Article 7 Open Space Districts

PURPOSE OF THE OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS

The Open Space Districts provide residents with access to active and passive recreation areas, protect the City’s cemeteries, and preserve national resources within the wetlands and coastal areas. In some districts, only limited development is appropriate such as cultural facilities while in other areas the predominant character should emphasize the natural environment.

CHARACTER OF THE OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS

The character of the Open Space Districts is defined by:

»         Neighborhood open space designed for active and passive recreation for local residents in the surrounding neighborhoods

»         Linear greenways that include pedestrian trails and bike paths and link neighborhoods in the City

»         Regional and CBD parks that draw visitors from the entire region, like City Park, Joe Brown Park and Audubon Park, for both active and passive recreation areas, including access to the waterfront through beaches and piers, and cultural activities

»         Preservation of remote coastal areas of marsh, estuary or waterway to preserve waterfowl and fishery habitats

»         Protection and preservation of existing natural areas, such as wetlands, to provide stormwater protection and reduce flooding possibilities

»         Protection of the City’s historic cemeteries 

7.1 Purpose Statements   

7.1.A Purpose of the OS-N Neighborhood Open Space District   

The purpose of the OS-N Neighborhood Open Space District is to provide a classification for parks located within neighborhoods that serve as recreation areas for residents in the local area. Neighborhood parks are smaller in scale than regional parks and more limited in the types of recreational uses allowed. The OS-N District is also intended to provide for the preservation of natural environmental features and wildlife habitats at certain locations surrounded by developed neighborhoods, and to provide protection for the City’s historic cemeteries.  

7.1.B Purpose of the OS-G Greenway Open Space District   

The purpose of the OS-G Greenway Open Space District is to provide a classification for open space greenways that provide a connection between neighborhoods and public amenities such as cultural facilities and larger parks. The physical form of a greenway is typically more linear in nature and accommodates additional modes of transportation such as pedestrian trails and bike paths. 

7.1.C Purpose of the OS-R Regional Open Space District   

The purpose of the OS-R Regional Open Space District is to provide a classification for large parks that draw visitors from the entire region. A regional park includes a variety of recreational areas and uses, but also includes certain ancillary commercial activities such as cultural facilities, performance venues, and restaurants. The OS-R District also includes waterfront recreational activities, such as beaches and public piers. 

7.1.D Purpose of the NA Natural Areas District   

The purpose of the NA Natural Areas District is to protect and preserve existing natural areas such as wetlands and coastal areas of marsh, estuary or waterway. Very limited development is allowed, and shall be compatible with and cause little impact to these areas. The intent of the NA District is to provide stormwater protection and reduce flooding possibilities due to abnormal tides in Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, and the various tidal waterways in and adjacent to Orleans Parish.

7.1.E Purpose of the GPD General Planned Development District   

The purpose of the GPD General Planned Development District is to provide flexibility in the site design and development of land in order to promote its most environmentally sensitive use and to preserve the natural and scenic qualities of wetlands and other natural land features. The GPD District is intended to provide protection for environmentally sensitive areas and encourage development that avoids or minimizes negative impacts and allows for innovative development techniques and flexibility in the development of the site. 

7.1.F Purpose of the OS-CBD Central Business Open Space District   

The purpose of the OS-CBD Central Business Open Space District is to provide a classification for large open space parks in the Central Business Districts that provide a connection between neighborhoods and public amenities that draw in residents from across the City as well as visitors of New Orleans.  The OS-CBD District is intended to provide for both recreational uses and certain ancillary low-impact entertainment, commercial, and wellness programming.

Adopted by Ord.28275 MCS 12-19-19, ZD 81/19

7.1.G Purpose of the OS-AR Armstrong Regional Park District   

The purpose of the OS-AR Armstrong Regional Park District is to provide a classification to establish Louis Armstrong Park in the City’s Historic Core as a dedicated cultural resource, locale for community gathering, and conduit for retention of African Culture and spiritual practice. The OS-AR park district includes a majority of passive open space, parks, and history supporting and cultural uses in historic structures.

