23.3 Landscape Plans

Ord. 27,683 MCS, §6, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17

23.3.A Applicability   

1.  A landscape plan is required for all developments, with the exception of single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings of six (6) units or less.

 

Adopted by Ord. 27,683 MCS, §4, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17

23.3.B Content of Landscape Plan   

Landscape plans - except those for only a buffer yard as required in Section 23.8 or parking lot landscaping in Section 23.7.A -  shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect licensed  by the Louisiana Horticulture Commission.  A horticulturist/landscape contractor licensed in Louisiana may be used for projects that do not require a stormwater management plan. A landscape plan shall contain the following information:

1. The location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, property lines, servitudes, parking lots and drives, roadways and rights-of-way, sidewalks, signs, refuse disposal and recycling areas, sidewalks, bicycle paths and parking facilities, fences, electrical equipment, recreational facilities, drainage facilities, and other freestanding structures, as determined necessary by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.

2.  The location, quantity, size, name, and condition, both botanical and common, of all existing plant materials and trees, and a description of all tree preservation measures.

3.   The location, quantity, size, name, and condition of all plant material and trees in the right-of-way, and indicating plant material and trees to be retained and removed.

4.  The location, quantity, size, and name, both botanical and common, of all proposed plant material including, but not limited to, shade and evergreen trees, shrubs, groundcover, annuals, perennials, and turf.

5.  The existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at one (1) foot intervals.

6.  Building elevations of all proposed fences, walls, steps, and fixed retaining walls (cast concrete, unitized walls) on the site.

7. Landscape plans and specifications shall be designed following sustainability principles as set forth in the sustainable landscaping Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods (LYN) Program published by the LSU AgCenter, latest edition. 

8.  Other details as deemed necessary by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.

Adopted by Ord. 29126 MCS, 8-4-22, ZD 16/22

23.3.C Minor Changes to Approved Landscape Plans   

Minor changes to the landscape plan that do not result in a reduction in the net amount of plant material as specified on the approved landscape plan or a reduction in the net amount of water detained or stored and filtered on-site may be approved by the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits or the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission. Changes to the size and amount of plant materials of an approved landscape plan are not considered a minor change. Major changes shall be approved by the body initially granting approval of the landscape plan.

Adopted by Ord. 27,683 MCS, §6, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17

23.3.D Alternative Compliance   

1.  The landscape standards contained in this Article are intended to encourage development that is environmentally functional, economically viable, and aesthetically pleasing. The following standards are not intended to inhibit creative development. Project conditions associated with individual sites may justify approval of alternative methods of compliance when landscape is part of an integrated water management strategy. It is acknowledged that conditions may arise where normal compliance is impractical or impossible, a design proposal offers superior results, or maximum achievement of the City’s objectives can only be obtained through alternative compliance.

2.  Requests for alternative compliance will be accepted for any permit application to which the requirements of this Article apply, when one (1) or more of the following conditions are met:

a. Topography, soil, vegetation, drainage, or other site conditions are such that full compliance is impractical.

b. Improved environmental quality would result from the alternative compliance of the provisions of this Article.

c. Spatial limitations, unusually shaped pieces of land, unusual servitude requirements, or prevailing practices in the surrounding area may justify alternative compliance for infill sites.

3.  A request for alternative compliance shall be submitted at the time the landscape plan is submitted. In no case shall the landscape requirements be reduced by more than twenty-five percent (25%). Request for alternative compliance shall be accompanied by a written explanation of such alternatives to allow appropriate valuation and decision by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.

Adopted by Ord. 27,683 MCS, §6, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17; Technical Correction #10, 12-17-18