretnala.com)

504.363.1556

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction and Relation to the Gretna Comprehensive Plan

2.0 Development Approvals 2.1 Routine Development Approval Types 2.2 Approval Authorities 2.3 Submission Platform 2.4 Fee Schedule

3.0 Updated Zoning Districts and Desired Development Outcomes 3.1 Land Based Classification System 3.2 Single Family Residential District (R-1) 3.3 Two Family Residential District(R-2) 3.4 Multi-family Residential District (R-3) 3.5 Business Core District 1 (BC-1) 3.6 Business Core District 2 (BC-2) 3.7 Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) 3.8 General Commercial District (C-2) 3.9 Manufacturing Districts (M1 and M2) 3.10 Recreational and Open Space District (R/OS) 3.11 Flood Hazard Overlays 3.12 Historic District Overlays 3.13 Neighborhood Overlays

4.0 General Site and Building Design Considerations 4.1 Bulk and Density Standards (Setbacks, Height and Transitions) 4.2 Building Design and Placement 4.3 Signage 4.4 Parking Standards 4.5 Planting and Stormwater Management 4.6 Fencing and Screening 4.7 Lighting 4.8 Traffic Management 4.9 Uses with Supplemental Conditions

1.0 – INTRODUCTION AND RELATION TO THE GRETNA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The following document will provide general guidance on the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC).1 The UDC is the primary legislative tool used to support the Gretna Comprehensive Plan.2 Relative to prior land development regulations, the UDC was adopted to intended to increase transparency, improve flexibility, set clear expectations and promote higher development standards throughout the City. As the Gretna Comprehensive Plan’s Vision Statement reads,

“Our vision for the City of Gretna is to build upon the City’s strong foundation of community, while respecting the past and embracing the future, to improve existing infrastructure, enhance commercial corridors, and promote walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. The new connections should link our parks, diverse communities, and commercial centers, as well as connect the City to the Region, making the City a more united whole that is a premiere place to live, work and raise a family.”3

The Plan was created with following extensive public outreach and feedback. From October 2016 until the Plan’s April 2018 adoption, the public was encouraged to attend numerous city-wide and neighborhood engagement sessions and provide feedback on draft versions of the Plan. The Plan includes analysis and recommendations for sustainability and resilience, land use, economic development, housing, transportation, infrastructure, community design, parks and recreation, environmental and ecology and historic preservation. The UDC supports the intent of the Plan with respect to private and public land development. The Plan is also supported by a range of other City administrative and legislative actions that support its implementation. was created in order to enact the above vision. The remainder of this document summarizes the UDC’s general guidelines for land development in the City, providing an overview of the following:

• 2.0 Common Development Approvals; • 3.0 Updated Zoning Districts and Desired Development Outcomes; and, • 4.0 General Site and Building Design Considerations.

1 The full text of the UDC can be found by visiting gretnala.com -> Departments -> Planning 2 The full Plan can be found by visiting gretnala.com -> Departments -> Planning 3 Gretna Comprehensive Plan – 0-Introduction, 0.3

2.0 – DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

2.1 – ROUTINE DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL TYPES

Building Permits – Generally, all work – with the exception of painting – conducted on a building/structure or site requires a building permit filing with the City. This includes all fences, signs, patios, driveways and other hard surfacing applications. Minor Site Plans – Minor Site Plan approval is required for all construction/additions of less than 10,000 square feet. Major Site Plans – Major Site Plans approval is required for all new development or substantial redevelopment involving a change of principal for construction/additions of 10,000 square feet or greater. Minor Subdivisions – Lot boundary adjustments that satisfy minimum lot size requirements and/or constitute a betterment. Minor subdivisions cannot include the creation of any new street or public improvements, exceed 2 acres or 5 existing lots of record or involve the creation of any net new lot of record. Major Subdivisions – Includes all lot boundary modifications that are beyond the Minor Subdivision threshold. UDC Map Amendments (Rezonings) – Required approval for any change to the official zoning map of the City. Must satisfy all established approval criteria and other growth and development considerations. Variances – Variances allow relief from certain requirements of the code when a physical hardship exists that presents an unusual condition of a lot, which condition is not generally prevalent in a neighborhood, and which condition would prevent a reasonable arrangement or use of the building or lot. Conditional Use Permits – Establish to approve uses that normally would not be permitted in the zoning area it is applied for in. Each situation is unique and any authorization will only be granted under very specific circumstances and conditions. Historic District Minor Work – at the Building Official’s discretion, includes all routine exterior alterations to buildings within the historic districts that generally ascribe to the recommendations in the Historic District Design Guidelines. Historic District Major Work – all demolition, new construction or major alterations on the exterior of a building within the historic districts. Appeals – All staff, Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic District Commission decisions can be appealed to a higher review body.

