Article 15 Commercial Center & Institutional Campus Districts

PURPOSE OF THE COMMERCIAL CENTER AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS DISTRICTS

Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts represent the major destination areas within the city. They contain districts that address areas of commercial concentration and institutional campuses, and range from areas that are more pedestrian in orientation to those designed to accommodate significant parking demand. The types of commercial uses permitted within the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts are based on a number of factors, including their proximity to residential areas, their location along major streets and the intensity of uses allowed within the districts. In addition to commercial districts that allow a variety of retail, personal service, office, and restaurant uses, specialized districts for large-scale users are also destination centers, such as hospital and university campuses. Finally, in certain districts a mixed-use environment is permitted where higher density residential uses and vertical mixed-use is encouraged.

Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts contain regulations that create and maintain intensive mixed employment, shopping, and entertainment destination environments. Controls within the districts address proper scales of development based on the desired intensity of the district, including regulations on parking, landscape, and screening.

CHARACTER OF THE COMMERCIAL CENTER AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS DISTRICTS

The character of the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts is defined by:

»         Concentrations of retail, service, office, and entertainment uses both along major thoroughfares and at commercial nodes

»         A variety of commercial district types – from pedestrian-oriented commercial corridors to larger shopping centers

»         Large-scale campuses, such as hospitals and universities, that contain a variety of uses and activities on site

»         Mixed-use development, including residences above ground floor commercial and higher density dwelling types

 

15.1 Purpose Statements   

15.1.A Purpose of the C-1 General Commercial District   

The C-1 General Commercial District is intended to provide appropriate locations for a variety of commercial activities, generally serving a wide area and located particularly along commercial corridors with a mix of commercial, service, and residential activities. Areas of the C-1 District are oriented toward pedestrians but also accommodate larger commercial uses generally accessed by automobiles. 

15.1.B Purpose of the C-2 Auto-Oriented Commercial District   

The C-2 Auto-Oriented Commercial District is intended for a wide variety of commercial activities, generally serving a wide area and located along major arterials. The C-2 District is intended for large-scale, auto-oriented commercial uses and strip commercial developments, which require significant parking. The C-2 District is also intended to accommodate marine-oriented commercial and recreational uses along major bodies of water.

15.1.C Purpose of the C-3 Heavy Commercial District   

The C-3 Heavy Commercial District is intended to provide for auto-oriented heavy commercial uses and large-scale shopping centers. Standards for the C-3 District are designed to maintain and enhance the appearance of these areas, and to provide adequate buffering between any residential and lower-intensity commercial properties adjacent to the district.

15.1.D Purpose of the MU-1 Medium Intensity Mixed-Use District   

The MU-1 Medium Intensity Mixed-Use District is intended to encourage walkable neighborhood centers and corridors, with a mix of residential and commercial uses. Buildings may contain vertical mixed-use as well as single purpose uses designed to provide transitions to adjacent lower density residential areas.

15.1.E Purpose of the MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use District   

The MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use District is intended encourage walkable neighborhood centers and corridors conducive to transit, with a mix of residential and supportive commercial and office uses. Buildings may contain vertical mixed-use as well as single purpose uses designed to be located both at neighborhood centers and along major arterial corridors. 

15.1.F Purpose of the EC Educational Campus District   

The EC Educational Campus District is intended for large university campus developments to facilitate an orderly and efficient regulation process for these types of uses. The district establishes a process that is flexible enough to accommodate evolving changes and expansions in campus plans, and creates the proper transitions between campus activities and adjacent neighborhoods. Within the district, development will proceed in accordance with an approved Institutional Master Plan that relates to the adjacent district, the surrounding neighborhoods, and needs of the universities.

15.1.G Purpose of the MC Medical Campus District   

The MC Medical Campus District is intended for medical campuses and the accompanying medical-related support services, including offices, research facilities and commercial uses, to facilitate an orderly and efficient regulation process for these types of uses. The district establishes a process that is flexible enough to accommodate evolving changes and expansion in medical campus plans, and creates the proper transitions between hospital activities and adjacent neighborhoods. Within the district, development will proceed in accordance with an approved Institutional Master Plan that relates to the adjacent district, the surrounding neighborhoods, and needs of the hospital.

15.1.H Purpose of the MS Medical Service District   

The MS Medical Service District is intended for local hospitals and medical service facilities of lower intensity than large medical campuses. The MS District is intended for hospitals, and hospital-related and support services that are generally integrated within and connected to adjacent areas of commercial and residential development. 

15.1.I Purpose of the LS Life Science Mixed-Use District   

The LS Life Science Mixed-Use District is intended to provide a district that is focused on life sciences research, including research, development, medical and limited manufacturing activity. In addition to life science research and development uses, the area is also intended to be more mixed-use in nature, by also allowing higher density residential and supportive commercial uses to serve those that live and work within the district. 

15.1.J Purpose of the Commercial Center & Institutional Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Sub-Districts   

The Commercial Center and Institutional Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Sub-Districts are intended to include mandatory affordable housing requirements, in accordance with Article 28, in districts that allow the development of ten or more dwelling units.

Adopted by Ord. 28036 MCS, Sec. 1, March 28, 2019, ZD 112/18

15.2 Uses   

15.2.A Permitted and Conditional Uses   

Only those uses of land listed under Table 15-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses as permitted uses or conditional uses are allowed within the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus 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). For conditional uses in the EC and MC Districts, Institutional Master Plan approval, in accordance with Section 15.5 is also required. No letter (i.e., a blank space), or the absence of the use from the table, indicates that use is not permitted within that zoning district.

