§ 26-2. Approval of demolitions within central business district.

(a)

Permits for demolitions of existing structures within any area of the central business district (including any area located within the following boundaries: Iberville Street and projections thereof, the Mississippi River, the Pontchartrain Expressway and South and North Claiborne Avenue), less and except local historic districts with demolition control, shall be issued only after a city council motion has been passed authorizing such a demolition permit to be issued.

(b)

The city council shall consider the recommendation of the city planning commission in making such a determination. The city planning commission's recommendation shall be made as a result of a meeting between the staff of the city planning commission, the department of safety and permits and the staff of the historic district landmarks commission as well as consideration given but not limited to the following:

(1)

The architectural significance of the subject structure.

(2)

The historical significance of the subject structure.

(3)

The urban design significance of the subject structure as it relates to:

a.

Pedestrian perception and movement;

b.

Height, area and bulk of the structure as it relates to the street scene and to other buildings in the vicinity.

(4)

The proposed length of time the subject site is planned to remain undeveloped.

(5)

The proposed plan for redevelopment, if any, and its relationship to subsection (b)(3) of this section.

(6)

If a parking lot or building is proposed as an interim use then need shall be based on but not limited to the following:

a.

A plan of the location of existing and proposed parking facilities within the central business district;

b.

Effect on traffic circulation both vehicular and pedestrian;

c.

Parking inventory of buildings within a nine square block area of the proposed parking facility.

(c)

Procedure for application:

(1)

The department of safety and permits shall not issue a demolition permit to an applicant and shall refer an applicant to the city planning commission.

(2)

The city planning commission shall obtain necessary information from applicant to do an analysis based on criteria contained in subsections (b)(1) through (6) and collect site plan review fee. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a fee of $500.00 shall be applicable for all demolition requests within the central business district.

(3)

The city planning commission shall recommend an action to city council within 60 days from date of application in correct form.

(4)

The city council shall take action by motion and shall do so only after receiving city planning commission recommendation. However, the council may act without planning commission recommendation if not received within 60 days of application in correct form.

(5)

The applicant applies to the department of safety and permits with council motion approval of demolition.

(Code 1956, § 11-45; M.C.S., Ord. No. 23820, § 1, 12-1-09)