Bldg. Permits

BUILDING PERMITS - A COPY MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING - PHONE 225-698-6100

SEE ORDINANCE NO. 2 OF 2000, NEAR BOTTOM OF THIS SCREEN, FOR LATEST FEES AND UPDATES TO THE FOLLOWING ORIGINAL ORDINANCE.

ORDINANCE NO. 6 OF 1997 VILLAGE OF FRENCH SETTLEMENT LOUISIANA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
SECTION 1.: PERMITS REQUIREMENT
SECTION 2.: RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
SECTION 3.: BUILDING SETBACK
SECTION 4.: SITE DRAINAGE
SECTION 5.: OFF STREET PARKING
SECTION 6.: MOBILE HOMES
SECTION 7.: FEES
SECTION 8.: PENALTIES
SECTION 9.: AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 Permits Required
(a) Every building (any structure with a minimum of 800 square feet floor area and having a covered non-porous roof) hereafter erected shall be required to have a building permit prior to construction start-up. All structures for human habitat shall also be required to secure a Certificate of Occupancy prior to use of the structure. All commercial buildings regardless of size are required to secure a building permit. This article shall be enforced by the building official who shall be appointed by the municipality. No structure shall be erected, altered, or moved until the building official has issued a building permit certifying that the plans and intended use of land, building, and/or structures are in conformity with this code. No land or structure hereafter erected, moved, or altered in its use shall be occupied until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy. Applications for permits under the provisions of this section shall be accompanied by a plan drawn to scale showing actual dimensions of the lot to be built on, the size, shape and location of the structure or building to be erected, the estimated cost thereof; and such other information as may be requested by the building inspector to require proper enforcement of this ordinance.

SECTION 2 Residential Density Requirements
re: subdivisions, rather than prexisting conditions

In order to preserve the existing single family integrity of residential areas there shall be allowed only one (1) principle residential living unit on any lot or tract of land having ½ acre or less in square footage, providing the setback requirements are met. In those lots or tracts of land larger than ½ acre, the density used for single family residential development shall not exceed two units per acre. On any lot, regardless of size, for single family residential unit development the required setbacks for construction shall be in compliance with this code. The municipality may also require an appropriate buffer between incompatible land uses. Any protest arising from the municipal representative's buffer requirement shall be resolved by the municipality's elected officials.

SECTION 3 Building Setbacks Required
In order to further protect the citizens of municipality and to provide a safer environment through building separations for fire protection, property access, and adjacent intrusions, there shall be required the following setbacks for new construction, location or relocation of structures and buildings within the municipality:
Front yard setback 25 feet
Side yard setback 5 feet
Rear yard setback 10 feet
Driveways and detached carports may be constructed within 18" of the side property lines, and accessory use building shall be allowed such as workshops or utility building as long as they comply with the above setback requirements.

SECTION 4 Drainage Requirements
So as not to cause a burden or hardship to owners of adjacent property, all site development shall be graded so that the drainage of excess water runoff will be retained on site or properly engineered into approved drainage canals and not be permitted to discharge onto adjacent property. New development shall not impede the preexisting water discharge of the adjacent property unless it is to a natural or approved pre-engineered swale or drainage channel. To insure compliance with this section of the code, the building official may require drainage plan approval from the designated engineering review agency of the municipality. Furthermore, except for agricultural farmland, it shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, or corporation to deepen, widen, fill, reroute, or change the location of any existing ditch, stream, drain, or drainage canal without first obtaining written permission from the designated engineering review agency through contact by the building official.

SECTION 5 Off Street Parking Regulations

SECTION 5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Off-street parking facilities for one-family and two-family dwellings shall be located on the same lot or plot of ground as the building to be served. The location of off-street parking facilities for other uses shall not be more than 300 feet distance, provided, however, that the zoning classification for such land is the same or less restrictive than the classification of the lot upon which the main use is located.

Such parking space to be used in conjunction with the principal use shall be reserved as such through an encumbrance of the title of the property to be designated as a required parking space, such encumbrance to be valid for the total period of the use or uses for which the parking is needed are in existence.

Such agreement or covenant shall be duly recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder and a certificate furnished the Building Inspector. Such parking space shall be surfaced with a minimum of four inches of concrete or similar all-weather surface and such entrances shall be similarly surfaced.

5.101 Parking requirements for two or more uses of the same or different type may be satisfied by the allocation of a common or collective parking facility. Such facility shall not be less than the same requirements for the individual uses computed separately.

5.102 Area reserved for off-street parking or loading in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be reduced in area or changed to any other use unless the permitted use which it serves is discontinued or modified except where equivalent off-street parking or loading space is provided.

5.103 For uses not mentioned in this section, the requirements for off-street parking and loading facilities for a similar use specifically mentioned in this section shall apply.

5.104 Parking space is an area on a lot sufficient in size to store one vehicle. This space shall not (except as hereafter noted) be less than nine (9) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length. This parking space (except for single-family dwellings) shall be served by an aisle or maneuvering area not less than 22 feet in depth. In all uses, 30 percent of the required spaces may be sized for compact cars. These spaces shall not be less than 16 feet in length and 8 feet in width. Aisle or maneuvering area shall be the same. The aisle may be 18 feet in depth for one-way traffic.

5.105 Unless stated otherwise, square footage requirements include the calculation of total floor area of the building, less garages, carports, and open porches/decks.

5. 106 Some buildings combine two or more uses (such as restaurants/bars or gas stations/convenience food stores), and it will be the judgment of the building-zoning official to determine the proper number of parking spaces based upon the primary use of the building. Conflicts in this determination will be resolved by the Zoning Commission.

5.107 When a use is increased in size or capacity by the addition of floor area, seating, or number of rooms, off-street parking shall be increased accordingly.

SECTION 5.2 RESIDENTIAL
5.201 All residential uses shall provide the following minimum off-street parking spaces:
A. Single family detached - 2 spaces/unit
B. Single family attached - 2 spaces/unit plus 1 per every two living units.
C. Multi-family - 2 spaces per unit, plus 1 space per every 2 living units.
D. Dormitories, Sororities, Fraternities and Rooming Houses - 1 space for 1 bed.
E. Hotels - 1 space/bedroom plus space per lobby and restaurant as per Section 5.3 below.
F. Motels - same as above.
G. Trailer courts - 2 spaces per trailer.
H. Apartment hotels - 2 spaces per unit plus 1 space per every 2 units.

SECTION 5.3 COMMERCIAL
5.301 All commercial uses shall provide at least the following off-street
parking spaces:
A. Office buildings and Banks - 1 space/400 square feet G.F.A.
B. Drive-in Banks - 1 space/300 square feet G.F.A.
C. Business and Professional other than medical - 1 space/300 square feet G.F.A.
D. Medical and Dental Offices and Clinics - 1 space/Doctor's Office plus 1.5 space/examining room.
E. Shopping goods, retail - 1 space/200 square feet G.F.A.
F. Convenience goods, retail - 1 space/200 square feet G.F.A.
G. Furniture sales, retail - 1 space/200 square feet of office and display.
H. Personal services and repair - 1 space/100 square feet.
I. Restaurants - 1 space/100 square feet (full service)
J. Drive-ins - 2 space/75 square feet (fast food)
K. Commercial recreational facilities (other than below) - 1 space/100 square feet of gross floor area.
L. Bowling alleys - 3 spaces/lane
M. Skating rinks - 1 space/100 square feet of skating area
N. Driving ranges - 1 space/tee plus 2 spaces
O. New car sales - 1 space/300 square feet of lot
P. Used car sales - 1 space/1,500 square feet of lot
Q. Service stations - 4 spaces plus 1 per lube rack
R. Car washing - 1 space/200 square feet
S. Theater, cinema - 1 space/2 seats
T. Lounge or bar - I space/25 square feet.