Table 15-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses
Table 15-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses

USES1

DISTRICTS

USE STANDARDS

C-1

C-2

C-3

MU-1

MU-2

EC3

MC

MS

LS

RESIDENTIAL USE

Bed and Breakfast – Accessory

 

 

 

C

C

C

 

 

 

Section 20.3.I

Bed and Breakfast – Principal

 

 

 

C

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.I

Day Care Home, Adult – Small

 

 

 

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.T

Day Care Home, Adult - Large

 

 

 

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.T

Dormitory

 

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

Dwelling, Above the Ground Floor

C12/P

C13/P

C13/P

P

P

 

 

C

P

 

Dwelling, Single-Family

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Dwelling, Two-Family

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.Y

Dwelling, Townhouse

 

 

 

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.X

Dwelling, Multi-Family

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

P

 

Dwelling, Small Multi-Family Affordable       P P         Section 20.3.SSS

Dwelling, Existing Single-Family

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

Dwelling, Established Two-Family

P/C7

P/C7

P/C7

 

 

 

 

P

 

Section 20.3.W

Dwelling, Established Multi-Family

P/C7

P/C7

P/C7

 

 

 

 

P

 

Section 20.3.W

Fraternity/Sorority

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.DD

Group Home, Small

 

 

 

P

P

 

P

 

 

Section 20.3.GG

Group Home, Large

 

 

 

P

P

 

P

 

P

Section 20.3.GG

Group Home, Congregate

 

 

 

C

C

 

P

 

 

Section 20.3.GG

Home Based Child Care, Small       P P         Section 20.3.T

Permanent Supportive Housing

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

P

Section 20.3.PP

Residential Care Facility

P

P

 

P

P

 

P

P

P

Section 20.3.YY

Timeshare   C   C     C C C  

COMMERCIAL USE

Amusement Facility, Indoor

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.E

Amusement Facility, Outdoor

 

C

P

C

P

C

 

 

 

Section 20.3.E

Art Gallery

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Arts Studio

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Animal Hospital

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

Auditorium

 

 

 

P

P

C

C

P

P

 

Bar

C

P

P

C

P

 

 

 

P

Section 20.3.G

Broadcast Studio

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Bus Terminal

C

C

C

C

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

Car Wash

C

C

P

C

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.L

 

Catering Kitchen

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Check Cashing Establishment

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

P

Section 20.3.O

Convention Center

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

Day Care Center, Adult or Child - Small

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.S

Day Care Center, Adult - Large

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.S

Day Care Center, Adult - Commercial

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.S

Drive-Through Facility

 

P

P

C

C

 

 

 

C

Section 20.3.V

Employment Services

 

C

C

 

 

 

 

 

P

Section 20.3.BB

Financial Institution

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

P

 

Funeral Home

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

Greenhouse/Nursery

 

 

P

C

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas Station

C

P

P

C

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.EE

 

Grocery Store P P P P P P P P P  

Health Club

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Heavy Sales, Rental & Service

 

 

P

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

Hostel

P/C8

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

P

 

Hotel/Motel

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Kennel

 

 

C

C

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.II

 

Live Entertainment – Secondary Use

C

P9

C

C

P9

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.JJ

 

Live Performance Venue

C

C

P

C

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.JJ

 

Medical/Dental Clinic

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Micro-Brewery

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

Micro-Distillery

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicle Dealership, Large

C

P

P

 

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.LL

 

Motor Vehicle Operations Facility

 

 

P

C

C

C

C

P

 

 

 

Motor Vehicle Rental Establishment

C

P

P

 

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.LL

 

Motor Vehicle Service & Repair, Minor

C

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.MM

Motor Vehicle Service & Repair, Major

 

C

P

 

C

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.MM

Movie Studio

 

 

P

C

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

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

Pawn Shop

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.O

Personal Service Establishment

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Pet Day Care Service

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.QQ

Printing Establishment

 

 

P

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

Public Market

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.TT

Reception Facility

C

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.WW

Recording Studio

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Recreational Vehicle Park

 

C

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.XX

Restaurant, Carry-Out

P

P

P

P

P

C

C

 

P

Section 20.3.ZZ

Restaurant, Fast Food

P

P

P

C

P

C

C

 

P

Section 20.3.ZZ

Restaurant, Standard

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.ZZ

Restaurant, Specialty

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.ZZ

Retail Goods Establishment

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Retail Sales of Packaged Alcoholic Beverages

C

C

P

C

C

 

 

 

C

 

Shooting Range, Indoor   C C             Section 20.3.RRR
Short Term Rental, Commercial P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.LLL
Small Box Variety Store P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.NNN

Stadium

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

Winery

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL USE

Brewery

P5

P5

P5

P5,C6

P5

 

 

 

 

 

Contractor Storage Yard

 

C

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.Q

Convenience Center P P P             Section 20.3.TTT
Distillery P5 P5 P5 P5,C6 P5          
District Energy System       C C   P P   Section 20.3.QQQ

Food Processing

P

P

P

C

P

 

 

 

 

 

Helistop

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

Section 20.3.D

 

Heliport

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

C

C

Section 20.3.D

 

Mardi Gras Den   P P P C P        

Marina, Commercial

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marina, Recreational

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing, Artisan

 

 

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing, Light

 

 

 

C

P

 

 

 

P

 

Mini-Warehouse

 

C

P

C

C

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Storage Yard

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 20.3.Q

Research & Development

 

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Solar Energy System P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.DDD

Warehouse

 

 

P

C

P

 

 

 

P

 

INSTITUTIONAL USE

Child Care Center, Small P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.S
Child Care Center, Large P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.S
City Hall C C C C C C C C C  

Community Center

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Convent and Monastery

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

Cultural Facility

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Section 20.3.R

 

Domestic Protection Shelter

 

 

C

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.U

 

Educational Facility, Primary

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.Z

 

Educational Facility, Secondary

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Section 20.3.Z

 

Educational Facility, University

C

C

C

P

P

P

P

 

C

 

 

Educational Facility, Vocational

C

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

C

Section 20.3.Z

 

Emergency Shelter

 

 

C

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.AA

 

Government Offices

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Hospital

 

C

C

C

C

P

P

P

P

 

Place of Worship

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Public Works and Safety Facility