2.2 – APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

All common development approvals, approval (or, final decision) authorities and routes to appeal are summarized in the amended UDC table below – distinguishing between approvals that require and do not require any form of public hearing.

Development Application Recommendation Final Decision Appeal UDC Section

Approvals Requiring a Public Hearing:

UDC Map Amendment Staff/P&Z Commission City Council District Court Sec. 58-61

Conditional Use Permit Staff/P&Z Commission City Council District Court Sec. 58-63

Major Site Plan Staff P&Z Commission City Council Sec. 58-64

Variance Staff P&Z Commission City Council Sec. 58-65

Appeals to Staff Decisions Staff P&Z Commission City Council Sec. 58-66

Major Subdivision: Sec. 58-70

Final Plat Staff P&Z Commission or City Council City Council Sec. 58-70(j)

HDC Certificate of Appropriateness – Major Work Staff Historic District Commission City Council Sec. 58-72(d)

Approvals NOT Requiring a Public Hearing:

Minor Site Plan and Plot Plan Review Staff Staff P&Z Commission* Sec. 58-82

Subdivisions, Minor Staff Staff P&Z Commission* Sec. 58-83

Building Permits Staff Staff P&Z Commission* Sec. 58-87

HDC Certificate of Appropriateness – Minor Work Staff Staff Historic District Commission* Sec. 58-72

Sign Permits Staff Staff P&Z Commission* Sec. 58-90

Driveway/Right-of-Way Permit Staff Staff P&Z Commission* Sec. 58-91

Table Note: * All decisions on appeals to staff actions made by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic District Commission must be appealed to the City Council before being appealed to the District Court.

2.3 – SUBMISSION PLATFORM Depending on the type of development approval you are seeking, the City has several submission platforms that address the full range of approvals. The table below summarizes the types of approval and submission platforms applicants are required to use.

Development Approval Type Submission Platform

Building Permits mygovernmentonline.com portal Minor Site Plans mygovernmentonline.com portal Major Site Plans mygovernmentonline.com portal and Planning Dept. Minor Subdivisions Planning Dept. Major Subdivisions Planning Dept. UDC Map Amendments Planning Dept. Variances Planning Dept. Conditional Use Permits Planning Dept. Historic District Minor Work mygovernmentonline.com portal Historic District Major Work mygovernmentonline.com portal and Building Dept. Appeals Planning Dept. or Building Dept.

2.5 – FEE SCHEDULE

Fees for development approvals are based upon the type of approval sought and if applicable the state building permit standardized fee schedule. All costs associated with utility connections and/or relocations are the responsibility of the applicant.

Development Approval Type Required Fees*

Building Permits State building permit standardized schedule fee Minor Site Plans State building permit standardized schedule fee Major Site Plans State building permit standardized schedule fee + $1,000.00 Minor Subdivisions $300.00 Major Subdivisions $500.00 UDC Map Amendments $500.00 Variances $300.00 Conditional Use Permits $500.00 Historic District Minor Work State building permit standardized schedule fee Historic District Major Work State building permit standardized schedule fee + $50.00 Appeals $100.00 *Does not include the cost of utility relocations or public improvements that may be specific to an approval.

3.0 - UPDATED ZONING DISTRICTS AND DESIRED DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES The adoption the UDC included the elimination of certain zoning districts and updating the allowable uses desired outcomes and development standards for the remaining districts and new overlays. The transition schedule for the eliminated districts is reflected in the table below (UDC Sec. 58-102).