Adopted by Ord 29094 MCS, 6-23-22, ZD 11/22

7.2 Uses   

7.2.A Permitted and Conditional Uses   

Only those uses of land listed under Table 7-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses as permitted uses or conditional uses are allowed within the Open Space Districts. A “P” indicates that a use is permitted within that zoning district. A “C” indicates that a use is a conditional use in that zoning district and  would require a conditional use approval as required in Section 4.3 (Conditional Use). No letter (i.e., a blank space) or the absence of the use from the table indicates that use is not allowed within that zoning district.

Table 7-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses
Table 7-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses

USES1

DISTRICT

USE STANDARDS

OS-N

OS-G

OS-R

NA

GPD

OS-CBD OS-AR

RESIDENTIAL USE

Dwelling, Caretaker

 

 

P

C

C

  P10

 

Dwelling, Established Two-Family         C6     Section 20.3.W

Dwelling, Single-Family

        C6      
Existing Residential         C5      
Group Home, Small         C6     Section 20.3.GG

COMMERCIAL USE

Adult Use         C5     Section 20.3.B

Amusement Facility, Indoor

 

 

P

 

 

C  

Section 20.3.E

Amusement Facility, Outdoor

 

C

P

 

C5

   

Section 20.3.E

Art Studio             C10  
Auditorium             C10  
Bar         C5     Section 20.3.G
Boat Dock C   C C        

Casino/Gaming Establishment

 

 

C

 

 

   

Section 20.3.M

Catering Kitchen

 

C

P

 

C5

C  

 

Child Care Center, Small         P     Section 20.3.S
Child Care Center, Large         P     Section 20.3.S
Day Care Center, Adult - Small         C5     Section 20.3.S
Day Care Center, Adult - Large         C5     Section 20.3.S
Care Center, Adult or Child - Commercial         C5     Section 20.3.S
Drive-Through Facility         C5     Section 20.3.V
Employment Services         C5     Section 20.3.BB
Financial Institution         C5      
Gas Station         C5     Section 20.3.EE
Greenhouse/Nursery         C5      
Heavy Sales, Rental & Service         C5      
Hotel/Motel         C      
Kennel         C5     Section 20.3.II

Live Performance Venue

 

C

P

 

 

  C10

Section 20.3.JJ

Maritime Use

 

 

C

 

 

   

 

Micro-Brewery         C5      
Micro-Distillery         C5      
Motor Vehicle Service & Repair, Minor         C5     Section 20.3.MM
Motor Vehicle Service & Repair, Major         C5     Section 20.3.MM
Office         C5      

Outdoor Amphitheater

 

C

P

 

 

P7 C10

Section 20.3.VVV

Outdoor Live Entertainment - Secondary Use   C C     C   Section 20.3.WWW

Public Market

 

P

P

 

 

P8 C10

Section 20.3.TT

Reception Facility

 

 

P

 

 

   

Section 20.3.WW

Recreational Vehicle Park

 

 

C

 

C5

   

Section 20.3.XX

Restaurant, Carry Out

 

C

 

 

C5

C9  

Section 20.3.ZZ

Restaurant, Specialty

 

C

P

 

C5

C9 C10

Section 20.3.ZZ

Restaurant, Standard

 

C

P

 

C5

C9 C10

Section 20.3.ZZ

Retail Goods Establishment         C5      
Retail Sales of Packaged Alcoholic Beverages         C5      
Short Term Rental, Commercial         C     Section 20.3.LLL

Stadium

 

 

C

 

 

   

 

Winery         C5      

INDUSTRIAL USE

Batching Plant (Asphalt, Cement or Concrete)         C5      
Borrow Pit         C6     Section 20.3.J
Brewery         C5      
Broadcasting Studio         C5      
Composting Facility, Industrial         C5     Section 20.3.BBB
Convenience Center         P     Section 20.3.TTT
Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facility         C5     Section 20.3.P
Contractor Storage Yard         C5     Section 20.3.Q
Distillery         C5      
Food Processing         C5      
Freight Terminal         C5      
Heliport         C5     Section 20.3.D
Helistop         C5     Section 20.3.D
Manufacturing, Artisan         C5      
Manufacturing, Light         C5      
Manufacturing, Maritime-Dependent         C5      
Mardi Gras Den         C5      
Marina, Commercial         C5      
Marine Terminal         C5      
Maritime Use         C5      