C

C

C

C

C

 

 

 

P

 

Social Club or Lodge

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.CCC

OPEN SPACE USE

Agriculture – No Livestock

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

P

Section 20.3.C

Agriculture – With Livestock

 

 

 

C

C

C

C

 

C

Section 20.3.C

Cemetery       C,P11           Section 20.3.N

Parks and Playgrounds

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Stormwater Management (Principal Use)

P

P P P P P P P P  

 

OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EV Charging Station (Principal Use) P P P P P P P P P Section 20.3.YYY
Parking Lot (Accessory Use) P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10  

Parking Lot (Principal Use)

C

C

C

C

C

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.OO

 

Parking Structure (Principal Use)

C

C

C

C

C

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.OO

 

Planned Development

C

C

C

C

C

 

 

 

C

Article 5

Pumping Station

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Section 20.3.UU

Utilities

P2

P2

P2

P2

P2

P

P

P2

P2

Section 20.3.GGG

 

Wireless Telecommunications Antenna & Facility

P4

P4

P4

C,P4

C,P4

P

P

P4

P4

Section 20.3.JJJ

 

Wireless Telecommunications Tower & Facility

P

P

P

C

C

P

P

C

C

Section 20.3.JJJ

 

TABLE 15-1 FOOTNOTES

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

2 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.

3 See Section 15.2.C.

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

5 Subject to the use restrictions in Section 15.2.B.1.

6 Subject to the use restrictions in Section 15.2.B.2.

Established Two-Family Dwellings and Established Multi-Family Dwellings that comply with Section 20.3.W.1 are permitted uses while those that comply with Section 20.3.W.2 are conditional uses.

Subject to the use restriction in Section 15.2.B.3

9 Classified as a Conditional Use in Breweries.

10As authorized in Article 22, Section 22.8.B.2.a

11Only cemeteries that comply with all use standards of Section 20.3.N are considered permitted uses.

12Dwellings above the ground floor are conditional uses on all lots bordering General DeGaulle Drive between Lennox Boulevard and the Norman Canal, and on all lots in the area bordering and bounded by Esplanade Avenue, Bayou Saint John, Lake Pontchartrain, the eastern boundary of the Orleans Parish/Saint Bernard Parish line, and the Mississippi River. In all other locations within the C-1 District, dwellings above the ground floor are permitted uses.

13Dwellings above the ground floor are conditional uses on all lots in the area bordering and bounded by Esplanade Avenue, Bayou Saint John, Lake Pontchartrain, the eastern boundary of the Orleans Parish/Saint Bernard Parish line, and the Mississippi River. In all other locations within the C-2 and C-3 Districts, dwellings above the ground floor are permitted uses.

 

Adopted by Ord. No. 27,209, §1, Dec. 7, 2016, Zoning Docket 61/16; Ord. No. 27,375, §6, April 28, 2017, Zoning Docket 118/16; Ord. No. 27,338, §4, March 31, 2017, Zoning Docket 121/16; Ord. No. 27,762, §1, May 11, 2018, Zoning Docket 23/18; Ord. No. 27,707, §1, April 2, 2018, Zoning Docket 001/18; Ord. No. 27,759, §1, May 11, 2018, Zoning Docket 006/18; Ord. 28176, Sept. 5, 2019, ZD 59/19; Ord. 28219 MCS, Oct. 17, 2019, ZD 45/19; Ord No 28,156 MCS, §9, August 8, 2019, Zoning Docket 26/19 & 27/19; Ord. 28,322 MCS, §2, February 28, 2020, Zoning Docket 117-19; Ord. 28432 MCS, 8-6-20, ZD 38/20; Ord. 28622, 3-11-21, ZD 83/20; Ord. 28696 MCS, 6-3-21, ZD 16/21; Ord. 28736 MCS, 7-15-21, ZD 17/21; Ord 28905 MCS, 1-6-22, ZD 83/21; Ord. No. 28,911, §7, January 6, 2022, Zoning Docket 084/21; Ord 28967 MCS, 3-10-22, ZD 107/21; Ord. 29126, 8-12-22, ZD016/22; Ord. 28963, 3-10-22, ZD 78/21; Ord 29157 9-15-22, ZD 030/22; Ordinance No. 29382, March 23, 2023, Zoning Docket 02/23; Ord. 29528, 7-24-23, Zoning Docket 13/23; Ordinance No. 29702, November 7, 2023, Zoning Docket 063/23; Ord. No 29744, 12-8-23, Zoning Docket 055/23; Ordinance No. 29987, 7-30-24, Zoning Docket 21/24; Ordinance No. 29946, 6-13-24, Zoning Docket 002/24

15.2.B Use Restrictions   

15.2.B.1 Breweries in the C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, and MU-2 Districts   

In the C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, and MU-2 Districts, only breweries and distilleries that produce fewer than 12,500 barrels per year are considered permitted uses.  

Adopted by Ord. 28696 MCS, 6-3-21, ZD 16/21

15.2.B.2 Breweries in the MU-1 District   

In the MU-1 District, breweries and distilleries that produce more than 12,500 barrels per year are considered conditional uses.  

Adopted by Ord. 28696 MCS, 6-3-21, ZD 16/21

15.2.B.3 Hostels in the C-1 District   

Hostels in a C-1 District that are adjacent to a residential district are conditional uses. Otherwise, hostels are permitted uses in the C-1 District.

Adopted by Ord. No. 27,759, §1, May 11, 2018, Zoning Docket 006/18

15.2.C Uses Associated With Colleges and Universities in the EC District   

In addition to the permitted and conditional uses listed in Table 15-1 for the EC District, Colleges and Universities and uses normally associated therewith are permitted in the EC District when part of an approved Institutional Master Plan.

15.3 Site Design Standards   

15.3.A Bulk and Yard Regulations   

15.3.A.1 General Regulations   

Table 15-2: Bulk and Yard Regulations establishes bulk and yard regulations for the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts.