Prior Zoning District to be Eliminated New Zoning District

OTR – Old Town Residential District R-1 R-1A – Single Family Residential District R-1 R-1 MH – Manufactured Home District R-1 R-1 TH – Townhouse District R-3 GO-1 – General Office District C-1 H-1 – Medical Services District C-1 MUCD – Mixed-use Corridor District C-2 PUD – Planned Unit Development District PD

3.1 - LBCS TABLES

The UDC uses the Land Based Classification Structure (LBCS) from the American Planning Association to delineate the types of uses authorized in the underlying zoning districts. Authorized uses are categorized in three ways, as:

• P – Permitted o Indicates the listed use is allowed by right within the respective zoning district subject to

the issuance of a zoning certificate and other required approvals in accordance with the procedures established in UDC Article II.

• S – Supplemental Conditions o Indicates that the listed use is allowed by right, but subject to the supplemental use

regulations established in the zoning district regulations and in UDC Articles IV and V. • C – Conditional

o Indicates the listed use is allowed within the respective district only after review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) w/ specific conditions that must be met by the City Council in accordance with the procedures established in UDC Article II. Specific conditions for some of these uses are established in UDC Article V.

Land Use LBCS # Description R-

1

R-2

R-3 Use

Standards RESIDENCE OR ACCOMMODATION FUNCTIONS

1000 Homes, apartments, housing for the elderly, and hotels

Detached unit S1110 Detached, single-family dwelling P P P Two-family dwelling S1121 Duplex or double P P

Zero lot line, row house S1122 Each unit on a separate lot; fire wall may protrude from roof or roofs may be staggered P P

Three or Four family dwelling

S1162 Includes triplexes, four-plexes, and other multi-household dwellings P

Other multi-family dwellings

S1163 Dwellings with 5 or more dwelling units S See Sec. 58-320

Guesthouse

S1130 Independent dwelling unit that is secondary to the principal use and located on the same lot and is not offered for rent separately from the principal dwelling.

S S S See Sec. 58-00

Townhouse S1140 Three or more attached dwelling units separated horizontally S See Sec.

58-330 Example extract of a LBCS table from the Gretna UDC

3.2 – SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT R-1 – Single Family Residential District (UDC Sec. 58-108-111) - The R-1 District applies to low density, single-family residential neighborhoods. Uses are limited to single family residences and small scale, nonresidential institutional uses that are intended to provide service to the adjacent neighborhood.

R-1 district desired development outcomes in a range of neighborhoods (Clockwise L-R): single family structures in Old Gretna, Garden Park, McDonoghville and Timberlane neighborhoods.

3.3 – TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT R-2 – Two Family Residential District (UDC Sec. 58-108-111) – The R-2 district applies to areas with a greater variety and higher densities of residential uses than the R-1 district. This district allows for one-family and two-family dwelling units, and small scale, nonresidential institutional uses that are intended to provide service to the adjacent neighborhood. Multiple-family structures are not permitted in the R-2 district.

R-2 district desired development outcomes

3.4 – MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT R-3 – Multifamily Residential District (UDC Sec. 58-108-111) – The R-3 district applies to areas where it is desirable to allow a greater variety and higher densities of residential structures than in the R-1 and R-2 districts. Because of the greater density of population and concentration of vehicles, these districts are ideally situated where they have direct access to collector or higher order streets and proximity to a variety of public and private services.

R-3 district desired development outcomes

3.5 – BUSINESS CORE DISTRICT 1 BC-1 – Business Core District 1 (UDC Sec. 58-112-117) – The BC-1 Business Core District is intended to foster a pedestrian-oriented environment for retail and service activities in support of the business core, governmental complex, and surrounding residential neighborhoods. In addition to the variety of commercial and governmental uses in conjunction with City and Parish administrative offices, the district will accommodate mixed-use development with residences located above office, retail, or restaurant uses. Parking structures may be integrated into blocks where they are located and designed to promote pedestrian safety and vibrant commercial activity along most streets.

BC-1 district desired development outcomes

3.6 – BUSINESS CORE DISTRICT 2 BC-2 – Business Core District 2 ((UDC Sec. 58-112-117) – The BC-2 Business Core District applies areas of high intensity development and in locations with a high potential for redevelopment for pedestrian oriented commercial and mixed-use development near principal thoroughfares that support intensive urban development. These high-density developments may contain local and regional office, retail, and service uses as well as residential uses when part of a mixed-use development. These districts are intended to become places where people can live, work, and shop.

