The City of Gretna City Council unanimously adopted a new Unified Development Code that was drafted by Michael Lauer Planning with the assistance of Dana Brown Associates. The code is a big step forward for this historic community located across the river from New Orleans, including many special features to reinforce the best characteristics while fostering improved compatibility between the historic mix of uses. Key features include:
- Creation of a Planning and Zoning Commission;
- Expanded authority for administrative relief to strict application of landscaping, parking and lot development standards;
More robust and context sensitive site development and design standards that better reflect the desired building forms;- Height transition requirements and provisions for height bonuses for developments achieving specific sustainability thresholds
- Consolidation and clarification of development review and approval procedures;
- Creation of neighborhood overlay districts that reflect the historic context of the City’s many neighborhoods;
- More flexible non-conforming use standards that foster continued enhancement of historic businesses;
- Greater flexibility in the design and location of required parking, including expanded opportunities for parking partnerships and waivers in historic districts; and
- A combination of mandates and incentives for the use of green infrastructure.