Table 15-2: Bulk & Yard Regulations
Table 15-2: Bulk & Yard Regulations

BULK & YARD REGULATIONS1

C-1

C-2

C-3

MU-1

MU-2

EC

MC

MS

LS

BULK REGULATIONS

 

MINIMUM LOT AREA

Dwelling, Above the Ground Floor: 1,000sf/du

Non-Residential: 3,000sf

Dwelling, Above the Ground Floor: 1,000sf/du

Non-Residential 5,000sf

Dwelling, Above the Ground Floor: 800sf/du

Non Residential: 5,000sf

SF: 3,000sf/du

2F: 1,700sf/du

MF: 1,000sf/du

Small MF Affordable: None

Townhouse: 2,000sf/du

Non-Residential: None

SF: 3,000sf/du

2F: 1,700sf/du

MF: 800sf/du

Small MF Affordable: None

Townhouse: 1,800sf/du

Non-Residential: None

SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 2 acres

SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 2 acres.

None

5,000sf

A

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT

40’ & no more than 3 stories

40’ & no more than 3 stories

130’ & no more than 12 stories

SF & 2F: 35’

Townhouse: 40’ & no more than 3 stories

MF & Non-Residential: 60’ & no more than 5 stories

SF & 2F: 35’

Townhouse: 40’ & no more than 3 stories

MF & Non-Residential: 85’ & no more than 7 stories

Limited to  2 times the most restrictive height of adjacent districts; height may be increased by 1’ for each additional foot of setback from the required yard; additional height may be obtained through the conditional use process

Limited to   2 times the most restrictive height of adjacent districts; height may be increased by 1’ for each additional foot of setback from the required yard

When adjacent to residential district: Maximum height of adjacent residential district - may exceed this height by 20 ft when the structure is set back 3’ from residential district line for each additional 5’ in building height

 

When adjacent to non-residential district: 100’

100’, unless adjacent to a residential district then 50’ but may exceed 50’ if set back 1’ for each foot above 50’ up to 100’

  MINIMUM PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE 20% of the lot area 20% of the lot area 20% of the lot area 20% of the lot area 20% of the lot area 30% of the lot area 30% of the lot area 30% of the lot area 30% of the lot area

MINIMUM YARD REQUIREMENTS

B

FRONT YARD

Section 15.3.A.2

Section 15.3.A.2

Section 15.3.A.2

Section 15.3.A.2

Section 15.3.A.2

SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10’

SF and 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10’

20’

Section 15.3.A.2

C INTERIOR SIDE YARD None, unless abutting a residential district then 5' 5' 10' SF & 2F: 10% of lot width or 3’, whichever is greater
Townhouse: 10’
MF & Non-Residential/Mixed-Use: None, unless abutting a residential district then 5’
SF & 2F: 10% of lot width or 3’, whichever is greater
Townhouse: 10’
MF & Non-Residential/Mixed Use: None, unless abutting a residential district then 5’
SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10’, unless abutting residential district then 25’ SF and 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10’, unless abutting residential district then 25’ 10' None, unless abutting residential district then 10’
D CORNER SIDE YARD None 10' 10' None None SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10' SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 10' 10' None to a maximum of 20'
E REAR YARD None, unless abutting a residential district then 20’ 25' 25' Residential: 20’
Non-Residential/Mixed-Use: None, unless abutting a residential district then 20’
Residential: 20’
Non-Residential/Mixed-Use: None, unless abutting a residential district then 20’
SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 20’, unless abutting residential district then 35’ SF & 2F: Equal to that of the most restrictive adjacent residential district. All other uses: 20’, unless abutting residential district then 35’ 10' 10’, unless abutting residential district then 20’

TABLE 15-2 FOOTNOTES

1 If a property abuts more than one zoning district, the more restrictive yard requirement applies.

Table 15-3: The Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Sub-District (MIZ) regulations establish mandatory inclusionary unit thresholds, set aside requirements, and Area Medium Income (AMI) levels and is required for any development that contains residential development of 10 or more dwelling units, including rental and homeownership dwelling units. Affordable Housing Units shall be in accordance with the standards outlined in the table below. All other bulk and yard regulations for the sub-districts are subject to the corresponding non-inclusionary zoning base district regulations.

Table 15-3: Commercial Center & Institutional Campus Inclusionary Zoning

Sub-District Regulations1

Zoning Sub-District

Minimum Lot Area Requirement

Affordable Housing Unit Threshold

Set Aside Requirement %

Area Medium Income (AMI) Rental Units (%)

Area Medium Income AMI Homeownership (%)

C-1-IZ

NA2

10

5

60

60

C-2-IZ

NA2

10

5

60

60

C-3-IZ

NA2

10

5

60

60

MU-1-IZ

1,000 sf/du

10

5

60

60

MU-2-IZ

800 sf/du

10

5

60

80

TABLE 15-3 FOOTNOTES

1The terms for the Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Sub-Districts in this section are outlined in Article 28.

2The minimum lot area requirements for properties in these districts are non-applicable. Multi-family development is only permitted above the ground floor and developments are subject to the development standards in Table 14-2: Bulk and Yard Regulations.

.

