§ 40-476. Landscape and buffer requirements.

(a)

General. Landscaping standards in this section are minimum requirements intended to enhance the aesthetics of transportation corridors, reduce heat island effects, and provide effective buffering of all vehicular use areas from streets or other views. Development within the Commercial Parkway Overlay Zone shall be encouraged to incorporate waterscapes, fountains, clock towers or other architectural features with landscaping to add to aesthetics and visual attraction.

(b)

Section 33-6.25, Landscaping, buffering, and screening, shall apply. In addition to the streetscape landscaping, a hedge, wall, earth berm, or other durable landscape barrier of a minimum of two (2) feet in height shall be placed between the abutting right-of-way and any off-street parking area, service area, or loading and unloading area to screen the vehicular use area. If the barrier consists of non-living material, one (1) vine or shrub shall be planted every ten (10) feet and abutting the barrier.

(c)

Service bays/drives.

(1)

All service bays, loading and unloading areas, trash receptacles and dumpster area must be screened by a wood, brick, or masonry fence with a minimum height of seven (7) feet. This fence is in addition to perimeter landscape requirements set in this section.

(2)

Service bays and drives and trash receptacle and dumpster areas shall be oriented in such a way that in the process of loading and unloading, no vehicle will block the passage of other vehicles on the service drive or extend into any other public or private street.

(3)

All dumpster areas shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 16, Garbage and other solid waste, section 16-4(d), Bulk waste containers. In situations where the regulations of that chapter and the regulations of this article are in conflict, the more restrictive shall apply.

(d)

Clear vision areas shall be maintained in accordance with section 40-665, Clear vision area regulations.

(e)

Sidewalks.

(1)

Sidewalks shall be provided in accordance with parish codes.

(2)

Sidewalks shall be incorporated and coordinated with landscaping requirements stated herein and may be curved to add to aesthetic appeal.

(f)

Lighting.

(1)

The maximum height for any light fixture is twenty-five (25) feet.

(2)

Lighting shall be oriented inward, toward the development or structures, to minimize intrusion into surrounding property.

(3)

Lighting fixtures shall be incorporated within landscaped areas.

(g)

Support buildings and structures.

(1)

Support buildings. Any part of a support building visible from street right-of-way that is not screened by fencing or landscaping that meets the requirements of this article must have the same architectural treatment as the principal building.

(2)

Support structures . Any part of a support structure that is not a building, other than playground equipment accessory to permitted uses in this district or those structures used for drive-up service, e.g. gas pumps, vacuum stations and ATMs, visible from street right-of-way shall be screened by a wood, brick or masonry fence with a minimum height of seven (7) feet.

(Ord. No. 20783, § 3(XIII-G(6)), 9-22-99; Ord. No. 22670, § 11, 1-11-06; Ord. No. 23330, § XXVIII, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 23663, § 2, 10-14-09; Ord. No. 24823 , § XVIII, 9-17-14; Ord. No. 24955 , § 8, 6-10-15; Ord. No. 25405 , § 76, 8-9-17)