SECTION 5.4 -INSTITUTIONAL
Institutional, public, assembly, transportation. All such uses shall provide the following minimum off-street parking spaces.
A. Churches - 1 space/3 individual seats or 50 square feet in main assembly room
B. Auditoriums, theaters - 1 space/4 seats or 34 square feet
C. Schools:
Elementary - 2 spaces/classroom Junior High - 4 spaces/classroom; High
School - 8 spaces/classroom

D. Museums and libraries - 1 space/300 square feet G.F.A.
E. Hospitals - 1 space/bed
F. Nursing Homes - 1 space/2 beds
G. Funeral parlors - 1 space/200 square feet G.F.A.
H. Stadiums and arenas - 1 space/3 seats
I. Transportation terminals - 1 space/100 square feet of waiting area
J. Municipal buildings - 1 space/200 square feet other than fire stations which shall have 1 space/600 square feet
K. Clubs and lodges - 1 space/200 square feet G.F.A.

SECTION 5.5 INDUSTRIAL, WAREHOUSING
Industrial, manufacturing and warehousing facilities shall present a parking plan and layout to the municipality for approval.

SECTION 5.6 OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS
5.601 Every hospital, institution, hotel, commercial or industrial building or use having a gross floor area in excess of 5,000 square feet of space and requiring the receipt or distribution by vehicle of material and merchan-dise shall have at least one permanently maintained off-street loading space 14 feet by 60 feet for each 5,000 square feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof and so located as not to hinder the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles over sidewalks, streets, and alleys.

5.602 Retail operations, wholesale operations, and industrial operations with a gross floor area of less than 5,000 square feet shall provide sufficient off-street loading space (not necessarily full berth if shared by an adjacent establishment) so as not to hinder the free movement of pedes-trians and vehicles over a sidewalk, street or alley.

5.603 All backing and maneuvering for such loading spaces shall be completely on the private property and not on public right-of-way.

SECTION 5.7 PARKING FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
5.701 Existing buildings being enlarged must provide appropriate parking spaces as required by the enlargement.

5.702 For any off-street parking or loading facility required by this Ordi-nance, a layout plan showing entrances, drives, and parking stalls shall be submitted to and approved by the Building Official before a building permit is issued.

5.703 Parking spaces shall not be laid out in such a way that vehicles must back out of them directly into traffic on collector, arterial, or major streets.

5.704 "Piggyback" parking (one space directly behind and blocking another space) shall not be allowed except for single-family housing, town houses, and duplexes

SECTION 6
Mobile Home Regulations
SECTION 6.1 MOBILE HOME PROVISIONS
6.101 DEFINITIONS
Trailer; Mobile Home - A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling unit, with or without a permanent foundation.

Trailer/Mobile Home Park or Court - A site with required improvements and utilities for the long or short term parking or placement of mobile homes.
6.102 INDIVIDUAL MOBILE HOMES
A. All trailers/mobile homes to be located or moved within the municipality shall apply for a moving permit from the Town Hall before such move takes place. This will alert the municipality and the Building Official as to the placement of a mobile home and as to its movement through the municipal streets.

B. All mobile homes within the corporate limits shall have proper connections to municipal water and sewer systems (when such system is within 300 feet from the property line) before occupancy by the owners or tenants. Proper tie-in at the property line shall be the responsibility of the municipality. Water and sewer lines on private property shall be placed at the owner's expense.

Connection to the municipal system shall be on an individual unit basis and not through the use, in whole or in part, of another structure's sewer and water connections.

Failure to properly tie into the municipal water and sewer systems before occupancy of a mobile home shall be illegal under this ordinance and shall result in a $100 fine to the owners of such unit. In addition to the fine, the owners shall be required to properly tie-in before occupancy can be continued.
C. Mobile homes shall be tied down and staked to the ground as per the building and safety codes.
D. An occupancy permit, allowing occupancy of a unit after all criteria mentioned above have been met, shall be applied for from the municipality before occupancy of a trailer.

No occupancy permit shall be issued to the owners or tenants of a mobile home until the municipal Building Official has certified that all criteria related to this section, as well as other applicable mobile home provisions, have been met.

Failure to obtain an occupancy permit before occupancy of a mobile home shall result in a $50 fine and a restriction of occupancy of the unit.
E. Trailers may not be located on lots, where other dwellings are already located on the same lot, except as otherwise provided.

6.103 TRAILER/MOBILE HOME PARK OR COURT:
6.104 TEMPORARY TRAILERS:

A. Temporary trailers/mobile homes may be used for occupancy within the municipal limits for no more than six (6) months and only after application and approval by the mayor.

B. A temporary trailer permit, obtained from the municipality shall cost $25, and such permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the outside body of the trailer.

C. Temporary trailer permits are generally issued in conjunction with the applicant's construction of a permanent dwelling unit.

D. If temporary trailers need to be located in conjunction with a municipal public improvement project or in relationship to a commercial or industrial construction project, special exceptions shall be allowed by the municipal Building Official and the $25 fee shall be waived.

E. Temporary trailers failing to follow the provisions above and/or failing to be relocated by the owner after the allotted six-month period has ended, shall face penalty and/or civil enforcement, brought upon the owner(s) by the municipality. Such enforcement may include removal of the illegal trailer from its lot or space by the municipality with the costs of such removal chargeable to the property and/or trailer owners.

SECTION 7 Fees
(A) No building permit or Certificate of Occupancy as herein above required shall be issued until the fee prescribed in this section has been paid. Nor shall an amendment to a permit be approved until the additional fee, if any, due to an increase in the estimated cost of the building or structure, has been paid.

(B) The fee for a building and Certificate of Occupancy permit is established based on construction costs as follows:

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
The accepted bid price plus 10% will be used to determine the valuation of a commercial building.
1. For valuation up to $100,000.00, the fee shall be $3.00 per thousand dollars.
2. For valuations from $100,000.00 through $500,000.00 the fee shall be $300.00 plus $2.00 per thousand dollars above $100,000.00.
3. For valuations above $500,000.00, the fees shall be $1,000.00 plus $1.50 per thousand dollars above $500,000.00.

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
A $45.00 per square foot of living area cost will be applied to determine the valuation of a new residence.
1. For valuations up to $100,000.00 the fee shall be $3.00 per thousand dollars.
2. For valuations from $100,000.00 through $500,000.00, the fee shall be $3.00 plus $2.00 per thousand above $100,000.00.
3. For valuations above $500,000.00, the fee shall be $1,100.00 plus $1.50 per thousand dollars above $500,000.00.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
There shall also be a Certificate of Occupancy fee set by the Building Official certifying that the building, structure, or mobile home covered by the building permit conforms to the Residential, Density Building Setback, Site Drainage, and other regulations for the Village of French Settlement.

(C) There shall be a fee of $25.00 for the location or relocation of buildings including mobile homes and manufactured housing. All requirements for permits, drainage and setback required by this ordinance shall also be applicable to mobile homes and manufactured housing located on private property.
(D)
SECTION 8
Penalties
(A) Any person, corporation, partnership, or association of persons violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than five hundred ($500) dollars, or confined for not more than sixty (60) days in jail for each offense. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(B) In case any building or structure is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in violation of this article or in violation of the plat showing the proposed lot and building to be erected thereon, the building official or other authorized person, acting for and on behalf of the municipality, in addition to any other remedies, may institute appropriate action or proceedings in the name of the municipality to prevent and prohibit such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, or repairs.
SECTION 9
Amendments
The municipality may from time to time on its own motion or on petition, after public notice and hearing, amend the regulations herein established. Amendments shall be adopted after majority vote and shall be effective on the date of publication in the official journal for the municipality.

ORDINANCE NO. 2 OF 2000

To amend Ordinance No. 6 of 1997 Chapter 19.2, Section 6.103 /Mobile Home/Camper Park, and Section 7 ( C), (D), (E), (F), (G), and (H) Fees

A. No mobile home/camper parks shall be developed until all mobile home/camper park owners or developers secure approval from the Livingston Parish Health Unit on the method of sewage treatment and disposal and on the public water supply. Both shall be constructed in accordance with the following minimum standards.

1. Mobile home/camper park means (3) three or more mobile home/campers located on the same tract of land occupying such space as required by this ordinance.

2. Individual mobile home/camper sites may be leased or rented, but not subdivided or sold.

3. A minimum of (3) three acres is required for each mobile home/camper park, with a frontage of (200) two hundred feet, located on a publicly maintained street or road.