Mining and Drilling Activities

 

 

 

C

C5

   

Section 20.3.KK

Motor Vehicle Operations Facility         C5      
Movie Studio         C5      
Outdoor Storage Yard         C5     Section 20.3.Q
Railyard         C5      
Research & Development         C5      
Salvage Yard         C5     Section 20.3.AAA
Separation/Recovery Facilities         C5     Section 20.3.BBB

Solar Energy System

P

P

P

P

P

P P

Section 20.3.DDD

Truck Repair         C5      
Truck Stop         C5     Section 20.3.FFF
Truck Terminal         C5     Section 20.3.FFF
Warehouse         C5      
Waste Transfer Station         C5     Section 20.3.BBB
Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities         C5     Section 20.3.HHH
Wholesale Goods Establishment         C5      

Wind Farm

 

 

C

C

C

   

Section 20.3. III

INSTITUTIONAL USE

City Hall         C C    

Community Center

 

P

P

 

C6

P P10

 

Convent and Monastery         C6      

Cultural Facility

 

C

P

 

C6

P C10

Section 20.3.R

Educational Facility, Primary         C6     Section 20.3.Z
Educational Facility, Secondary         C6     Section 20.3.Z
Educational Facility, Vocational         C5     Section 20.3.Z
Educational Facility, University         C5      
Emergency Shelter         C5     Section 20.3.AA

Government Offices

 

C

P

P

P

C  

 

Place of Worship         C6      
Prison         C5      

Public Works and Safety Facility

 

C

P

C

C

C  

 

Social Club or Lodge         C5,6     Section 20.3.CCC

OPEN SPACE USE

Agriculture – No Livestock

P

P

P

 

C6

P C10

Section 20.3.C

Agriculture – With Livestock

 

 

C

 

C6

   

Section 20.3.C

Boat Launch

 

 

P

P

P

   

 

Campground

 

 

C

 

 

   

Section 20.3.K

Cemetery

P

 

 

 

 

   

Section 20.3.N

Country Club

 

 

P

 

 

   

 

Driving Range

 

 

P

 

 

   

 

Fairgrounds

 

 

C

 

 

   

Section 20.3.CC

Fishing Camp

 

 

 

C

C

   

 

Forest/Nature Preserve

 

 

P

P

P

   

 

Golf Course

 

 

P

 

 

   

 

Horse Stables (Commercial)

 

 

P

 

C6

   

Section 20.3.HH

Marina, Recreational

 

 

C

C

C

   

 

Parks and Playgrounds

P

P

P

P3

C6

P P10

 

Pier (Public)

 

P

P

C

C

   

 

Private Residential Recreation Facility (Indoor or Outdoor)         C6     Section 20.3.SS

Public Fishing

P

P

P

P

P

P  

 

Stormwater Management (Principal Use)

P

P

P

P

P

  C10

 

OTHER

EV Charging Station (Principal Use)         C5     Section 20.3.YYY
Parking Lot (Accessory Use)          C11      
Parking Lot (Principal Use)         C5     Section 20.3.OO
Parking Structure (Principal Use)         C5     SEction 20.3.OO

Planned Development

 

 

 

 

C

   

Article 5

Pumping Station

P

P

P

 

P

P C10

Section 20.3.UU

Utilities

P4

P4

P4

P4

P4

P4 C10

Section 20.3.GGG

Wireless Telecommunications Antenna & Facility

C, P2

C, P2

C, P2

C, P2

C, P2

C, P2 C, P2,10

Section 20.3.JJJ

Wireless Telecommunications Tower & Facility

C

C

C

C

C

C  

Section 20.3.JJJ

TABLE 7-1 FOOTNOTES

1 The terms in this column (“Uses”) are defined in Article 26.

2 Only wireless telecommunications antennas that comply with the stealth design standards of Section 20.3.JJJ are considered permitted uses.

3 Parks and playgrounds in the NA District are limited to passive recreation facilities. The only structures permitted are standard playground equipment and outdoor seating furniture.

Electrical Utility Substations and Transmission Lines shall be subject to design review as per Article 4, Section 4.5.B.5 and Table 4-2.