BC-2 district desired development outcomes

3.7 – NEIGHBORHOOD COMERCIAL DISTRICT C-1 – Neighborhood Commercial District (UDC Sec. 58-122-128) – The C-1 neighborhood commercial district applies to lands and structures used primarily to provide for retail goods and selected services at a neighborhood scale. Regulations for the district are intended to encourage buildings and uses that are compatible with and accessible to adjacent residential neighborhoods. Small-scale, pedestrian-oriented businesses occur in one or two-story structures.

C-1 district desired development outcomes

3.8 – GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT C-2 – General Commercial District (UDC Sec. 58-122-128) – The C-2 general commercial district provides opportunities for more intensive retail and service uses. This district characteristically occupies a larger area than the neighborhood commercial district since it is intended to serve community and regional demands for wide range of services. C-2 districts are located along major thoroughfares in larger nodes than the C-1 district to accommodate larger-scale development. Portions of this district that abut residential neighborhoods are more limited in scale and intensity of uses and buffers are required. Expansions of districts should result in deeper parcels that create flexible nodes of development rather than shallow strip-like extensions along the major thoroughfares. While primarily serving clientele that arrives by automobile, pedestrian and bicycle access and circulation are required.

C-1 district desired development outcomes

3.9 – MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS M-1 – Light Manufacturing District (UDC Sec. 58-132-138) – The M-1 light industrial district is intended for light manufacturing, processing, storage and warehousing, wholesaling and distribution. This district should be accessible to major transportation routes and located to maximize safety and minimize infrastructure costs to local government. Service and commercial activities relating to the character of the district and supporting its activities are encouraged. M-2 – Special Manufacturing District (UDC Sec. 58-132-138) – The M-2 special industrial district accommodates a broad range of manufacturing, processing, storage and warehousing, wholesaling and distribution uses in addition to service and commercial activities supporting district activities. The district provides areas for intensive employment activities that must be carefully developed and operated to ensure the health and safety of the City’s commercial and residential neighborhoods.

M-1 and M-2 district desired development outcomes

3.10 - RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R/OS – Recreation and Open Space District (UDC Sec. 58-139-142) – The R/OS district is intended to retain public and private recreational lands and open spaces for open space, recreational and related uses.

R/OS district desired development outcomes (Clockwise L-R): Gretna City Park, Lost Creek Country Club (Austin, Texas), Tuten Park (Shreveport, Louisiana; image credit – Dana Brown and Associates)

3.11 – FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAYS4

Overlays related to the City’s flood hazard regulations correlate with the X and AE zones established in the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The City of Gretna has a higher regulatory standard to promote flood risk reduction and maintain our standing with FEMA’s Community Rating System. Generally, the finished floor elevation for all new construction (residential and non-residential) shall be the higher of either the base flood elevation on the FIRM or 36” above the centerline (crown) of street. Accessory storage and garage facilities are subject to slightly different regulations but must be designed to account for flood conditions.

3.12 – HISTORIC DISTRICT OVERLAYS

The Historic District Overlays (UDC Section 58-149) are areas in the City that require Historic District Commission or administrative review for architectural appropriateness depending on the scope and nature of the project. Additional information regarding the Major Work vs. Minor Work within the Historic District Overlays can be found Development Approvals section of this Guide. Generally, all work conducted within the Historic Districts should conform to the Gretna Historic District Design Guidelines.5 The Historic District Overlays also permit limited commercial applications to remain and be reintroduced in historically commercial structures even if the underlying zoning classification is more restrictive. Similarly, single family residential structures on specific corner lots within the Historic District Overlays can support limited commercial uses.

Green = McDonoghville Historic District Purple = Mechanikham Historic District Pink = McDonoghville Cemetery Red Dash = National Register District

Map showing Historic District Overlays applicable to the UDC

4 See Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28, Article II. 5 The Gretna Historic District Design Guidelines can be found by visiting gretnala.com -> Departments -> Building -> HDC.