4. Maximum density would be (10) ten mobile home/camper sites per acre.

5. Where only (1) one drive is to be provided, each mobile home/camper park shall include an adequate circular turnaround at the rear of the property with a minimum inside pavement radius of (35) thirty-five feet for garbage trucks and other vehicles.

6. Minimum lot size would be (35) thirty-five foot front by (100) one hundred foot depth.

7. Each mobile home/camper site would have a (4) four-inch thick, (10) foot by (26) foot concrete parking pad, to be measured from the edge of the road.

8. If garbage hoppers are to be provided, then a minimum of (2) two shall be provided for each (20) twenty mobile home/camper sites.

9. Each mobile home/camper site shall be provided with a sanitary sewer connection and each mobile home/camper park shall be provided with a collection and treatment system and public water supply in compliance with the standards of the State Health Department.

10. All mobile home/camper parks are required to have a solid fence or wall at least six (6) six feet high along all sides and rear property lines.

11. Prior to issuance of a permit for a mobile home/camper park, a plan of the proposed development shall be submitted and reviewed by the Village building inspector. When deemed necessary, the Village building inspector may impose other requirements for safety, transportation and or other planning conformity provisions.

12. Whereas, the Village determines that an engineer's opinion, etc. is required, the fee for the engineer will be at the expense of the mobile home/camper owner or developer.

Section 7 (C) There shall be a fee of $50.00 for the location or relocation of buildings including mobile
homes/manufactured housing. (Cross-reference Ordinance No. 6 of 1997, Section 7C)


Section 7 (D) A fee of $20.00 per mobile home/camper pad will be imposed on all new construction of
mobile home/camper parks, with additional $50.00 inspection fee for each mobile
home/camper installed as stated in Section 7 (C).

Section 7 (E) A flat fee of $25.00 shall be imposed for a shed with a minimum of 800 square feet floor area permit. (Cross-reference Ordinance No. 6 of 1997, Section 1A)

Section 7 (F) A flat fee of $10.00 shall be imposed for owner/name transfers (electricity) permit.

Section 7 (G) A flat fee of $10.00 shall be imposed for a meter re-connect permit.

Section 7 (H) A flat fee of $25.00 shall be imposed for a road-boring permit. (Cross-reference Ordinance No. 3 of 2000.)

Said Ordinance having been introduced on August 9, 2000 and notice of public hearing having been published on ______________________, 2000, said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion by Alderman ___________________________________, seconded by Alderman ______________________________ to adopt the Ordinance, a record vote was taken and the following result was had:

Yeas:
Nays:
Absent:

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall become effective September 14, 2000.

_____________________________________
Date

___________________________________ _____________________________________
Toni Guitrau, Clerk Douglas W. Watts, Mayor

ORDINANCE NO. 1 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 6 OF 1997 CHAPTER 19.2 OF THE VILLAGE OF FRENCH SETTLEMENT CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCLUDE SECTION 10, SO AS TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND; TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH SUBDIVISIONS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATIVE THERETO.

BE IT ORDAINED that the Village of French Settlement Code of Ordinances be hereby amended to include the following:


SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Section 10:1. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply in this article:

EBR Specs: City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge Specifications for Public Works Construction (Latest Edition).

Major street plan: A plan delineating a system of streets adopted by the Village of French Settlement and includes all subsequent revisions or extensions and applicable rights-of-way and/or servitude required herein.

Right-of-way: A parcel of ground dedicated by the owner/developer/subdivider for public use, title to which shall rest in the public for the purposes stated in the dedication.

Servitude: A parcel of ground reserved by the owner/developer/subdivider for public utilities, drainage and other public purposes, the title to which shall remain in the property owner, subject to the right of use designated in the reservation of the servitude, or a strip of ground designated to be used for access to buildings or other sites.

Street: A way for vehicular traffic, whether designated as a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, freeway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place or however otherwise designated.

Subdivision:

(1) The division of a lot, a tract, or parcel of land or a portion thereof, into two (2) or more lots, sites, or other divisions, any one (1) or more of which is to be platted as a lot of record for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development.
(2) The re-subdivision of a lot, a tract, or parcel of land or a portion hereof, into two (2) or more lots, sites, or other divisions, any one (1) or more of which is to be platted as a lot of record for the purpose whether immediate or future, of sale or building development.
(3) The consolidation of lots, or tracts or portions thereof into an equal or smaller number of lots.
(4) The dedication, granting or constructing of a road, highway, street, alley or servitude through a tract of land regardless of size, unless expropriated by a public entity.
(5) The division or re-subdivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land or a portion thereof into fewer than five lots shall be deemed and referred to as a "minor subdivision." The mayor, waiving the requirement of Board of Aldermen submission and approval as defined herein may approve minor subdivisions. Such minor subdivisions shall be submitted as per section 10:4.3 and upon approval recorded as per this chapter.

Under construction shall be defined as any of the following work being undertaken:
(1) Clearing of road/street rights-of-way;
(2) Clearing of drainage rights-of-way;
(3) Shaping of road/street bed;
(4) Sewer lines being laid;
(5) Water lines being laid;
(6) Sewage treatment facilities;
.
Section 10:2. Authority; purpose.

In accordance with the provisions of R.S. 33:101 et seq., and particularly R.S. 33:112, and in order to promote the health, safety, convenience, morale and general welfare of the community, to provide for the proper arrangement and width of streets in relation to other existing or planned streets and to the master plan, and to provide for adequate and convenient open spaces for traffic, vehicular parking, utilities, access of firefighting apparatus, recreation, light and air for avoidance of congestion of population, the following regulations are adopted.

No sale of land either by lot description or by metes and bounds shall be made prior to the approval of a final plat thereof by the Board of Aldermen of the Village of French Settlement as required by law.

Section 10:3. Exclusions.

These regulations shall not apply to:

(1) Land in a subdivision previously legally recorded, except in the case of resubdivisions.

(2) Subdivisions in which a building exists on each proposed lot, provided that the owner certifies on the plat that all such existing buildings were constructed prior to the effective date of this article, and provided that such final plat evidences the mayor's signature prior to filing with the clerk of court.

(3) The subdivision of land to be used for orchards, forestry or farming, provided that the owner certifies upon the final plat that such land is to be used only for orchards, forestry or farming.

(4) Small parcels of land sold to or exchanged between adjoining property owners, where such sale or exchange does not create additional lots, provided that the Board of Aldermen or its designee certifies upon the final plat that such sale or exchange does not create additional lots.

(5) The provisions of these regulations shall not apply in the case of bona fide partitions of property by the legal heirs of a landowner after his death, nor in the case of the distribution by a landowner to his direct descending heirs, either by testamentary disposition; or through transfer and distribution during the lifetime of the landowner.

The exceptions in R.S. 33:106.1 shall also be deemed as exemptions under this article.

Section. 10:4. Sale, etc., prior to approval of plat.

No sale of land either by lot description or metes and bounds shall be made prior to the approval of a plat thereof by the Board of Aldermen as required by law. Whoever, being the owner or agent of the owner of any land located in a subdivision transfers or sells or agrees to sell land by reference to, or exhibition of, or by other use of a plat of a subdivision, before such plat has been approved by the Board of Aldermen and recorded or filed in the office of the clerk of court of the Parish of Livingston shall forfeit and pay a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each lot or parcel so transferred or sold, or agreed or negotiated to be sold, and the description of such lot or parcel by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the transaction from such penalties.


Section. 10:4.1. Bench marks.

All developers are required to furnish bench marks in all subdivisions, with the Board of Aldermen to approve locations of bench marks in subdivisions.

Section. 10:4.2. Submission of construction plans required for all subdivisions prior to the beginning of construction.

Construction plans on all subdivisions shall be submitted to the Board of Aldermen before construction begins.

Section 10:4.3. Submittals.

Failure by owner/developer/subdivider to submit preliminary plat, construction plans, final plat, request to post performance (construction) and/or maintenance bond to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen by the deadlines noted elsewhere in this article will result in a delay of the review of such documents until the next scheduled Board of Aldermen meeting.

Section. 10:4.4. Building permit office requirements.

