4.5.E Approval Standards

In reviewing site plan and design review applications, the relationship of the development plan to adopted land use policies and the goals and objectives of the Master Plan shall be evaluated. In addition, the following characteristics shall be considered:

1. Degree of conformity with the regulations of this Ordinance.

2.  Degree of conformity with all applicable regulations within the City Code, and the goals and policies of the Master Plan.

3.  The location, arrangement, size, design, and general site compatibility of buildings, lighting, and signs, including:

a.  Compatibility with, and mitigation of, any potential impact upon, adjacent property.

b.  Site illumination designed and installed to minimize adverse impact on adjacent properties.

4.  Landscape and the arrangement of open space or natural features on the site shall:

a.  Create a desirable and functional environment for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of residential dwellings, business owners, and employees. To achieve such an environment, landscape may take advantage of open space design features such as bike paths, running paths, and outdoor relaxation areas.

b.  Preserve unique natural resources, including measures to preserve and protect existing healthy, mature trees.

c.  Protect natural resources and landscape on adjacent sites.

d.  Design drainage facilities to promote the use and preservation of natural watercourses and patterns of drainage.

e.  Utilize plant materials suitable to withstand the climatic conditions of New Orleans and microclimate of the site. The use of native species is encouraged.

f.  Screening to buffer the impact of the development on adjacent uses and enhance the appearance and image of the City by screening incompatible uses and certain site elements, and creating a logical transition to adjoining lots and developments.

5.  Circulation systems and off-street parking shall be designed to:

a.  Provide adequate and safe access to the site for motor vehicles as well as alternate modes of transportation, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit.

b.  Minimize potentially dangerous traffic movements.

c.  Separate pedestrian and auto circulation and provide for bicycle parking or storage where required.

d.  Minimize curb cuts by using cross-access servitudes and shared parking.

e.  Design off-street parking lots or garages to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties, particularly through the use of perimeter and interior landscape, and promote logical and safe parking and internal circulation.

f.  Clearly define pedestrian access from the parking area to the building(s). A clearly defined visible and identifiable network of pedestrian connections should be provided in and between parking lots, street sidewalks, open spaces, buildings, and public transit.

6. Building design that enhances the design quality and character of the surrounding community through strategies such as:

a. Maintaining existing development patterns reflected in the intent of the Master Plan or other adopted plans, or reflecting changes proposed within the Master Plan or other adopted plans.

b. Providing a visible transition in height and bulk between higher and lower density development.

c. Reinforcing the prevailing orientation to the street.

d. Strengthening the character of walkable streets, intact residential neighborhoods, and other environments for which this prevailing character reflects the urban design goals of the Master Plan.

e. Respecting historic design context.

Ord 28800 MCS, 10-21-21, ZD 56/21