3.13 - NEIGHBORHOOD OVERLAY DISTRICTS The Neighborhood Overlay (NO) districts (UDC Section 58-150) on the following page are intended to provide the regulatory framework to modify zoning district regulations to address the distinct characteristics and challenges of the following neighborhoods, which are mapped and described in the City’s Comprehensive Plan: Old Gretna-Mechanickham, Old Garden Park, McDonoghville, Jonestown, New Garden Park, Bellevue and Timberlane. Existing development patterns in these neighborhoods create a variety of differing development challenges that have regulatory implications as the City tries to foster neighborhood vitality, stable or increasing property values, housing opportunities, and appropriate service provision that reflect each neighborhood’s needs. The specific provisions of each of the seven neighborhoods overlay districts are anticipated to change over time to meet the evolving needs of each neighborhood. Setback Adjustments – the UDC authorizes the Planning Director to require applicants to provide setbacks that encourage block and neighborhood continuity. For instance, in the Timberlane Neighborhood applicants may be required to have a greater front yard setback than required by the underlying zoning classification while in Old Gretna and McDonoghville applicants could be required to reduce their front yard setback to match the prevailing block condition. Additionally, the Planning Director may reduce required side yard setbacks based on neighborhood norm conditions. Lot Area and Dimensions – Generally, the minimum lot size for any newly created lot of record is as follows for the underlying zoning district or neighborhood overlay.

Zoning District (Neighborhood Overlay District) Minimum Lot Size

R-1 and R-2 Old Gretna-Mechanickham 3,500 sqft* McDonoghville 3,500 sqft* Old Garden Park 4,500 sqft* New Garden Park 5,000 sqft Jonestown 5,000 sqft Bellevue 5,000 sqft Timberlane 5,000 sqft

BC-1 5,000 sqft BC-2 5,000 sqft C-1 5,000 sqft C-2 5,000 sqft M-1 10,000 sqft M-2 Site and use specific R/OS Site and use specific *Lots with two-family dwellings shall be at least 4,500 sqft

Map showing Neighborhood Overlay Districts applicable to the UDC

4.0 - GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 - BULK AND DENSITY STANDARDS Height – General guidance for maximum height allowances can be found in UDC Section 58-170 and is detailed in the table below. Consideration must also be given to height incentives, district specific step back provisions, and transition requirements.

Dimensional Factor

Zoning District R-1 R-2 R-3 BC-1 BC-2 C-1 C-2 M-1 M-2

Maximum Height 35’ 35’ 35’ 35’/45’(1)* 45’/72’(1)* 35’/45’(1)* 45’/65’(1)* 35’ (2)

(1) First number is maximum by right height/second number is maximum height with incentives. (2) Maximum height is to be determined through the zoning or site approval process. * Height exceeding 35’ in BC-1 and C-1 and 45’ in BC-2 and C-2 are subject to a Conditional Use Permit

Incentives – Subject to height transition provisions and district specific step back requirements, the following sustainability and resilience best management practices (BMPs) may allow for height incentives.

Public Benefit Description Height Incentive

Green Infrastructure

50-74% of stormwater managed by Green Infrastructure 5’ 75-100% of stormwater managed by green infrastructure 10’

Photovoltaic Electricity

50-74% of projected energy used produced by photovoltaics 5’ 75-90% of projected energy used produced by photovoltaics 10’

100% of projected energy projected energy used produced by photovoltaics

15’

Energy Conservation

LEED Silver or equivalent 5’ LEED Gold or equivalent 10’

LEED Platinum or equivalent 15’ Shared Parking Shared parking that reduces demand by 20 percent or more 5’

Pervious Pavement

25-49% of parking area has pervious surfaces (excluding pervious surface used for green infrastructure incentive)

5’

50-100% of parking area has pervious surfaces (excluding pervious surface used for green infrastructure incentive)

10’

Shaded Parking 25-49% of parking lot shaded 5’ 50-74% of parking lot shaded 10’ 100% of parking lot shaded 15’

Open Space 25-39% of site retained for open space (excluding open space used for green infrastructure incentive)

5’ or 10’ if publicly accessible

40% or more of site retained for open space (excluding open spaced used for green infrastructure incentive)

10’ or 15’ if publicly accessible

Stepbacks are required for street facing exposures of buildings within the BC-1 and C-2 districts that exceed 30’ or two stories (see UDC Sections 58-116(a)(1) and 58-127(b)(1)). Any massing along street facing exposures exceeding 30’ or two stories must be recessed 1’ for every 1’ height exceeding 30’ or two stories.