(a) The building permit office shall not issue a building permit on any lot or parcel of land that has been subdivided or created since July1, 2000 unless said lot or parcel of land was created according to Village of French Settlement ordinance, subdivision regulations, approval so noted in Board of Aldermen meeting minutes and the mayor has signed and dated the final plat.

(b) Also see applicable portions of Sections 10:5-10:10, 10:15 and 10: 15.1.

Section. 10:4.5. Days in advance to submit plats and construction plans.

All subdivision plats to be brought before the Board of Aldermen, with or without improvements, must be received by the village clerk by noon on the Thursday one (1) week prior to the next scheduled meeting date in order for it to be placed on the Board's agenda.

Section. 10:5. Procedure for subdivisions with improvements-Generally.

(a) Informal discussion with mayor. Prior to the filing of an application for approval of the preliminary plat, the owner/developer/subdivider is encouraged to have an informal discussion with the Livingston Parish health office, the Mayor of the Village of French Settlement, the French Settlement building permit regarding the proposed subdivision.

(b) Preliminary plat. Upon satisfactory conclusion of the preapplication procedure, the owner/developer/subdivider shall prepare a preliminary plat and other supplementary material as specified in Sections 10:10-10:15.

(c) Days in advance to submit plats and construction plans. All subdivision plats to be brought before the Board of Aldermen, with or without improvements, must be received by the clerk's by the Thursday prior to the meeting in order for it to be placed on the Board's agenda.

(d) Number of preliminary plat copies.

(1) Five (5) black and white or blue line copies of the preliminary plat, specified supplementary material and appropriate fees shall be submitted with completed Forms 20 and 20-A to the Board of Aldermen for preliminary approval. One (1) copy of preliminary plat submitted directly to parish health office.

(2) The owner/developer/subdivider shall transmit to all affected utility companies two (2) copies of the preliminary plat one week prior to the meeting at which it is to be considered. Copies of transmittal letters to utility companies should be attached to Preliminary Plat Form 20.

(3) The owner/developer/subdivider shall notify all adjacent and adjourning property owners by registered mail at least ten (10) days prior to the Board of Aldermen meeting that owner/developer/ subdivider is submitting a preliminary plat of the proposed development at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. Copy of notice sent and copy of registered letter receipt to be attached to and submitted with Form 20. In lieu of notifying all adjacent and adjourning property owners, owner/developer/subdivider shall erect a four (4) foot by eight (8) foot sign on each road/street that said tract of land fronts on. Sign should provide the following information.

a. Name, address and phone number of owner/developer/subdivider;

b. Name of subdivision or development;

c. Number of lots;

d. Number of acres in development.

(e) Forms.

FORM 20. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT

This form, attached to the rear of these regulations and obtainable at the Village of French Settlement clerk's office, is used to list certain information in making application for approval of a preliminary plat for subdividing land. On it the following information is to be listed.

(1) Date of application;
(2) Title or name of subdivision;
(3) Approximate number of lots;
(4) Owner of land;
(5) Address and phone numbers;
(6) Subdivider or developer;
(7) Location of subdivision (road, section, township and range);
(8) Signature of owner/developer/subdivider.

FORM 20-A. CHECKLIST FOR PRELIMINARY PLATS

This form, which is attached to the rear of these regulations, is obtainable at the Village of French Settlement clerk's office.

Five (5) black and white or blue line copies of the preliminary plat, specified supplementary material and appropriate fees shall be submitted with completed Form 20-A and 20-B to the Board of Aldermen for preliminary approval. One (1) copy of preliminary plat submitted directly to Livingston Parish health office.

FORM 20-B. CHECKLIST FOR FINAL PLATS

This form which is attached to the rear of these regulations, is obtainable at the Village of French Settlement clerk's office.

Five (5) black and white or blue line copies of the final plat, specified supplementary material and appropriate fees shall be submitted with completed Form 20-A and 20-B to the Board of Aldermen for final approval. One (1) copy of final plat submitted directly to Livingston Parish health office.

(f) Time in which the board of aldermen acts. Following the review of the preliminary plat and other material submitted in conformity to these regulations, the Board of Aldermen shall, within thirty (30) days, act (approve, table, or disapprove) thereon as submitted or modified, and if approved, the Board shall express its approval on the preliminary plat or give its reasons for disapproval.

(g) Action noted on plat. The action of the Board of Aldermen shall be noted on five (5) copies of the preliminary plat. One (1) copy shall be returned to the owner/developer/subdivider; one (1) copy to the village building permit office, one (1) copy to parish health office, and the other retained by the clerk's office for the Board of Aldermen.

(h) Approval of preliminary plat. Approval of the preliminary plat shall not constitute approval of the final plat, but the owner/developer/subdivider may direct his licensed civil engineer to proceed with the drainage impact study (unless waived by mayor and Board of Aldermen). Construction plans designed according to criteria established by the Village of French Settlement Board of Aldermen should not be prepared until the drainage impact study has been approved by the Board of Aldermen. However, should owner/developer/subdivider choose to proceed with the preparation of construction plans prior to the approval of the drainage impact study, owner/developer/subdivider acknowledges that by doing so they are proceeding at their own risk.

(i) Acceptable surety instruments.

(1) Performance and payment bonds.

a. Commercial bonds for one hundred (100) percent of the cost of improvements (streets and drainage). Provide certified copy of contractor's bid to verify cost of improvements (streets and drainage). Bonds to be provided by a reputable and financially sound bonding company currently licensed and approved to do business in Louisiana;

b. Letter of credit from a bank in the amount of one and twenty-five hundredths (1.25) times the contractor's bid for improvements (streets and drainage). Owner/developer/subdivider's engineer to certify that units and unit prices or lump sum bid is reasonable to perform construction according to village road and subdivision regulations; or

c. Parcels of land or lots that currently front on a state highway, existing parish maintained road or existing village maintained street which have an appraised value as determined by state licensed and certified appraiser of not less than one and four tenths (1.4) times the contractor's bid for improvements (streets and drainage). Developer's attorney to provide village with clear title and a good first mortgage on parcels of land or lots.

(2) Maintenance bond.

a. Maintenance bond amount and time frame will be based on the quality of the constructed improvements. Minimum requirement: Eighteen (18) months and fifteen (15) percent of the final cost of improvements (streets and drainage). Cost to be certified correct by licensed engineer.

b. Maintenance bond can be from a reputable and financially sound bonding company currently licensed to do business in Louisiana or a letter of credit from a bank or land/lots that currently front on a state highway, currently parish maintained road, or currently village maintained street. Land value shall be determined by state licensed and certified appraiser. Developer's attorney to provide village with clear title and a good first mortgage on parcels of land or lots.

(3) Surety instruments.

a. Shall be subject to review and approval of village attorney prior to final approval and acceptance by the Board of Aldermen.

b. Shall be subject to cancellation only upon written approval of the Board of Aldermen.

( j) Construction plans.

(1) All owner/developer/subdividers shall have construction plans and applications prepared and sealed by a civil engineer currently licensed to practice in the State of Louisiana and construction plans, etc. approved by the Village of French Settlement Board of Aldermen prior to any construction work taking place. Construction plans and specifications are mandatory on all projects constructed in the Village of French Settlement that involve streets, roads and/or drainage improvements.

(2) One (1) set of construction plans, specifications and required drainage calculations plus appropriate fees submitted and received by the mayor's office on or before the Thursday prior to the regularly scheduled Board of Aldermen meeting.

(3) Two (2) sets of construction plans, specifications and all required drainage calculations, etc. submitted directly to and received by the village permit's office on the Thursday (at least seven (7) days) prior to the regularly scheduled Board of Aldermen meeting.

(4) 1OO-year flood zone and wetlands are to be shown on construction plans.

(5) Any changes or re-design of construction plans shall require a re-submittal for review by village permit office and approval by the board prior to construction of said improvements.

Section 10:5.1 Reserved.

Section 10:6 Same-Procedure "A."

Procedure A (constructing improvements after posting performance/construction bond and recording final plat) shall consist of the following:

(1) Construction plans, specifications, drainage calculations, etc. recommended by Board of Aldermen.