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Adopted by Ord. No. 27,722, §8, April 11, 2018, Zoning Docket 113/17; Ord No. 027883, §1, October 10, 2018, Zoning Docket 079/18; Ord. 28036 MCS, Sec. 1, March 28, 2019, ZD 112/18; Ord. No. 28,911, §7, January 6, 2022, Zoning Docket 084/21

15.3.A.2 Front Yard Build-To Line Requirement   

a.  Within the C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, MU-2 and LS Districts of the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts, the front yard build-to line is established by any one (1) of the following methods. A build-to line is an established setback line at which a structure is required to build. However, in no case may the front yard exceed twenty (20) feet.

i.  As of the effective date of this Ordinance, the current front yard of the existing structure may be set as the required front yard build-to line. When a structure is demolished, the demolition permit shall indicate the dimension of the front yard prior to demolition. The required front yard build-to line is that indicated on the demolition permit.

ii.  The required front yard build-to line indicated on the most recent survey or Sanborn maps.

iii.  The average of the front yard of the adjacent lots on either side may be used to establish the required front yard build-to line. Averaging is based on the two (2) adjacent lots or, in the case of a corner lot, two (2) neighboring lots on the same blockface. In the case of a lot configuration where only one (1) lot is available for averaging, the front yard build-to line is that of the adjacent lot. (See Figure 15-1: Front Yard Averaging)

b.  The applicant is permitted a three (3) foot variation from a front yard build-to line established by any of the above methods.

c.  The required front yard build-to line is measured as the narrowest dimension from the front lot line to the principal structure. The measurement is taken from the building walls of the principal structure and does not include permitted encroachments or architectural features.

d. Should the calculation of the required front yard setback be unable to be determined by the methods identified in item a above, the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits shall determine the setback based on his/her judgement given the development pattern in the immediate surrounding area.

FIGURE 15-1: FRONT YARD AVERAGING

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15.3.B Building Design Standards   

1. The following building design standards apply to development within the C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, MU-2, and LS Districts, with the exception of single and two family residential uses.

a. The primary entrances shall be oriented to the primary street. 

b. The ground floor of newly constructed commercial buildings shall contain a minimum transparency of fifty percent (50%) on the primary street and windows shall be constructed of transparent glass. Opaque, highly tinted, or reflective glass is prohibited. Transparency into the building shall be maintained. Any window signs shall consist of individual letters and numerals without the use of any background.

c. Security bars, if installed, shall be on the inside of windows. Roll-up or accordion security grilles are permitted on the ground floor when constructed of a see-through, non-solid material. The Casing shall be painted to match the building and shall not damage or obscure architectural detailing.

d. Plain mansard roofs are prohibited. Decorative mansard roofs are permitted on buildings with a minimum wall height of two (2) stories. (See Figure 15-2: Examples of Decorative Mansard Roofs).

e. Decorative elements having historically functional purposes, such as shutters, balconies, windows, and doors, shall be operational.

f. Any structure designed for a ground floor non-residential use shall be designed with a minimum ceiling height of twelve (12) feet, except for parking areas.

g. Loading areas for retail anchor stores of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet in gross floor area or more are required to be located in the rear.

h. Outlot buildings shall be designed with showcase windows and entrances oriented to the street.

i. Secondary access points are encouraged from rear parking lots. Facades that abut parking areas and contain a public entrance shall include pedestrian walkways.

j. When a shopping center is located behind a parking lot, a street presence for the shopping center shall be created by locating part of the center and/or outlot buildings near the lot line at the primary street corner or the shopping center entrance. When the center’s frontage on the primary street exceeds two-hundred fifty (250) feet in width, part of the center and/or outlot buildings shall hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the front lot line. (See Figure 15-3: Building Siting).

k. The following building materials are prohibited on exterior elevations visible from the public right-of-way. However, such materials may be used as part of decorative or detail elements, or as part of the exterior construction that is not used as a surface finish material.

1.  Exterior insulating finish systems (EIFS)

2. Stuccato Board

3.  Vinyl 

FIGURE 15-2: EXAMPLES OF DECORATIVE MANSARD ROOFS

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FIGURE 15-3: BUILDING SITING

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2.  The following standards shall apply to all sites that meet the applicability thresholds of Section 4.5 Development Plan and Design Review:

a. A cohesive shopping center character is required through the use of coordinated hardscape treatment, such as special paving materials, lighting, and street furniture, coordinated signs and landscape. Pedestrian areas shall include shade trees and seating areas.

b. Public entrances shall be articulated from the structure mass.

c. Shopping centers with frontage on the primary street that exceeds two-hundred fifty (250) feet in width and a lot depth of three-hundred (300) feet or more are encouraged to construct an access road with parallel parking along that primary street. If an access road is constructed, retail storefronts shall be oriented to this access road.

d. Structures shall use decorative roof elements, such as projecting cornices, to define public entrances, main pedestrian routes or activity areas.

e. When visible from the public right-of-way (excluding alleys), façades shall include architectural features to avoid the appearance of blank walls facing the street. These include, but are not limited to, changes in the wall plane of at least six (6) inches, changes in wall texture or masonry patterns, colonnade, columns, or pilasters.

f. Windows along the street shall be set back into or projected out from the façade to provide depth and shadow.

g.  Green roof, blue roof, and white roof designs are encouraged.

Adopted by Ord. 29126, 8-12-22, ZD016/22

15.4 Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts Illustratives and Site Diagrams   

15.4.A C-1 District   

The siting and design requirements for buildings in the C-1 District are illustrated in Figure 15-4: C-1 District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

FIGURE 15-4: C-1 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-1 DISTRICT OPTION 1

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FIGURE 15-4: C-1 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-1 DISTRICT OPTION 2

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15.4.B C-2 District   

The siting and design requirements for buildings in the C-2 District are illustrated in Figure 15-5: C-2 District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

FIGURE 15-5: C-2 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-2 DISTRICT OPTION 1

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FIGURE 15-5: C-2 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-2 DISTRICT OPTION 2

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15.4.C C-3 District   

The siting and design requirements for buildings in the C-3 District are illustrated in Figure 15-6: C-3 District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

FIGURE 15-6: C-3 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-3 DISTRICT OPTION 1

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FIGURE 15-6: C-3 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM C-3 DISTRICT OPTION 2

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15.4.D MU-1 District   

The siting and design requirements for buildings in the MU-1 District is illustrated in Figure 15-7: MU-1 District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

FIGURE 15-7: MU-1 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM MU-1 DISTRICT OPTION 1

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FIGURE 15-7: MU-1 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM MU-1 DISTRICT OPTION 2

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15.4.E MU-2 District   

The siting and design requirements for buildings in the MU-2 District is illustrated in Figure 15-8: MU-2 District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

FIGURE 15-8: MU-2 DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM

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15.5 Institutional Master Plan for EC and MC Districts   

15.5.A Institutional Master Plan Required   

In an EC or MC District, an Institutional Master Plan (IMP) shall be submitted to the City Planning Commission within  three-hundred sixty-five (365) days of the effective date of this ordinance. If the institution fails to submit the IMP within  365 days, the base district regulations shall become the effective IMP automatically until a formally submitted IMP is approved. 