Height Transitions are required for all multi-family and non-residential structures abutting R-1 and R-2 Districts as specified in UDC Section 58-170(g). For the purposes of this requirement, any story in excess of 15’ shall be considered two stories.

• Outside Historic Districts, abutting to R-1 and R2 districts any height exceeding the lesser of two stories or 30’ shall be setback an additional 2’ from the required building setback relative to the R-1 or R-2 district for each 1’ of height over the two stories or 30’ – see image below.

• Within Historic Districts, abutting R-1 and R2 districts any height exceeding the lesser of two stories or 30’

shall be setback an additional 1’ from the required building setback relative to the R-1 or R-2 district for each 1’ of height over the two stories or 30’ – see image below.

Setbacks – General guidance for minimal setback requirements can be found in the table below and are specified in UDC Section 58-171. Additionally, allowed setback encroachments can be found in UDC Section 58-171(e).

Dimensional Factor

Zoning District R-1 R-2 R-3 BC-1 BC-2 C-1 C-2 M-1 M-2

Min. Front Setback 20’ 20’ 20’ 5’ 10’ 10’ 20’ 25’ * Min. Int. Side Setback 5’ 5’ 5’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 5’ 0’ * Min. Ext. Side Setback 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 5’ 5’ 5’ *

Min. Rear Setback 15’ 15’ 15’ 0’ 0’ 10’ 15’ 25’ * *Maximum setback to be determined through zoning or site approval process.

Setback Adjustments – For nearly all uses and districts, setbacks should either satisfy the predominant conditions, as evaluated on a block by block basis or through the Neighborhood Overlay Districts (see UDC Guide Section 3.13 and/or UDC Section 58-150) or promote better urban design conditions. The UDC has several tools to compel setbacks in certain applications while remaining flexible in others. See partially representative images below of instances where the UDC would encourage or compel the applicant to have setbacks that deviate from the minimums above.

(L) In BC-1 and C-1 applications like this, the UDC authorizes limited to no front yard setback when the applicant provides recessed entries and façade transparency that emphasize accepted urban design best practices. (R) In R-1 applications where there is an established block setback condition, the applicant would be compelled to match the existing setback condition to maintain block continuity.

4.2 – BUILDING DESIGN AND PLACEMENT

Single Family Residential Design Standards – In all residential districts, single family residential primary structures should be permanently anchored to a slap or pier foundation, have a primary entry facing the street with a covered porch or stoop and have a minimum roof pitch to 3.5:12 (see UDC Section 58-111). BC-1, BC-2, C-1 and C-2 Design Standards are present to ensure design outcomes that support street presence and a healthy urban and suburban neighborhood fabric (see UDC Section 58-116 and 117 and Section 58-127 and 128). Core design standards in the Business Core and Commercial Districts address transparency and materials. Additionally, there are specific supplemental design standards briefly addressed in this section and throughout the UDC.

Business Core and Commercial District window and transparency standard

Primary Structure Relative to Parking Area – to the greatest extent possible, parking lots for newly developed or redeveloped sites shall be in the interior side or rear yards (see UDC Section 58-185). Development proposals should emphasize the building’s relationship with the street and supportive parking should be minimized along street facing exposures – see image below.

Location of parking lots should be placed in side and rear yards to maximize the primary structures street presence

Supplemental Design Standards for Large Scale Retail Development are applicable to all retail applications with 25,000 square feet or more as well as pad site development within or adjoining an established large-scale retail development (see UDC Section 58-316). Applicants should strive to balance all aspects of the required standards for Large Scale Retail Development. Supplemental standards for Large Scale Retail Development address building orientation, utility design, entries, building materials, building articulation and rooflines.

Examples of liner buildings with suitable orientation, building articulation and materials on a large-scale retail site (Carrolton Ave., New Orleans)

Multi-family Development Standards (>10) – Multi-family Development Standards for developments with 10 or more units are found in UDC Section 58-320. These developments are also subject to the Planned Development (PD) process. These standards do not apply to mixed-use structures or townhome developments. Supplemental standards included setbacks, orientation, lot standards, building design, pedestrian improvements, parking, open space, and play areas.