5 Subject to the use restrictions in Section 7.2.B.1.

6 Subject to the use restrictions in Section 7.2.B.2.

7 Subject to the use restrictions in Section 7.2.B.3.

Subject to the use restrictions in Section 7.2.B.4.

Subject to the use restrictions in Section 7.2.B.5.

10 Other than parks and playgrounds, all uses shall be prohibited the following boundaries which include the Congo Square portion of Armstrong Park and would not include any portion of the park that currently contains structural uses: North Rampart Street, Saint Peter Street, Basin Street, the Municipal Auditorium driveway, a line extending across the Saint Peter Street side Municipal Auditorium façade, a line extending across the North Rampart Street side Municipal Auditorium façade, a line extending from the centerline of Saint Ann Street, the lakeside of Square 114, a line extending from the centerline of Dumaine Street.  The only structures permitted within Congo Square and Umoja Grove located on Squares 114, 115, 116, and 134 shall be limited to outdoor seating furniture and commemorative, educational or culturally-related signage and historic markers, except that playground equipment and picnic shelters shall be permitted in Umoja Grove located on Squares 116 and 134.

11 As authorized in Article 22, Section 22.8.B.2.a.

Adopted by 27,057 MCS, §1, September 12, 2016, Zoning Docket 052/16; Ord. No. 27,707, §1, April 2, 2018, Zoning Docket 001/18; Ord. 28176, Sept. 5, 2019, ZD 58/19; Ord. No. 28,156 MCS, §1, August 8, 2019, Zoning Docket 026/19 & 027/19; Ord.28275 MCS, 12-19-19, ZD 81/19; Ord. 28432 MCS, 8-6-20, ZD 38/20; Ord. 28564 MCS, 12-17-20, ZD 73/20; Ord 28989 MCS 4-7-22, ZD 104/21; Ord 28967 MCS, 3-10-22, ZD 107/21: Ord 29094 MCS, 6-23-22, ZD 11/22; Ord. No. 29,126, §6, Aug. 12, 2022, Zoning Docket 16/22; Ord 29157 9-15-22, ZD 030/22; Ord. 29528, 7-24-23, Zoning Docket 13/23; Ord. 29744, 12-8-23, Zoning Docket 055/23

7.2.B Use Restrictions   

7.2.B.1 Uses in the GPD Districts   

In the portions of the GPD District in Planning District 9 and 10, certain uses shall be conditional uses, subject to the following limitations:

a. Any proposed development site that meets, or met at the time of this ordinance, the minimum size standards for a planned development in Article 5, Section 5.2.C shall be considered under the planned development process and is not eligible for consideration as a conditional use.

b. Only properties located in Planning District 9 and 10 are eligible for conditional use consideration.

c. A conditional use may be granted if the City Council finds that the proposed uses are compatible with uses existing or anticipated to occur upon the adjacent sites and will be properly screened or buffered from adjacent properties as needed to minimize potential negative impacts.

d. The proposed development shall comply with the development regulations, design standards, and required protection requirements found in Article 5, Section 5.4.

Adopted by Ord. 28561 MCS, 12-17-20

7.2.B.2 S-RS District Uses in the GPD Districts   

In the portions of the GPD District in Planning Districts 12 and 13, certain uses in the S-RS District shall be conditional uses, subject to the following limitations:

  1. Any proposed development site that meets, or met at the time of this ordinance, the minimum size standards for a planned development in Article 5, Section 5.2.C shall be considered under the planned development process and is not eligible for consideration as a conditional use.
  2. Only properties located in Planning Districts 12 and 13 are eligible for conditional use consideration.
  3. A conditional use may be granted if the City Council finds that the proposed uses are compatible with uses existing or anticipated to occur upon the adjacent sites and will be properly screened or buffered from adjacent properties as needed to minimize potential negative impacts.
  4. The proposed development shall comply with the S-RS District Site Design Standards found in Article 13, Section 13.3.

