2013-0226
INTRODUCED BY: V.J. ST. PIERRE, JR., PARISH PRESIDENT
(DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING)
ORDINANCE NO.
Title
An ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances Appendix A, Zoning, Section VI.(D)[II].M-2 Heavy manufacturing and industry 1.a. to allow towing yards.
Body
WHEREAS, Towing yards are defined in the Zoning Ordinance as an open area used for temporary vehicle storage in which no repair, dismantling, auto-wrecking, or sale of salvaged parts occurs. Towing yards shall not exceed storage of fifty (50) vehicles and vehicles shall be stored no longer than ninety (90) days; and,
WHEREAS, Towing yards are only permitted in the M-1, Light Industrial, land use zoning district by Special Permit Use; and,
WHEREAS, Principally permitted uses in the M-1 Zoning District are also permitted in the M-2 Zoning District subject to the M-1 regulations; and,
WHEREAS, The M-2 Zoning District lists junkyards as a principally permitted use; and,
WHEREAS, The definition of a towing yard specifically prohibits dismantling; and,
WHEREAS, Towing yards are less intensive than junk yards as a land use; and,
WHEREAS, The St. Charles Parish Council wishes to allow Towing Yards as a permitted use in the M-2 zoning district subject to the M-1 Special Permit requirements.
THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION I. That the St. Charles Parish Code, Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance of 1981, Section VI.(D)[II].M-2 Heavy manufacturing and industry 1.a. is hereby amended to add the following:
(10) Towing yards subject to requirements in Section VI(D)(I)c(5)1-4 relisted here:
(1) Site plan approval. All tow yard operators must secure approval of a site plan. The site plan shall include:
a) The storage layout and the maximum number of vehicles proposed to be stored, see Towing Yard definition for limits. All storage parking spaces shall open directly to an access drive. Vehicles shall not be stored on top of each other. All vehicles shall be stored on an aggregate parking surface;
b) A seven-foot solid, opaque fence will enclose such yards and shall be maintained in a constant state of good repair. Entrances will be constructed of the same material as the fence. All entrances shall remain closed when not in use;
c) A ten (10) foot buffer zone when abutting a C-3 or lesser intensive use or zoning district. The buffer shall be planted with acceptable trees and shrubs;
d) All buildings and structures to be located on the site and the required off-street parking layout.
(2) Towing yard operators shall maintain records of each vehicle and its storage period. These records shall be available upon request of the planning department.
(3) Towing yards shall also adhere to state and local licensing requirements.
(4) Any change of permitted plan will result in a cease and desist order being placed on the towing yard.
Vote
The foregoing ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
And the ordinance was declared adopted this day of , 2013, to become effective five (5) days after publication in the Official Journal.
CHAIRMAN:_________________________________________
SECRETARY:________________________________________
DLVD/PARISH PRESIDENT:____________________________
APPROVED:______________ DISAPPROVED:_____________
PARISH PRESIDENT:_________________________________
RETD/SECRETARY:__________________________________
AT:_______________ RECD BY: ________________________