Variations in color, trim and rooflines combined with building façade articulation are required for large multi-family development

Townhouse Development Standards – Townhouse development standards apply to townhouse style development which is permitted in R-2, R-3 and C-1 districts (see UDC Section 58-330). The applicable development standards emphasize design outcomes that create visual interest through building variation and articulation.

Townhouse developments reflecting UDC design standards emphasizing building articulation for visual interest

4.3 – SIGNAGE

Maximum Signage Allowances per Zoning District can be found in UDC Section 58-198. Generally, sign area maximums are further restricted building frontage, allowing for 1 square foot of signage per linear foot of building frontage. All signs must conform to the design standards established in UDC Section 58-197. Deference to Monument Signage for Detached Signage – except in limited instances along the Westbank Expressway and sites larger than 1 acre in C-2 and BC-2 districts, all detached signs shall be monument signs. Generally, all detached signage shall architecturally relate to (material, scale, composition, etc.) the primary structure that it serves.

Examples of different scales of detached monument signage.

Signage in Historic Districts – should conform to the recommendations provided in the Gretna Historic District Design Guidelines, Part 4. Generally, attention to scale, pedestrian orientated design considerations and signage application uniformity are critical considerations of the Historic District Commission for new signage within the historic districts.

Non-Conforming Pole Signs – all pre-existing non-conforming signage (including pole and pylon) must be removed with the application of any new signage. All signage non-conformities are explicitly addressed in UDC Section 58-201. New Billboard Prohibitions – Generally, new billboards are only authorized when replacing one or more existing billboards. No new billboard shall be established unless it is located on a site of at least one acre, all required setbacks are met on the site and the billboard is located at least 1,200 feet from the nearest billboard (see UDC Section 58-197(d).

4.4 – PARKING STANDARDS

Minimum Vehicle and Bicycle Parking Requirements, Flexibility and Shared Parking Allowances – Minimum vehicle and bicycle parking spaces are set forth in UDC Sections 58-184 and 58-187, respectively. The UDC adds parking minimum flexibility and shared parking allowances as follows:

• Planning Director may reduce required parking by the greater of 10 percent or 5 spaces; • Historic Buildings in the BC-1 district are absolved from parking requirements; • The City Council has the ability to reduce or waive parking requirements in all other instances within the

Old-Gretna-Mechanickham, Old Garden Park and McDonoghville Neighborhood Overlay Districts; • Shared Parking is permitted under certain conditions with emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and

proximity to the principal use. Parking Lot Design – the new UDC places provides for significantly higher standards related to parking lot design and placement. Required parking space, and drive aisle dimensions can be found in UDC Section 58-182. To the best extent possible, parking area relationships to the principal structure should be confined to side and rear yards (see UDC Section 58-185). All parking areas are required to have sufficient planting and stormwater management features as detailed in Section 4.5 below – emphasizing safe pedestrian connectivity, appropriate tree canopy development, screening relative to public right of way and buffers with adjacent less intensive uses.

Examples of parking areas around the country that balance the design and function demands of the UDC parking requirements.

4.5 PLANTING AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Planting Requirements – Generally, the UDC only requires planting in parking lot and vehicular use areas, buffer and street tree applications. Parking Lots, Buffer, Street Tree applications (see UDC Section IV, Division 9).

• Parking lot and vehicular use area planting requirements can be found in UDC Section 58-272(f) • Buffer planting requirements between uses of varying intensity can be found in UDC Section 58-272(e) • Street tree planting requirements where sufficient right of way is available can be found in UDC Section 58-

272(d)(2) and (3). • Native class A and B tree and shrub species schedules to satisfy UDC planting requirements can be found in

UDC Section 58-275. Stormwater Management Requirements can be found in UDC Section 58-271. Generally, all new and substantial improvements are required to satisfy stormwater management standards depending on the size of the project. The following apply to all development except for single family residential and duplex applications.

• For sites less than 10,000 square feet a stormwater management plan is not required. However, 50 percent of all required planting areas must serve as green infrastructure. All other planting areas must be irrigated.