Until the IMP is approved, projects classified as permitted uses (both main and accessory) in the EC or MC Districts may proceed through permitting, subject to compliance with all relevant parking, bulk and yard, and development standards, and any administrative design review processes required by this ordinance (where applicable).  Those uses classified as conditional uses may be reviewed through the conditional use process in Article 4, Section 4.3.   Those projects that do not meet the parking, bulk and yard, and development standards of the underlying district, shall also be reviewed through the conditional use process.

There are two types of Institutional Master Plans:

Adopted by Ord No. 027883, §1, October 10, 2018, Zoning Docket 079/18

15.5.A.1 Permitted Development   

If the proposed Institutional Master Plan complies with the base district regulations and all uses are those permitted within the district and meet the standards of the district (i.e., no conditional use approval required), then the IMP is reviewed and approved by the City Planning Commission. Permitted uses are those identified as such in Table 15-1. 

15.5.A.2 Conditional Development   

If the proposed IMP requires modification to the base district standards, including landscape and parking, and/or any uses within the IMP require conditional use approval, then those elements of the Institutional Master Plan require review and recommendation by the City Planning Commission and final approval by the City Council. Conditional uses are those identified as such in Table 15-1. For those projects that do not meet the sign standards of the underlying zoning district, design review of the Institutional Signage Plan is required by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission and the Design Advisory Committee.

Adopted by Ord 28937 MCS, 2-17-22, ZD 82/21

15.5.B General Standards   

1.  Only property owners with properties zoned the EC or MC District are required to submit an IMP.

2.  Satellite campuses of the same institution require an individual IMP regardless of the zoning of the satellite campus. Institutional Master Plans shall be submitted simultaneously. 

3.  Only those properties owned by the institution can be included in the Institutional Master Plan boundaries. In addition, those Institutional Master Plan boundaries shall be consistent with those shown on the adopted Future Land Use Plan of the City’s Master Plan. As institutions acquire property for institutional use, they shall obtain a map amendment to the Master Plan to reflect such land use and then request a zoning map amendment to the EC or MC District through the zoning map amendment process.

4.  A campus is defined as an area of land constituting and making up the grounds of a medical or education institution containing the main uses of the hospital or university, and functioning as a connected campus. In determining the boundaries of a campus, the entire area may be separated by public rights-of-way or by individual parcels not owned by the institution.

Adopted by Ord No. 027883, §1, October 10, 2018, Zoning Docket 079/18

15.5.C Institutional Master Plan Submittal   

An Institutional Master Plan shall address the general layout of the entire area, including a development plan for proposed structures and open space, traffic pattern plan, parking plan, and access points, and shall include the following:

1.  Plans for development of the entire district including the boundaries of the proposed district and the ownership of the land therein.

2.  The location, square footage and building heights of all existing and proposed structures and uses intended.

3. A perimeter landscape plan for the area within the first twenty-five (25) feet of the lot boundaries. Landscape shall be in accordance with Article 23.

4.  Stormwater management plan, including all on-site filtration and detention facilities.

5. A perimeter sign plan for the area within the first twenty-five (25) feet of the lot boundaries. Signs shall be in accordance with Article 24.

6.  Internal traffic circulation plans, including traffic ingress and egress locations, pedestrian circulation, bicycle circulation, linkages between campuses, and public transit access.

7.  The location and capacity of all off-street parking and loading spaces.

8.  A traffic impact analysis, which shall include the traffic load impact on surrounding public street system.

9.  A written statement describing how the development complies with all approval standards.

10. University design standards.

Adopted by Ord. 27,683 MCS, §2, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17; Ord No. 027883, §1, October 10, 2018, Zoning Docket 079/18

15.5.D Procedure   

The procedure for establishing and developing within an EC or MC District and the subsequent Institutional Master Plan (IMP) is as follows. 

15.5.D.1 Timeframe   

An Institutional Master Plan shall be submitted within  three-hundred sixty-five (365) days of the effective date of this ordinance.

15.5.D.2 Institutional Master Plan for Permitted Development   

a. Institutional Master Plans (IMPs) shall include a Project Neighborhood Participation Program (Project NPP) in accordance with Article 4, Section 4.3.D.2 Pre-Application Meeting and Project Neighborhood Participation Program.  NPP notifications for IMPs shall be sent to owners of record for all properties, as indicated in the records of the Orleans Parish Assessor's Office, located within 600 feet of the property lines of the subject property.

b.  If the proposed Institutional Master Plan complies with the base district regulations and all uses are those permitted within the district (i.e., no conditional use approval required), the Institutional Master Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City Planning Commission. The City Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on Institutional Master Plan within fifty (50) days from the date the application is deemed complete. The City Planning Commission shall approve, approve with modifications, or deny the Institutional Master Plan within sixty (60) days from the opening of the public hearing.

c.  The applicant may file a written appeal of the decision of the City Planning Commission to the City Council within forty-five (45) days after the date of the final decision.

d.  Upon the filing of an application for an appeal of the decision of the City Planning Commission, the City Council shall conduct a public hearing in accordance with Sections 3.4 and make a final decision within forty-five (45) days from the date the public hearing is closed. 