 

Adopted by September 12, 2016, Zoning Docket 052/16, 27,057 MCS, §1

7.2.B.3 Outdoor Amphitheater uses in the OS-CBD Districts   

In the OS-CBD Districts, outdoor amphitheater is a permitted use subject to the following standards:

a.  Outdoor amphitheater uses are permitted in the OS-CBD a maximum of three (3) times per week.  Uses exceeding three (3) times per week shall obtain special event permits or shall require a conditional use.

b.  Hours of operation are restricted to the following:

i.  Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

c.  Outdoor amphitheater shall be oriented away from residences to the greatest extent feasible.

Adopted by Ord.28275 MCS 12-19-19, ZD 81/19

7.2.B.4 Public Market Uses in the OS-CBD Districts   

In the OS-CBD Districts, public markets are permitted but subject to the following use standards in addition to those found in Article 20, Section 20.3.TT:

a.  Public markets are permitted in the OS-CBD District, with a maximum of one operator each day.

b.  Live musical accompaniment is allowed as ancillary to the public market only during its authorized hours of operation.

Adopted by Ord.28275 MCS 12-19-19, ZD 81/19

7.2.B.5 Restaurant Uses in the OS-CBD Districts   

In the OS-CBD Districts, all restaurants are conditional uses subject to the following standards:

a.  Restaurants are limited to five percent (5%) of the total park area.

Adopted by Ord.28275 MCS 12-19-19, ZD 81/19

7.3 Site Design Standards   

Table 7-2: Bulk and Yard Regulations establishes bulk and yard regulations for the Open Space Districts.

Table 7-2: Bulk and Yard Regulations

BULK & YARD REGULATIONS

DISTRICT

OS-N

OS-G

OS-R

NA

GPD

OS-CBD

OS-AR

BULK REGULATIONS

 

MINIMUM DISTRICT SIZE

 None

None

25 acres

1 acre

1 acre

None

25 acres

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT

35’

35’

50’; however all buildings over 35’ shall be set back from lot lines equal to building height

35’

35'

35’

The maximum

building height

shall be limited

to the current

height of the

existing

structure, as

defined by

Article 26, or

35’ for new

structures

ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS

 

See

Section 7.4

 

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM YARD REQUIREMENTS

 

FRONT YARD

15’

10’

20’

20’

20'

20’

20'

INTERIOR SIDE YARD

20’

10’

20’

20’

20'

20’

20'

CORNER SIDE YARD

15’

10’

20’

20’

20'

20’

20'

REAR YARD

20’

10’

20’

25’

20'

20’

20'

Adopted by Ord.28275 MCS 12-19-19, ZD 81/19; Ord 29094 MCS, 6-23-22, ZD 11/22

7.4 OS-G District Design Standards   

Because of its linear nature and connection to adjacent uses as the greenway traverses neighborhoods, development in the OS-G District shall meet the following design standards in order to maximize activity and interaction with the greenway and create a cohesive, pedestrian-friendly environment.

A.  Public entrances to buildings and recreation facilities shall be oriented to the public street and the pedestrian way.

B.  Driveways and parking areas shall be constructed of pervious or semi-pervious materials.

C.  Fencing along the greenway shall be at least seventy percent (70%) open and shall be limited in height to a maximum of six (6) feet.

D.  Picnic shelters, exercise equipment, bicycle parking, stormwater management, and other permitted accessory uses may be located within the required yards.

E.  New vehicular crossings of a pedestrian or bicycle trail within an OS-G District shall not be permitted except where required to facilitate emergency service.  
 

7.5 General Standards of Applicability   

All Open Space Districts are subject to the following standards:

7.5.A Accessory Structures and Uses   

See Section 21.6 for standards governing accessory structures and uses. 

7.5.B Temporary Uses   

See Section 21.8 for standards governing temporary uses.

7.5.C Site Development Standards   

See Article 21 for additional site development standards such as exterior lighting, environmental performance standards, and permitted encroachments. 

7.5.D Off-Street Parking and Loading   

See Article 22 for standards governing off-street parking and loading.

7.5.E Landscape, Stormwater Management, and Screening   

See Article 23 for standards governing landscape, stormwater management, and screening.

7.5.F Signs   

See Article 24 for standards governing signs.

7.5.G Overlay Districts   

See Article 18 for additional overlay district regulations, when applicable.

7.5.H Nonconformities   

See Article 25 for regulations governing nonconformities.

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