• For sites 10,000 square feet or greater a stormwater management plan is required along with pre vs. post development runoff calculations that demonstrate that the post development runoff conditions for a 10-year storm to not exceed pre-development runoff conditions. Additionally, 50 percent of the all required planting areas must serve as green infrastructure. All other planting areas must be irrigated. Detention facilities must be designed as site amenities (i.e. incorporate the establishment of functional riparian areas and/or otherwise serve as a feature for the development). Further, 50 percent of all hard surface applications must be pervious.

Examples of green infrastructure facilities (Clockwise L-R) – bioswales, bioretention cells, dry detention basins and cisterns and underground stormwater chambers.

4.6 – FENCING AND SCREENING

Fencing Design and Material Standards can be found in UDC Section IV, Division 8. They are summarized by yard below.

• Front yard fences – consists of all fencing beyond the primary front façade of the primary structure: o Front yard fences are only permitted for residential uses in all areas on the north (Mississippi

River) side of the Westbank Expressway (US 90), but excluding the Old Garden Park Neighborhood Overlay District. Additionally, they are permitted with heightened design standards for specific customer service applications (i.e. outdoor dining).

o Front yard fences shall not exceed 4’ and satisfy all material standards – generally decorative with a prohibition on chain link for all exposures.

• Side and rear yard fences – generally, consists of all fencing behind the primary front façade of the primary structure:

o Are allowed throughout the City. o Cannot exceed 8’ with chain link material prohibited for any exposures facing the street.

• Side and rear yard fences on corner lots shall comply with at least one of the following: o The fence shall be set back at least the same distance as the front building line of the primary

structure on the adjacent lot facing the side street, but not greater than ten feet; or, o The fence shall be ornamental in nature, not exceeding a height of four feet and shall transition

effectively and gradually to other non-ornamental fences of greater height; or, o The Planning Director shall determine that the fence is located and designed to minimize

interference with the view of the lot fronting the side street, including the provisions set forth in UDC Section 58-222, clear vision area.

Examples of appropriate fencing applications enabled by the UDC

Clear Vision Areas – Maintaining clear vision areas at the intersection of streets and driveways is required. Depending on the intersection, there should be no visual obstruction between the heights of 3’ and 8’ within the required sight triangle (see UDC Section 58-222)

Screening (utilities, dumpsters, outdoor storage, etc) – All sight utilities, dumpsters and outdoor storage shall be screened in a manner that is architecturally consistent with the design language of the primary building (see UDC Section 58-262).

Examples of appropriate screening measures for utilities, dumpsters, outdoor storage and loading areas.

4.7 – LIGHTING

All outdoor lighting applications (including residential) shall be designed to balance demands related to protecting against direct glare or excessive lighting, provide safe passage for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, promote energy efficiency and sufficiently light areas to promote safety and security (see UDC Article IV, Division 4). All exterior lighting applications established after the adoption of the UDC are subject to these provisions.

4.8 – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Traffic Impact Analyses, Traffic Studies and Traffic Management Plans are required for any proposed development that will generate more than 1,000 average daily trips or 300 or more trips through a single access point. Additionally, traffic studies may be required in any instance where a site improvement or change of use is anticipated to generate 200 trips over the existing conditions see UDC Section 58-229.

4.9 – SUPPLEMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES

The following uses have specific supplemental conditions required for compliance with the UDC (see UDC Article V):

• Accessory Guesthouses • Accessory Buildings and Structures • Short-Term Vacation Rentals • Commercial use of Patios and Outdoor Dining Areas • Commercial use of Rooftops • Amusements and Entertainments • Automobile Service Stations/Fuel Sales • Bars and Nightclubs • Bed and Breakfast Establishments • Convenience Stores • Day Care Facilities • Drive-Through Facilities • Food Trucks, Trailers and Carts • Hair Care Services • Home Occupations • Institutional Care Facilities • Large-Scale Retail Development • Laundromats • Manufactured Homes • Mini-Warehouse • Multi-Family Development Standards • Outside Kennels • Outside Operations • Outside Storage • Outdoor Vending Machines • Sexually Oriented Businesses • Short Term Loans, Check Cashing, Pawn Shops and Precious Metals Purchasing • Special Events • Telecommunications, Towers, Antennas and Related Structures and Uses • Temporary Buildings and Temporary Construction Uses • Townhouse Dwellings • Vehicle Sales Lots • Veterinary Clinics