(2) Post surety instrument (performance/construction bond and payment bond) in a form acceptable to the Board of Aldermen, the village attorney and receive approval of same by the Board of Aldermen.

(3) Provide to Board of Aldermen all documents required under section 10:8.2, items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) receive approval of final plat.

(4) Owner/developer/subdivider, at his expense, is to immediately record the approved final plat and surety instruments and provide three (3) certified copies of same to the village clerk's office.

(5) Lots may be sold upon completion of steps (a) thru (d).

(6) Building permits for individual lots will not be issued until a certified copy of the final plat is provided to the building permit office plus a receipt from the village clerk's office stating that the board has received a certified copy of the approved and recorded final plat.

(7) Prior to the building permit office issuing an individual lot building permit the builder shall retain the services of a licensed land surveyor to set the finished floor elevation in flood zone areas and to set driveway culvert elevations.

(8) Prior to permitted structure being approved for permanent power, builder shall provide following to building permit office:

a. Flood certificate that certifies finished floor is equal to or above the latest one-hundred-year flood elevation.

b. Completed driveway culvert form that certifies culverts are size and elevations provided for on the final plat of the Subdivision or as determined by licensed engineer and submitted in writing to village building permit office.

(9) Owner/developer/subdivider to retain and pay for the services of an independent testing laboratory acceptable to the Board of Aldermen.

(10) Construct improvements within twelve (12) months of date of approval of construction plans by Board of Aldermen.

(11) Acceptance of improvements by Board of Aldermen.

(12) The owner/developer/subdivider shall file with the Village of French Settlement a surety instrument (maintenance bond) securing to the village government the satisfactory construction and maintenance of this work. Owner/developer/ subdivider, at his expense, is to record the approved maintenance bond and immediately provide three (3) certified copies of same to the village clerk's office.

Section 10:7 Same---Procedure "B."

Procedure B (constructing improvements prior to recording final plat) shall consist of the following:

(1) Construction plans, specifications, drainage calculations, etc. approved by Board of Aldermen.

(2) Owner/developer/subdivider to retain and pay for the services of an independent testing laboratory acceptable to the Board of Aldermen.

(3) Construct improvements within twelve (12) months of date of approval of construction plans by Board of Aldermen.

(4) Acceptance of improvements by Board of Aldermen.

(5) The owner/developer/subdivider shall file with the Board of Aldermen a surety instrument (maintenance bond) securing to the village government the satisfactory construction and maintenance of this work.

(6) Provide to Board of Aldermen all documents required under section 10:8.2 and receive approval of final plat.

(7) Owner/developer/subdivider, at his expense, is to record the approved final plat and maintenance bond and immediately provide three (3) certified copies of same to the village clerk's office.

(8) Lots may be sold upon completion of steps (1) thru (7).

(9) Building permits for individual lots will not be issued until a certified copy of the final plat is provided to the building permit office plus a receipt from the village clerk's office stating that the council has received a certified copy of the approved and recorded final plat.

(10) Prior to the building permit office issuing an individual lot building permit the builder shall retain the services of a licensed land surveyor/engineer to set the finished floor elevation in flood zone areas and to set driveway culvert elevations.

(11) Prior to permitted structure being approved for permanent power, builder shall provide following to building permit office:

a. Flood certificate that certifies finished floor is equal to or above the latest one-hundred-year flood elevation.
b. Completed driveway culvert form that certifies culverts are size and elevations provided for on the final plat of the subdivision or as determined by licensed engineer and submitted in writing to the village building permit office.

Section 10:8. Same--Copies of plat; recording fee.

When the final plat is approved, the subdivider shall furnish the Board of Aldermen with a designated number of prints for recording and distribution along with a check for the recording fee.

Section 10:8.1. Time limit to proceed with development.

If the owner/developer/subdivider does not proceed with procedure A or procedure B outlined above within six (6) months of the date of approval of the preliminary plat, the Board of Aldermen shall have the right to rescind approval of the preliminary plat.
Section 10:8.2. Final plats.

Final plats shall not be approved by the Board of Aldermen and cannot be recorded in the Livingston Parish clerk of court's office until a minimum of the following takes place.

(1) Signed statement by owner/developer/subdivider that he owns the property being subdivided and that he is dedicating servitude, right-of-way, etc. for proper purposes and use by the public.

(2) Letter of approval of construction plans from authorized representatives of the following public bodies. Note: Owner/developer/subdivider's project is not to be delayed by lack of action by public bodies. Public bodies shall respond in writing within twenty-five (25) days of owner/developer/subdivider's submittal. Owner/developer/subdivider shall copy Board of Aldermen on all submittal letters.

a. State board of health (water and sewerage);
b. Parish health office (water and sewerage);
c. Livingston Parish Sewerage District No.1 (if applicable);
d Livingston Parish Sewerage District No.2 (if applicable);
e. Ward II Water District (if applicable);
f. Gravity Drainage District No.1 (if applicable);
g. Gravity Drainage District No.2 (if applicable);
h. Gravity Drainage District No.5 (if applicable);
I. French Settlement Board of Aldermen;
j. Any subsequently created water, drainage or sewerage district

(3) Letter from village building permit office stating that all street names are compatible with parish address system and 911 system policy and that the vicinity map shows the project tied to a section or one quarter (1/4) section corner by measured or scaled distance.

(4) Completed Form 20-A (Preliminary Plat Checklist)
(5) Completed Form 20-B (Final Plat Checklist)
(6) Surety instruments (form, amount, etc.) acceptable to village attorney and Board of Aldermen.
(7) Payment in full of all permit and inspection fees.
(8) Copy of all testing laboratory reports certifying that all construction work meets all Village of French Settlement subdivision requirements and specifications.
(9) Written statement by owner/developer/subdivider's engineer certifying that all work is complete and has been constructed in basic conformity to approved construction plans and specifications.
(10) Approval letter from village stating that constructed improvements meet subdivision regulations and road ordinances.

Section 10:9. Procedure for subdivisions without improvements.

(a) The owner/developer/subdivider shall prepare a final plat according to section 10:15 and submit same on the Thursday prior to the meeting of the Board of Aldermen. The owner/developer/subdivider shall transmit two (2) copies to all affected utility companies with a copy of the transmittal letters attached to the Board of Aldermen's copy of the final plat.

(b) Final plats shall not be approved by the Board of Aldermen and cannot be recorded in the Livingston Parish clerk of court's office until a minimum of the following takes place.

(1) Signed statement by owner/developer/subdivider that he owns the property being subdivided and that he is dedicating servitude, right-of-way, etc. for proper purposes and use by the public.

(2) Letter of approval from the following public bodies. Note: owner/developer/subdivider's project is not to be delayed by lack of action by public bodies. Public bodies shall respond in writing within seven (7) days of receipt by public body of owner/developer/subdivider's submittal. Owner/developer/ subdivider shall copy Board of Aldermen on all submittal letters.

a. State board of health (water and sewerage) if applicable;
b. Parish health office (water and sewerage);
c. Livingston Parish Sewerage District No.1 (if applicable);
d. Livingston Parish Sewerage District No.2 (if applicable);
e. Ward II Water District (if applicable);
f. Gravity Drainage District No.1 (if applicable);
g. Gravity Drainage District No.2 (if applicable);
h. Gravity Drainage District No.5 (if applicable);
1. Any subsequently created water, drainage or sewerage district (if applicable).

(3) Payment in full of all permit and inspection fees.

(4) Completed Form 20-A (Preliminary Plat Checklist)

(5) Completed Form 20-B. (Final Plat Checklist)

(c) Five (5) black and white or blue line copies of the final plat, completed Form 20-B and appropriate fees shall be submitted to the village clerk's office for the mayor's recommendations and approval by the board. One (1) copy of plat submitted directly to parish health office. If said plat cannot be approved at its first review, it may be corrected and resubmitted for further review and approval. Once final plat has been approved by the Board of Aldermen, owner/developer/subdivider, at his expense, is to immediately record the approved final plat and immediately provide a certified copy of the final plat as follows:

(1) Village of French Settlement Board of Aldermen;

(2) Parish health office;

(3) Village building permit office.

