[StBernard] Changes to the Parish's Zoning Ordinance to Protect the Integrity of Residential Neighborhoods

[Westley Annis]

Changes to the Parish’s Zoning Ordinance to Protect the Integrity of
Residential Neighborhoods

$20.00 Permit Fee required for fences 

 

Over the past year the Parish Planning Commission and Council, with the
support of the administration, have made changes to the Parish’s zoning
ordinance.  The changes are designed to maintain and protect the residential
features of our beloved neighborhoods. Those changes include a requirement
that anyone wishing to construct, move, or repair a fence must first obtain
a permit from the Department of Community Development. The fee for a fence
permit is $20.00. 

 

The Parish is also attempting to educate the public on issues such as the
following: 

 

§  Residential fences may not exceed seven (7) feet in height 

§  Corner lot owners must observe the front yard setback on each side of
their property along a street. 

§  Fences may not be constructed within the sight triangle on corner lots. 

 

Guidelines and regulations for garages, storage buildings and other
residential accessory building include:

 

§  Accessory buildings may not exceed 30% of the square footage of either
the residence to which it is accessory OR 30% of the of the required rear
yard, whichever is SMALLER.  Accessory building may be no taller than 13
feet (mean roof height).

 

§  Only very small accessory buildings (such as pre-fabricated or “kit”
storage sheds) measuring 120 square feet or less may use corrugated or
extruded metal as an exterior finish. Corrugated or extruded metal is
prohibited for all other accessory buildings.

 

The parish’s zoning ordinance (Chapter 22) can be viewed online at
www.municode.com. 

 

St. Bernard Parish Government wants to remind residents and business owners
that building permits are required for most construction projects other than
cosmetic or simple repair work. The building permit process is designed to
protect property owners against faulty construction and the risk of doing
work that may not be allowed in a particular zoning district. Case managers
are available in the Office of Community Development from 8:30 am until 4:30
pm Monday thru Friday to review permit or building code issues.  You can
reach the permit office in person at 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette or
by phone at (504) 278-4310.