§ 33-2.25.3. Development review process.

Unless otherwise provided in this Code, site plans shall be submitted to the planning department. The planning director shall forward the site plan to the LURTC for review and comment prior to action. Lack of findings from LURTC within ten (10) days shall be construed as no objection to approval. After evaluating LURTC comments and the site plan's compliance with applicable development standards, the planning director shall render a decision: 1) the application qualifies for ministerial development approval; 2) the application qualifies for ministerial/quasi-judicial development approval; or 3) the application is subject to legislative development approval.

(1)

Ministerial development approval. Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the planning director shall approve the site plan if it fully complies with the criteria and standards set forth in the applicable zoning district and other applicable sections of this UDC or chapters of this Code, or if it does not fully comply but has been granted a ministerial exception.

(2)

Ministerial/quasi-judicial development approval. If the standards of the zoning district or in other applicable sections of this Code authorize the board of zoning adjustments (BZA) to grant a variance or exception for criteria and standards and the applicant requests this quasi-judicial action, the planning director shall forward the application with a recommendation regarding approval to the BZA and shall withhold approval of the site plan until the BZA takes final action.

(3)

Legislative development approval. If the standards of the zoning district or in other applicable sections of this Code authorize the parish council to approve a concept or development plan, or grant a variance, waiver, or exception for criteria and standards and the applicant requests this legislative action, the planning director shall forward the application with a recommendation regarding approval to the Old Metairie Commission or the planning advisory board, as applicable, for a public hearing and recommendation and to the council for final action.

(4)

Submittal requirements. The application for site plan review shall include the information listed in the appendix of this UDC, unless additional information is required by the zoning district standards or other applicable sections of this Code, or the planning director finds, in writing, that specific information is not required or additional information is required to evaluate compliance with applicable development standards.

(5)

Effect of approval .

a.

Until a site plan is approved and recorded, no building or structure shall be erected, added to, or structurally altered, and no building permit, certificate of completeness, or zoning clearance shall be issued.

b.

Final site plan approval, as indicated by the dated signature of the council chairman or planning director, as applicable, shall be valid for a period of one (1) year, except that a phasing plan approved by the council or planning director, as applicable, may provide for approval of discreet project phases over a period of up to three (3) years. Site plan approvals of longer than three (3) years may be authorized through parish council approval of a development agreement as provided in Division 4, Development agreements, in this article.

(Ord. No. 24989 , § II, 8-12-15; Ord. No. 25041 , § 4, 11-4-15; Ord. No. 25405 , § 9, 8-9-17)