Section 10:10. Streets.

(a) The owner/developer/subdivider's engineer shall design all roads/streets utilizing sound engineering practice and the criteria specified in village subdivision regulations.

(b) The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and location of all streets shall conform to the "Major Street Plan" and shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, topographical conditions, to public convenience and safety, and in their appropriate relation to the proposed uses of the land to be served by such streets. Prior to acceptance by the Board of Aldermen of any roads or streets in a subdivision, the owner/developer/subdivider shall furnish proof and certification that the roads or streets join an existing, publicly-maintained road or street. The subdivider shall furnish proof and certification that the owner of the private road or street has executed and recorded a written instrument allowing use by the public of such private road or street. In addition, the owner/developer/subdivider shall furnish proof and certification that the private road or street is constructed to village standards, as set forth in these regulations. If the streets in the proposed subdivision do not join a publicly-maintained road or street, the recorded subdivision plat shall contain the following statement: "Streets, servitude and rights-of-way in this subdivision which do not join or connect with publicly-maintained streets, roads, servitude or rights-of-way shall not be the obligation of the Village of French Settlement Board of Aldermen or any other public body."

(c) Where such is not shown in the major street plan, the arrangement of streets in a subdivision shall either:

(1) Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing streets in surrounding areas; or

(2) Conform to a plan for the neighborhood approved or adopted by the Board of Aldermen to meet a particular situation where topographical or other conditions make continuance or conformance to existing streets impracticable.

(d) The subdivision should have more than one (1) exit street, preferably on different streets or in different directions.

(e) No street name shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing streets and street names must be approved by the village building permit office. Streets that are obviously in alignment with others already existing shall bear the names of the existing streets.

(f) Street jogs with centerline offsets of less than one hundred twenty-five (125) feet shall be prohibited.

(g) Street geometries should be in accordance with sound engineering practice.

(h) Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles, and no street shall intersect any other street at less than seventy-five (75) degrees.

(i) All dead end streets, roads, etc. shall have culs-de-sac.

(j) No gravel streets shall be accepted in the village road maintenance system. Only hard surfaced streets will be accepted.

(k) Design and construction criteria.

(1) The riding surface of all streets/roads where open ditches are used for drainage shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet wide:

a. With one and one-half (1 ½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface on eight-inch soil cement base at least twenty-one (21) feet wide; or
b. With one and one-half (1 ½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface on compacted eight-inch sand/clay gravel or compacted crushed limestone base at least twenty-one (21) feet wide; or
c. With six (6) inches of 4,000 psi concrete on compacted base; or
d. Same standards as c. above, but with five (5) inches of 4,000 psi concrete base and one and one-half (1 ½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface.
e. Crown of roadbed shall be a minimum of thirty (30) feet wide.
f. Road shoulders shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide and be fertilized and seeded to prevent erosion of shoulders and to prevent depositing of soil in road ditches.
g. Roadside ditches shall be constructed with a roadside slope of 3 to 1 and back slope of 2 to 1. The owner/developer/subdivider shall be responsible throughout the maintenance period (minimum of eighteen (18) months) for keeping road ditches to within one (1) inch of design grade.
h. The area between the back side of the road ditch and the road right-of-way shall be graded to drain, fertilized and seeded as soon as possible to prevent erosion.

(2) All streets with curb, gutter and subsurface drainage shall be at least twenty-seven (27) feet wide from back of curb to back of curb:

a. With one and one-half (1½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface on eight-inch soil cement base at least twenty-seven (27) feet wide; or
b. With one and one-half (1½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface on compacted eight-inch-sand/clay gravel or compacted crushed limestone base at least twenty-seven (27) feet wide; or
c. With six (6) inches of 4,000 psi concrete on compacted base, or
d. With five (5) inches of 4,000 psi concrete and one and one-half (1½) inches of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface on compacted base.
e. The area between the back side of the curb and the road right-of-way shall be graded to drain, fertilized and seeded as soon as possible to prevent erosion.

(3) Based upon the soil classification and strength test results, the licensed engineer shall design the typical street sections. If the licensed engineer recommends a soil-cement treated base or sub-base; or a lime modified base or sub-base; the minimum amount of lime and/or cement required shall also be shown on the typical section(s). The amount of lime and/or cement shall be indicated in pounds per square yards for the base or sub-base thickness specified. For lime treated bases or sub-bases the type of lime shall also be specified (hydrated or quicklime).

(4) All costs for the soil sampling and all required laboratory tests shall be borne by the owner/developer/subdivider. The owner/developer/subdivider may select any approved materials testing laboratory acceptable to the Board of Aldermen for this work.

(5) Where boulevards are constructed, that is, two (2) lanes of traffic separated by a neutral ground, the paving on each lane shall be not less than twenty (20) feet in width with a center neutral ground of not less than fifteen (15) feet in width.

(6) Cul-de-sacs (turn-a-rounds) at the end of the dead-end streets shall have a minimum right-of-way radius of seventy (70) feet, with a minimum inside turning radius of thirty-five (35) feet. Pavement width at the turn-a-rounds shall be at least the width of the street it serves. The center of the cul-de-sac shall be two (2) feet higher than the elevation of the road/street and graded in order to provide positive drainage. Once graded this area is to be immediately fertilized and seeded to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This provision may be temporarily replaced with an acceptable "T" turn-a-round where the dead end road/street is not deemed permanent. The owner/developer/subdivider shall post a performance/surety instrument according to section 10:5(I) in order to guarantee the eventual construction of the cul-de-sac if the owner/developer/subdivider chooses to provide a temporary "T" turn-a-round.

(7) Profiles of all streets and ditches shall be submitted with the construction plans. Where open ditches are used for drainage, a plat showing size and grade of all pipe to be used under driveways shall also be furnished.

(8) All roads/streets shall have a minimum of the following signs: Street name, speed limit---15 MPH, Stop, Dead End (if applicable).

(9) When sidewalks are constructed in an approved subdivision, such sidewalks shall be at least four (4) inches thick and four (4) feet wide. All sidewalks shall be located in a five-foot servitude on each lot abutting all road/street rights-of-way. Five-foot sidewalk servitude shall be dedicated even though sidewalks are not required by the Board of Aldermen.

(10) All construction shall be in accordance with the city of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge Specifications for Public Works Construction (Latest Edition) unless amended by the village of French Settlement subdivision regulations.

(11) A minimum of the following independent testing laboratory reports. Within five (5) days of the test results, a copy of said results is to be submitted directly to the following:
Village of French Settlement clerk's office, owner/developer/subdivider's office, and contractor's office.

Soil test to determine percent of lime required in road base.

Soil test to determine percent of cement required for soil cement base.

Tested sand, clay, gravel or limestone base material.

Asphaltic concrete batch mixture.

Inspection of soil-cement installation.

Ample number of field density tests to confirm sand, clay, gravel, limestone or soil cement base is properly compacted and no less than eight (8) inches in depth.

Inspection of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface or concrete roadway during installation.

Test sub-base and base prior to concrete street being poured.

Pull and test standard concrete cylinders for concrete strength (4,000 psi).

Certify that concrete street is a minimum of six (6) inches thick. Thickness measurement required every one hundred (100) feet.

Certify that construction and expansion joints on concrete streets meet minimum EBR specs.

Any and all road failures shall be repaired according to EBR specifications and proof rolled afterwards with a twelve yard dump truck fully loaded. All work to be performed in presence of testing lab employees and lab to certify repairs to the Board of Aldermen.

Reports to provide, at a minimum, the following:

a. Full name of subdivision;

b. Name and address of owner/developer/subdivider;

c. Location of subdivision: Section, township and range. Parish or state road subdivision fronts on.

Section 10:10.1. Road base testing required; culvert requirement.

(a) The developer [shall] retain and pay for the services of an independent testing laboratory acceptable to the Board of Aldermen and such testing lab will provide a minimum of the following services along with certified testing and inspection reports to the Board of Aldermen, the developer and the developer's engineer.

(1) Test the soil to determine the percent of lime required should the road base need lime treatment.

(2) Test the soil to determine the percent of cement (10% by volume minimum) if the proposed road has eight-inch soil-cement base.