Adopted by Ord. 29084 MCS, 7-7-22, ZD 017/22

15.5.D.3 Institutional Master Plan for Conditional Development   

If the proposed Institutional Master Plan requires modification to the base district standards and/or uses within the Institutional Master Plan require conditional use approval, then the Institutional Master Plan requires review and recommendation by the City Planning Commission, and final approval by the City Council.

a. Institutional Master Plans (IMPs) shall include a Project Neighborhood Participation Program (Project NPP) in accordance with Article 4, Section 4.3.D.2 Pre-Application Meeting and Project Neighborhood Participation Program. 

b. The City Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the Institutional Master Plan within fifty (50) days from the date the application is deemed complete. The City Planning Commission shall recommend approval, modified approval, or denial sixty (60) days from the opening of the public hearing.

c.  The City Council shall hold a public hearing, in accordance with Section 3.4 (Public Hearing), and take action by motion of approval, modified approval, or denial sixty (60) days from receipt of a City Planning Commission recommendation. The City Council may not take official action upon any application requiring a recommendation of the City Planning Commission until the report of the Commission has been received or, if the City Planning Commission has failed to act by a vote of the majority of the Commission members, once the application has been forwarded to the City Council without recommendation.

d.  If the City Council fails to take action by motion sixty (60) days from receipt of the City Planning Commission recommendation, the application is denied. If the application is forwarded to the City Council without recommendation from the City Planning Commission and the City Council fails to take action by motion sixty (60) days from the date it received the application, the application is denied.

e.  If the City Council takes action by motion of approval or modified approval, the City Council shall forward the motion to the City Law Department for preparation of an ordinance. Once the ordinance is introduced by the City Council, the ordinance shall layover a minimum of twenty-one (21) days before the Council may adopt. The City Council shall adopt the final ordinance ratifying their decision within ninety (90) days of the date that it took action by motion.

f.  An aggrieved party may appeal a City Council decision on a Institutional Master Plan to Orleans Parish Civil District Court within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision by the City Council.

Adopted by Ord. 29084 MCS, 7-7-22, ZD 017/22

15.5.D.4 Post-Approval   

Once an IMP is approved, any use approved therein becomes permitted by right, regardless of the original classification in the underlying district. 

15.5.Chart Institutional Master Plan Process   

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15.5.E Development Standards   

An Institutional Master Plan shall be designed so that the location of entrances and exits, exterior lighting, outdoor recreation areas, service areas, and parking and loading facilities will minimize traffic congestion, pedestrian hazards and adverse impacts on adjoining properties. The following standards shall be met:

1.  For structures within a campus that are located along the public right-of-way, such structures shall meet the accepted design guidelines in the approved Institutional Master Plan.

2.  The location, arrangement, size, design, and general site compatibility of buildings and lighting, 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.

3.  Use of screening to lessen the visual impact of the development on adjacent uses and enhance the appearance and image of the campus, and create a logical transition to adjoining lots and developments.

4.  Circulation systems and off-street parking shall:

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

b.  Minimizing potentially dangerous traffic movements.

c.  Separate pedestrian and auto circulation and provide for bicycle parking and storage insofar as practical.

d.  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 and buildings.

e.  Clearly link to alternate modes of transportation such as public transit and bicycle paths.

f.  Provide connections from internal street networks to the larger street network outside the campus.

5.  Outdoor recreation facilities shall be located toward the center of the development. In no case may an outdoor recreation facility be located within one-hundred (100) feet of the boundary of a residential district, as determined by the residential districts currently mapped at the time the application for an EC or MS District is submitted.

15.5.F Changes to Approved Institutional Master Plans   

Once an Institutional Master Plan is approved, whether of the permitted or conditional type, certain minor modifications are allowed through review and approval by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission. The following basic changes are allowed:

1.  Construction of new structures less than two-thousand five (2,500) square feet in gross floor area that are adjunct to and support an existing use on campus.

2.  Additions to existing structures of less than thirty percent (30%) of the existing gross floor area or ten thousand (10,000) square feet, whichever is less, provided the use of the structure has not changed.

3.  Changes in building height that do not exceed the district maximum.

4.  Increases in open space, and alternate landscape designs and stormwater management techniques.

5.  New parking facilities of ten (10) or less spaces.

6.  All interior renovations to a structure.

7.  Façade renovation to an existing structure in conformance with the design standards of this Article.

8.  A change of use to a permitted use within the district. Any change of use to a use that is conditional within the district does not qualify.

All other changes to an approved Institutional Master Plan require re-submittal and re-approval of an Institutional Master Plan in accordance with this section. This includes any changes to the boundaries of an approved Institutional Master Plan, the addition of a conditional use from Table 15-1, or any exception to the base zoning district standards of Table 15-2 or any other regulations of this Ordinance. 

15.5.G Institutional Signage Plan for EC and MC Districts   

15.5.G.1 Institutional Signage Plan Submittal   

An Institutional Signage Plan shall show the journey of the user from the public street before reaching the hospital campus to parking areas and other pedestrian entries until the user reaches their destination at the main entry or other building access points. The plan shall address the general layout of the entire area, including all structures, traffic pattern plan, parking plan, and access points, and shall include the following:

1.  Boundaries of the campus, the location of all existing and proposed structures and uses intended and the location of all off-street parking spaces.

2.  Existing and proposed signage with overall height, width, and materials. Building elevation (including building width and height), site plan showing the location of all signs along with setback dimensions.

3.  External and internal traffic circulation plans, including traffic ingress and egress locations, pedestrian circulation, bicycle circulation, linkages between campuses, and public transit access as well as the relationship of the site to the surrounding area.

4.   A written statement including a description of the existing signage, proposed signage and the need for specific variances from the signage requirements in Article 24. Discuss any alternatives that were considered as well as any architectural and landscape architectural components that are being made to complement the wayfinding strategy.

5.  Institutional design standards.

To the extent any of the information required in an Institutional Signage Plan is already reflected in an approved Institutional Master Plan, an applicant need not resubmit the information, provided the applicant provides a citation to the portion of the Institutional Master Plan where the information may be found.

