DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA DESIGN REVIEW REPORT : CPZ-3-5 ADVERTISING DATES: 03/25/5 04/0/5 04/08/5 : 2425 PUBLIC HEARING: 04/6/5 S: HEARING: 05/3/5 : Ricky J. Templet Chris Roberts, Division A Elton M. Lagasse, Division B LAST MEETING FOR ACTION: 08/2/5 PROPOSAL: OWNER: A request for a variance to the sign and area regulations of the Suburban District (R-B) and the Commercial Parkway Overlay Zone (CPZ) for Parc des Familles located at 60 Leo Kerner-Lafitte Parkway, on a Portion of Parcel A, Ames Farms, Lower Estelle Plantation, in the area bounded by Destrehan Avenue and Bayou Barataria (Figure ). The Parish of Jefferson, represented by Mr. Rick Meyer of Meyer Engineers, Ltd. FINDINGS:. The subject property is designated as a Portion of Parcel A, Ames Farms, Lower Estelle Plantation, with a site area of approximately 64 acres. It measures 6,660 feet on Leo Kerner-Lafitte Parkway. The property is zoned R-B/CPZ, Suburban Residential District with Commercial Parkway Overlay Zone, and is developed with a park that includes playgrounds (Figures 2 and 3). 2. Parc des Familles is a regional park consisting of approximately 64 acres of land, and includes playgrounds, meeting rooms, and various out-door recreational facilities for jogging, ball games, fishing, and picnics (Figure 4). 3. The proposal is to erect an Electronic Variable Message (EVM) sign and an iron gate at the entrances to the park. The sign requires Council approval as per Article XLVIII of the Code of Ordinances. The location of the sign and gate (iron fence) within required setbacks are variances requiring Council approval. 4. Parc des Familles is located on a divided State Highway 334, also known as the Leo Kerner-Lafitte Parkway, where the speed limit is up to 55 miles per hour. The natural vegetation of the area consists of high trees. These factors inhibit the visibility of low signs that are smaller in scale. Had the underlying zoning district been a commercial district rather than the R-B residential district, the CPZ sign regulations would permit a sign height of 3.75 feet without a variance (with a setback of two feet) and allow a 300-square foot sign because of the park s 6,600 feet of frontage along the highway. The proposed sign area is 244 sq. ft. (Figure 5). 5. Pursuant to Sec. 40-80(b)(2)(b) the maximum sign area allowed in the district is 50 square feet. The applicant is requesting a total area of 244 square feet, exceeding the requirement by 94 square feet. The applicant seeks a variance for excess square footage. 6. Pursuant to Sec. 40-80(b)(5) a detached sign shall be located in a landscaped area with a minimum of fifty (50) square feet. Though no landscape plan was submitted with this application, the applicant has indicated that the Recreation Department will provide the required landscaping. 7. A 36-foot wide Iron Gate (double swing), with two 8-foot wide fences on each side of the gate, will be installed at the entrance of the park. The iron gate will be six feet in height, supported with seven-foot brick columns and located at a zero setback from the front property line, requiring a 25-foot setback variance [Sec. 40-09(a)()] (Figure 6). Printed: 4/9/205 Revised: 4/7/205 EAO/SS Planning Department Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
CPZ-3-5 2425 8. R-B, a residential zoning district, requires a front yard setback of 25 feet, and a gate and fence are not allowed in any required front yard without a variance. The proposed gate and fence typically would be installed around such a park for security purposes, and their location at the street entrance is reasonable. 9. The following are the requested variances: Sign Height maximum permitted is 0 feet [Sec. 40-80(b)(3)(b)]; the proposal is 3.75 feet. Variance requested is 2.75 feet. Sign Area maximum permitted is 50 square feet [Sec. 40-80(b)(2)(b)]; the proposal is 244 square feet. Variance requested is 94 square feet. Sign Setback 0 feet from right-of-way line required [Sec. 40-80(2)(d)]; proposal is a two-foot setback. Variance requested is eight feet. EVM maximum of 50% of the detached sign area permitted [Sec. 40-80(b)(6)], which is 25 square feet; proposal is 49 square feet. Variance requested is 24 square feet. Iron Gate Setback 25 feet setback from the right-of-way line required [Sec. 40-09(a)()]; proposal is a zero-foot setback. Variance requested is 25 feet. Table Variance Information Permitted Proposed Variance Sign Height 0 ft. 3.75 ft. 2.75 ft. Sign Area 50 sq. ft. 244 sq. ft. 94 sq. ft. Sign Setback 0 ft. 2 ft. 8 ft. EVM Area 25 sq. ft. 49 sq. ft. 24 sq. ft. Iron Gate Setback 25 ft. 0 ft. 25 ft. 0. The various Parish Departments, via the LURTC review process, have reviewed this request with objections by the Departments of Public Works and Inspection and Code Enforcement - Building (see below for complete department comments). ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: Public Works: Public Works is OPPOSED to this Case for the following reasons: CPZ- 3-5 The Department of Public Works (on 4//5) requires a detail indicating the distance between the sewer force main, water line and the proposed footings/timber pile; and a note added that the contractor shall field locate all utilities prior to the installation of the fence, gate, entrance sign and power poles. We also require how gate will operate before we can comment on waiving set back requirements. Will gate only be closed when park is closed? Opened and closed by park employee? And since the gated drive will be on LA 334 it will also require State approval. Engineering plans will be reviewed at the permit stage. ICE - Building: ICE - Building is OPPOSED to this Case for the following reasons: 25' setback required for fence. Size and setback exceeds what is allowed in R-B for detached sign. ICE - Site Plan: ICE - Site Plan is NOT OPPOSED to this Case. Parish Attorney: Parish Attorney is NOT OPPOSED to this Case. Environmental Dept.: Environmental Department is NOT OPPOSED to this Case but has the following Stipulations: No Position on this case. CONCLUSIONS: The requested variances for the sign height, area and setback and the iron fence setback will not negatively impact the vicinity or functionality and purpose of the park, but rather will enhance the park s functionality and visibility to the general public. The site s 6,600 ft. of frontage on the divided state highway and the site conditions justify the requested sign variances. The intent of R-B zoning is single-family residential, so any zoning or overlay standards that are generally applicable to other R-B properties in the Parish cannot be equally applied to this type of public facility due to its size, location, and functions. Printed: 4/9/205 Revised: 4/7/205 EAO/SS Planning Department Jefferson Parish, Louisiana 2
CPZ-3-5 2425 CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The proposed development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan because it supports Policy 2.2.5, which is to Encourage high quality signage that is attractive, appropriate for the location and balances visibility needs with aesthetic needs. Additionally, the signage will inform residents of park programs and facilities, furthering Goal 6, which aims to provide abundant park, recreational and cultural facilities and access to natural recreational resources to satisfy the recreational needs of the residents of Jefferson Parish. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Department recommends Approval of the requested variances provided the details and information requested by Public Works are shown on the final site plan to Public Works satisfaction. Summary of Variances Variance/Request Sign Height Variance of 2.75 feet Sign Area Variance of 94 square feet Sign setback Variance of 8 feet EVM Area Variance of 24 square feet Iron Gate setback Variance of 25 feet Planning Department Recommendation Approval Approval Approval Approval Approval PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION: Planning Advisory Board voted to concur with the Planning Department to recommend Approval provided the details and information requested by Public Works are shown on the final site plan to Public Works satisfaction; (See PAB Minutes). ZONING ORDINANCE REFERENCE: Chapter 40, Article VIII, Suburban Residential District R-B Chapter 40, Article V, Suburban District S- Chapter 40, Article XXVI, Commercial Parkway Overlay Zone FUTURE LAND USE: REC, Recreational. Printed: 4/9/205 Revised: 4/7/205 EAO/SS Planning Department Jefferson Parish, Louisiana 3
CPZ-3-5 2425 Table 2: CPZ Sign Information (Sec. 40-477) Permitted Proposed Findings Number of attached signs N/A N/A Attached sign dimensions / height N/A N/A N/A Attached sign area N/A N/A N/A Awning / marquee sign area N/A N/A N/A Number of detached signs Meets requirement Detached sign area 50 sq. ft. 244 sq. ft. Includes EVM and 3 separate signs: 94 sq. ft. over the required maximum. Variance Requested. EVM Sign 25 sq. ft. (50% of permitted sign area) 49 sq. ft. 24 sq. ft. over the required maximum. Variance Requested. Detached sign height 0 ft. 3.75 ft. 2.75 ft. over the required maximum. Variance Requested. Monument sign Landscape area 50 sq. ft. 0 sq. ft. Sec. 40-80(b)(5) requires monument sign be located within a landscaped area of 50 sq. ft. The applicant has indicated that the Recreation Department will provide the required landscaping. Number of rate / price signs N/A N/A N/A Rate / price sign area and dimensions N/A N/A N/A Printed: 4/9/205 Revised: 4/7/205 EAO/SS Planning Department Jefferson Parish, Louisiana 4
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 CPZ 3 5 SITE Aerial of Vicinity Petitioned Property FIGURE
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 DESTREHAN AVE. (SIDE) CPZ 3 5 Survey PARCEL A 63.95 ACRES FIGURE 2
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 CPZ 3 5 Zoning S- R-D R-B R-A R-3 R-2 C- C-2 M-2 U- CPZ Petitioned Property FIGURE 3
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 Proposed Detached Sign CPZ 3 5 Master Plan Proposed Entrance Gate V LEVEE (SIDE) PIPELINE CANAL FIGURE 4
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 CPZ 3 5 Sign Details 7.5 Proposed Sign Area: 50 sq. ft. permitted, 244 sq. ft. proposed. Variance of 94 sq. ft. requested. 20 EVM 49 sq. ft. Proposed EVM Sign Area: 25 sq. ft. permitted, 49 sq. ft. proposed. Variance of 24 sq. ft. requested. Proposed Sign Location Proposed Sign Setback : 0 ft. permitted, 2 ft. proposed. Variance of 8 ft. requested. 3.75 Proposed Sign Height: 0 ft. permitted, 3.75 ft. proposed. Variance of 2.75 ft. requested. 5 FIGURE 5
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 CPZ 3 5 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. Proposed Entrance Gate 66.6 36 Gate Details 7 P/L Proposed Gate Location Parc Des Familles Rd. Proposed Gate Setback : 25 ft. permitted, 0 ft. proposed. Variance of 25 ft. requested. FIGURE 6
PARC DES FAMILLES 60 LEO KERNER LAFITTE PKWY. 2425 CPZ 3 5 Variance Chart Variance Information Permitted Proposed Variance Sign Height 0 ft. 3.75 ft. +2.75 ft. Sign Area 50 sq. ft. 244 sq. ft. +94 sq. ft. Sign Setback 0 ft. 2 ft. -8 ft. EVM Area 25 sq. ft. 49 sq. ft. +24 sq. ft. Iron Gate Setback 25 ft. 0 ft. -25 ft. FIGURE 7