(3) Test the sand, clay, gravel or limestone base material to determine if it meets LDOTD specifications.

(4) Verify asphaltic concrete batch mixture for Type I wearing course per LDOTD specifications.

(5) Inspect soil-cement installation for soil-cement base roads.

(6) Provide ample field density tests to determine that eight-inch sand, clay, gravel or limestone base is compacted to LDOTD specifications.

(7) Inspect installation of hot asphaltic concrete wearing surface or concrete roadway.

(b) Developers shall be required to install asphalt coated culverts in all cross drains in roadbeds.

Section 10:11. Servitude; rights-of-way.

(a) The Board of Aldermen shall require the dedication of additional right-of-way, if the existing major or secondary street has a width of less than the minimum established herein.

(b) Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a storm water servitude or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse, plus be adequate in size for future drainage purpose.

(c) The minimum servitude width shall be fifteen (15) feet.

(d) All street and road rights-of-way shall conform to the widths designated on the major street plan as adopted by the Board of Aldermen and on all subsequent amendments and additions thereto. Until such time that a major street plan is adopted, the minimum street/road right-of-way width acceptable shall be as follows:

Fifty-foot right-of-way: Curb and gutter streets/roads.
Sixty-foot right-of-way: Open ditch streets/roads.

(e) No subdivider shall alienate the oil, gas and mineral rights to that land lying beneath the street and road right-of-way, with the intention of depriving the Village of French Settlement of the ownership of the oil, gas or minerals beneath such road or street. In the event any subdivider should do so, the Board of Aldermen is not obligated to accept such road or street for inclusion in the village road system for future maintenance or upkeep.

(f) The full width and length of all rights-of-way and servitude are to be completely cleared and grubbed of all trees, brush, debris, etc.

Section 10:12. Building lines.

(a) The building lines shall be appropriate for the location of the Subdivision and for the type of development and use contemplated.

Minimum front building line set back: Twenty-five (25) feet.

Minimum rear yard: Twenty (20) feet.

Minimum side lot line: Five (5) feet.

(b) Corner lots shall have extra width to permit appropriate building setback from, and orientation to, both streets.

Section 10:13. Drainage.

(a) The owner/developer/subdivider's engineer shall plan all drainage for his project in accordance with the master drainage plan. Until such time that a master drainage plan is adopted by the Board of Aldermen, owner/developer/subdivider's engineer shall utilize sound engineering practice and the criteria specified in this subdivision ordinance.

(b) Whenever any stream or improved surface drainage course is located in an area that is being subdivided, the owner/developer/subdivider shall dedicate an adequate right-of-way along each side of the stream.

(c) A contour map based on U.S.G.S. datum shall be prepared for the area comprising the subdivision and such additional areas as may be required to include all watersheds which drain into the property to be developed. In the design of the drainage for the subdivision, provision must be made to adequately take care of adjacent watershed areas. The owner/developer/subdivider shall be required to construct to the ultimate finished width but only to a depth sufficient for his subdivision unless the offsite improvements are in or near the construction stage. Sufficient right-of-way, however, must be dedicated for further enlargement.

(d) Storm drainage shall be located within the street right-of-way except where it is located in servitude to facilitate outfall needs or for subdivision interconnections.

(e) In areas to be developed where a confirmed drainage problem exists or where the Board of Aldermen has received complaints regarding lack of proper drainage, the owner/developer/subdivider's engineer shall prepare and submit a drainage impact study of the area utilizing EBR specs.

(f) All institutional, commercial and industrial developments (school, hospitals, manufacturing plants, shopping centers, etc.), that will utilize over one (1) acre of land, are required to prepare, submit and have approved by the Board of Aldermen a drainage impact study prior to construction of the facility.

(g) Design and construction criteria.

(1) Design shall be in accordance with the EBR specs unless amended by the Village of French Settlement subdivision regulations. The minimum runoff used shall be no less than 2.0 cfs per acre for all drainage areas.
(2) Hydraulic calculations shall be prepared and sealed by a professional civil engineer and submitted along with the construction plans.
(3) Open canals shall have side slopes of three (3) to one (1) if not lined with concrete. Slope grades of one and one-half (1 ½) to one (1) may be used if concrete lining is utilized.
(4) Erosive soils. Many subdivisions are developed in areas of the parish where erosive soils exists. All outfall ditches side slopes shall be stabilized by fertilizing and seeding with hay and/or any other acceptable method to accomplish stabilization. Owner/developer/subdivider shall be responsible throughout the maintenance period (minimum of eighteen (18) months) for maintaining the outfall ditch bottom to within two (2) inches of design grade and for maintaining the side slopes from eroding. Owner/developer/subdivider may consider having his contractor over excavate the bottom grade of his outfall ditches by approximately three (3) inches to provide for some bank and side slop erosion.
(5) The following servitude criteria shall be required for each ditch, canal, and storm sewer:

a. Storm sewers: Fifteen-foot minimum servitude.
b. Ditches with a bottom width of zero (0) to two (2) feet:
Width of ditch plus a minimum often (10) feet from the top of bank on one (1) side.
c. Ditches and canals with a bottom width of two (2) to six (6) feet:
Width of ditch plus a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the top of the bank on one (1) side.
d. Canals with bottom widths of six (6) feet to fifteen (15) feet:
Width of canal plus a minimum of ten (10) feet from the top of bank on one side and fifteen (15) feet on the other.
e. Canals with bottom widths in excess of fifteen (15) feet and a top width of less than forty (40) feet:
Width of canal plus a minimum of ten (10) feet from the top of bank on one side and twenty-five (25) feet on the other.
f. Canals with a top width in excess of forty (40) feet:
Twenty-five (25) feet from the top of bank on both sides.

When the proposed ditch must discharge into a major unlined canal, the owner/developer/subdivider shall be required to enclose the ditch, under the access strip of the major canal, in an adequate size metal pipe. The pipe shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet long and shall extend four (4) feet into the canal beyond the side slope, and shall discharge into a concrete flume that extends a minimum of five (5) feet into the bottom of the canal. Flume shall be constructed immediately after conduit is installed.

(h) Detention pond. Whenever a detention pond is utilized by developer's engineer to minimize downstream flooding, the design shall address, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Detention pond shall be designed to detain flows so as not to increase downstream runoff for a ten-year design storm.

(2) Detention pond shall be checked for the one-hundred-year frequency to assure that adequate capacity is provided in the pond and at the outlet to prevent flooding of upstream and downstream developments.

(3) Detention pond and outlet structure shall be designed in accordance with the "Drainage Criteria Manual" of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge.

(4) Both the construction plans and final plat for developments shall include a note which states that the proposed detention pond and shoreline and the outlet structure will be privately owned and maintained.

(5) Six-foot chain link fence with double entrance gate constructed to EBR specifications. Adequate land must be reserved for maintenance of detention pond.

Section 10:14. Utilities.

(a) Utilities location, design, and construction shall be in accordance with sound engineering practice and shall conform to the requirements of the respective utility companies.

(b) Utilities shall not be situated or located under any village road/street or road/street bed, except if the utility is located perpendicular to the road/street bed.

(c) The owner/developer/subdivider must submit a plan for the water supply and distribution system and sewage treatment and collection system to the Board of Aldermen along with a copy of transmittal letters to utility companies and state/parish board of health.

Section 10:14.1. Fire hydrants and size of water lines.

The developer is required to submit a plan for the water supply and distribution system for approval of the Board of Aldermen for the purpose of determining the number of fire hydrants to be installed and size of water line.

Section 10:15. Preliminary and final plats.

(a) Preliminary plat. A minimum of the following information shall be included in the preliminary plat:

(1) Subdivision name.

(2) Description of property.

(3) Owner/developer/subdivider name, address and phone number.

(4) Surveyor/engineer's name.

(5) Existing property lines.

(6) Limits of incorporated areas.

(7) Section and township lines.

(8) Sewer district designation.

(9) School and/or other districts.

(10) Street names (letter of approval from building permit office) and right-of-way width (existing and proposed).

(11) Plat shall bear a note stating whether streets will be public or private.