Adopted by Ord 28937 MCS, 2-17-22, ZD 82/21

15.5.G.2 Institutional Signage Development Standards   

1.  Minimize signs and visual clutter to the greatest extent possible and establish a hierarchy of messages with a unified design language. Wall signs, which function as the primary signage and identify the site from the farthest distance, shall face public roads or private roads. Internal wayfinding signage should be legible at a pedestrian scale.

2.  Use architectural and landscape architectural design components as much as possible to reduce the need for signage. This could include a prominent clearly identified entrance, memorable landmarks in the circulation like sculptures that are associated with decision points, changes in landscaping and paving or how the path is defined, and bollards and columns.

3.  The site circulation plan should 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, and buildings. As well as clearly link to alternate modes of transportation such as public transit and bicycle paths. Paths should be open and direct and there should be a common architectural language for entries and exits.

4.  Graphic and information design components should be as uncomplicated as possible. Restrict wording to terms such as “public parking” “main entrance” or “emergency department”.

5.  Multi-tenant structures, structures with multiple entrances and campuses with multiple buildings should include signage that identifies their function (e.g., emergency department, admissions office, outpatient clinics, community health services and visiting inpatient units). Signage should differentiate the dedicated emergency unit entrance from the main entrance. One main entrance is preferred and external directional signs for a specific unit or department should only be provided when they cannot be reached from the main entrance. Main directory boards and maps for individual departments shall be within the structure.

6.  Applicant shall coordinate with the applicable city and/or state departments and the Regional Transit Authority for any external directional signs along major external routes to major points of interest like the public transport hub or for any improvements to the public realm or bus stops.

7.  Internal vehicular traffic signs such as “one-way” or “speed limit” shall be consistent with the Department of Public Works sign format for design, color, shape, and size. It is encouraged for wall signs to include an “H” or “hospital” that matches the external directional signs.

8.  It is encouraged to provide a sitemap of the facility at bus stops, parking areas and pedestrian entries.

9.  Include direction information at nodes where decisions need to be made. Be sure directional information is legible from different approaches.

10.  Animated signs are prohibited.

Adopted by Ord 28937 MCS, 2-17-22, ZD 82/21

15.6 General Standards of Applicability   

All Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts are subject to the following standards:

15.6.A Accessory Structures and Uses   

See Section 21.6 for standards governing accessory structures and uses. 

15.6.B Temporary Uses   

See Section 21.8 for standards governing temporary uses.

15.6.C Site Development Standards   

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

15.6.D Off-Street Parking and Loading   

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

15.6.E Landscape, Stormwater Management, and Screening   

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

15.6.F Signs   

See Article 24 for standards governing signs.

15.6.G Overlay Districts   

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

15.6.H Nonconformities   

See Article 25 for regulations governing nonconformities.

15.7 Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning for Rental Properties In The Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts – C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, MU-2, and LS   

Rental properties not included in the Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning sub-districts or mapped for inclusion within the Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning sub-districts, may avail themselves to the provisions provided herein.

In order to incentivize the construction of multi-family rental housing with the inclusion of affordable housing units in the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts, including the C-1 General Commercial, C-2 Auto-Oriented, C-3 Heavy Commercial, MU-1 Medium Intensity Mixed Use District, MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use Districts, and LS Life Science Mixed Use District, density bonus and parking reductions shall be granted in exchange for the voluntary provision of affordable dwelling units. Developments containing ten (10) or more dwelling units that set aside at least five percent (5%) of units at a sixty percent (60%) Area Median Income level may be awarded a maximum of thirty percent (30%) reduction in the minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements. Multi-family developments providing affordable housing units subject to the off-street parking requirements of Article 22, shall be granted a minimum of ten percent (10%) and up to a maximum of thirty percent (30%) reduction of the required parking.

Developments opting to participate in the voluntary IZ program shall be developed in accordance with Article 28, Section 28.3-Affordable Housing Development Use Standards and Guidelines and shall be subject to the regulatory and monitoring requirements outlined in Article 28, Section 28.8.

1.         All applications requesting a development bonus for providing affordable housing shall include an Affordable Housing Impact Statement (AHIS) with the application.  The AHIS shall provide the following information:

a.         The number of units added at the Area Medium Income Levels (AMI) at or below 80%, 50%, and 30%.

b.         The number of units removed at the Area Medium Income Levels at or below 80%, 50%, and 30%.

c.         The bedroom mix of the unit to be added or removed (1, 2, 3, 4, etc. bedrooms).

d.         The total number of units added and total number of units removed.

 

Adopted by Sept. 9, 2015, Zoning Docket 054-15, Ord. 26,570 MCS; Ord. 27,377 MCS, §8, April 28, 2017, Zoning Docket 007-17; Ord 28178, 9-5-19, ZD 49/19, Ord. 28739 MCS, 7-15-21, ZD 35/21; Ord. 29566, 8-1-23, Zoning Docket 014-23

15.8 Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning for For-Sale Properties in the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts   

Residential properties with an affordable for-sale component may avail themselves to the provisions provided herein.

In order to incentivize the construction of for-sale housing with the inclusion of affordable dwelling units, in the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts, density bonus and parking reductions shall be granted in exchange for the voluntary provision of affordable for-sale dwelling units. Developments containing fewer than ten (10) for-sale dwelling units that set aside at least one (1) unit OR developments containing ten (10) or more for-sale dwelling units that set-aside at least ten percent (10%) of units up to 120% Area Medium Income (AMI) or less shall be awarded a maximum of thirty percent (30%) reduction in the minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements, a thirty percent (30%) reduction in required minimum lot width requirements and a thirty percent (30%) increase in the floor area ratio (FAR). Developments that meet these requirements and are subject to the off-street parking requirements of Article 22 shall be granted a fifty percent (50%) reduction of the required parking.

Developments opting to participate in the for-sale voluntary IZ program shall be developed in accordance with Article 28.

Adopted by Ord. 29566, 8-1-23, Zoning Docket 014-23

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