(12) Existing buildings.

(13) Building lines.

(14) Existing drainage ditches and canals.

(15) Existing lakes or ponds.

(16) Ownership of adjoining properties.

(17) Names of adjoining subdivisions.

(18) Lots--Numbers (consecutive) and scaled lot dimensions.

(19) Servitude and rights-of-way and dimensions (existing and proposed) (fifteen-foot minimum width).

(20) Existing bridges and culverts.

(21) Contours (compiled from quadrangle map or other available sources).

(22) Method of sewage disposal.

(23) Source of water supply.

(24) Type of street improvements (if any).

(25) Proposed school and park sites.

(26) Vicinity map at one (1) inch to two thousand (2,000) feet or larger. Project tied to section or one quarter (1/4) section corner by measurement or scaled distance.

(27) The preliminary plat shall be drawn at a scale of one (1) inch equals two hundred (200) feet or larger.

(28) Bench marks must be provided in all subdivisions. Provide description, location and elevation (MSL).

(29) Date.

(30) North arrow.

(31) Scale (Graphic).

(32) LEGEND: Number of acres, number of lots, name of utility companies, type of street improvements, districts (sewer, water, gas, drainage, fire, recreation), etc.

(33) Approval of preliminary plat will be mayor's signature on copy or print of preliminary plat not original.

(34) Private streets and drainage dedicated for public use (Large note) buyer beware maintenance of streets, roads, servitude and rights-of-way in this subdivision will not be obligation of Village of French Settlement Board of Aldermen or any other public body.

(35) Form 20-Application for approval of preliminary plat completed with copy of letters to utility companies attached.

(36) Five (5) prints of preliminary plat submitted to village clerk's office.

(b) Final plat. A minimum of the following information shall be included on the final plat:

(1) All information required on preliminary plan.

(2) Owner's signature dedicating servitude and rights-of-way.

(3) All linear and angular dimensions in feet and decimals of a foot.

(4) Curve data for all curvilinear streets and rounded corners.

(5) Permanent markers and bench marks.

(6) Lot numbers.

(7) Date.


(8) Surveyor's certification note, signature and seal.

(9) Statement of water supply.

(10) Statement for method of sewage disposal and owner/developer/subdivider's signature.

(11) Reference to deed restrictions, if any.

(12) Show note stating inundation elevation (plot and shade and label flood zones).

(13) Provide chart showing size and grade of driveway culvert for each lot.

(14) Plot and shade all wetlands.

(15) Place for Board of Aldermen's approval signature and date. On private developments substitute "NO EXCEPTION TAKEN" in place of approval.

(16) Plat drawn in ink to scale of one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet on vellum or polyester film on twenty-four-inch by thirty-six-inch sheet for subdivisions with improvements.

(17) Plot size can be eight and one-half (8 ½) inches by eleven (11) inches or multiples thereof for subdivisions without improvements.

(18) Street right-of-way alignment (seventy-five (75) feet minimum)

(19) Copy of all testing lab reports certifying that construction work meets all Village of French Settlement subdivision requirements and specifications.

(20) Name, address and phone number of owner/developer/subdivider.

(21) Note signed by owner/developer/subdivider stating that no one shall install subsurface drainage culverts, other than a twenty-foot long driveway culvert, in road/street, ditches until after the eighteen-month maintenance bond has been released by the Board of Aldermen on the street and drainage improvements.

Section 10:15.1. Driveway culverts and/or subsurfacing or ditches.

(a) All culverts in subdivisions legally platted and accepted by the Board of Aldermen shall be installed to the size and grade shown on the construction plans or as determined by a licensed engineer and submitted in writing to village building permit office.

(1) Culverts installed in other areas of the village shall be installed pursuant to the procedure mandated by the village.

(b) No person, including but not limited to contractor, house builder, homeowner, or lot owner, shall install subsurface drainage culverts, other than an approved driveway culvert, in road/street ditches until after the maintenance bond has been released by the Board of Aldermen on the street and drainage improvements, unless a plan, by a licensed civil engineer, to enclose the roadside ditch is submitted and approved by the mayor's office.

(c) An impervious substance (asphalt, tar, concrete, etc.) shall have expansion joints placed three (3) feet from center of culvert on either side. This shall apply to all driveway, path or sidewalk culverts. In the event there is less than three (3) feet distance, joint shall be placed at the furthest point.

(d) Village building permit office:

(1) Anyone installing culverts in any village road/street ditch shall obtain a permit to install culverts from the village building permit office. Improper, inadequate or unpermitted installations shall be corrected or removed by the property owner and all expenses incurred shall be borne by the property owner.

(2) In subdivisions legally platted and approved by the Board of Aldermen, the building contractor or homeowner shall hire a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor to stake in the field the required grade and driveway culvert size. Culvert size to be determined by a licensed engineer. After culvert is installed, but prior to concrete or asphalt being installed over culvert, the building contractor or homeowner shall have a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor return to the site to certify size and grade and report same in writing to the permit office, on a form provided. The permit office will not authorize the utility company to provide permanent power to the building until the driveway culvert grade and size is certified correct.

(3) The permit office shall issue a copy of this section to all persons obtaining a permit for installation of any and all culverts. Permit holder shall sign one (1) copy to be kept on file with the permit and one (1) copy retained by permit holder. The copy of this section shall include all language, as it appears here; however, the board reserves the right to add explanatory language to assist permit holders in proper permitting and installation of culverts.

Section 10:16. Construction.

(a) The owner/developer/subdivider may construct the required improvements after filing one (1) set of the approved construction plans with the village clerk's office and filing one prior to construction written notification to the Board of Aldermen with the owner/developer/subdivider's intention to proceed with construction and that an independent testing laboratory; acceptable to the Board of Aldermen, has been employed by the owner/developer/subdivider for this project.

(b) The Board of Aldermen has established detailed inspection and testing requirements for each project, the cost of which will be borne by the owner/developer/subdivider.

(c) In lieu of immediate construction of improvements, the owner/developer/subdivider may file with the village government a surety instrument (See section 10:5(I)) securing to the village government the satisfactory construction of the proposed improvements within a period of not more than twelve (12) months from the date of such instrument. The amount of the instrument shall be approved by the Board of Aldermen [pursuant to] section 10:5(I). The instrument shall be subject to cancellation only upon written approval of the Board of Aldermen.

(d) The owner/developer/subdivider's engineer should state in writing that all work has been completed according to village subdivision regulations and request in writing an inspection by the village inspector. Upon the satisfactory completion of construction the owner/developer/subdivider shall obtain written final approval and acceptance from the Board of Aldermen.

(e) For a minimum period of eighteen (18) months after acceptance of the work by the board, the owner/developer/subdivider shall keep all filled trenches, outfall ditches, pipes, manholes, structures, road ditches, paving, etc. constructed by him in a good condition, making repairs to such defects in materials or workmanship as may develop or be discovered. The owner/developer/ subdivider shall file with the board an approved surety instrument, maintenance bond, securing to the village government the satisfactory performance of this work (See section 10:5(I)).

(f) Provide name, address and telephone number of the owner/developer/subdivider on a cover street of construction plans.

Section 10:17. Variances.

Where the Board of Aldermen finds that extraordinary hardships may result from strict compliance with these regulations, it may vary the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured; provided that such variations will not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of the comprehensive plan or these regulations.

Section 10:19. Subdivision processing fees schedule.

Preliminary subdivision plat approval $75.00, plus $5.00 per
lot (maximum - $400.00)
*Final subdivision plat approval $50.00, plus $2.00 per
lot (maximum - $300.00)
Resubdivision of lots $50.00, plus $2.00 per lot

**Servitude or street revocation $100.00
Street name change $100.00
Construction plans (streets and drainage) $200.00, plus $15.00 per
lot (maximum - $800.00)
Posting of performance or maintenance bond $150.00 per occurrence
All requested or mandated inspections $200.00
All inspections $150.00

*provided preliminary plat approved by Board of Aldermen, if not same fee as preliminary plat.
**Does not include cost of newspaper advertisement.

Section 10:19.1. Fees not included in subdivision processing fees schedule.

(a) Engineering and other professional servi