Town of Independence
Ordinance #2026-1131
Multi-Family Housing Development Requirements
(1) Minor apartments standards:
a. Each parcel containing a non-moveable duplex unit shall have
a minimum lot size of one-half acre per unit. In addition, each
individual unit must have a minimum of 100 feet of frontage on
an existing publicly maintained road to ensure adequate access.
Frontage requirements must be met for each unit separately
and may not be combined or shared among multiple units.
NOTE: ONE DUPLEX EQUALS TWO FAMILY DWELLING UNITS (Exam-
ple: Apt. A and Apt. B)
b. The minimum square foot of living space per dwelling unit is
1000 square feet.
c. Site plan/survey: A site plan or legal survey of the property
must be submitted, clearly showing the location of all proposed
dwelling units. The plan must also indicate any existing dwelling
units currently on the property. All dwelling units, both existing
and proposed, shall be counted toward the total allowable units
and must be accurately represented on the site plan.
d. Setbacks: Side and rear setbacks shall be a minimum of ten
(10) feet from the property lines. The front setback shall be at
least twenty-five (25) feet from the public right-of-way lines, en-
suring sufficient space for access, safety, and landscaping.
e. Building spacing: When two or more separate dwellings are
constructed on the same parcel, there shall be a minimum dis-
tance of forty (40) feet between the edge of any overhang/eave
of one dwelling and the edge of any overhang/eave of the other
dwelling.
f. Ownership: Applicants shall provide legally recorded proof of
ownership for the property. Acceptable documentation may in-
clude, but is not limited to, a cash deed, donation, judgment of
possession, or any other formally recorded instrument demon-
strating lawful ownership.
g. Parking: A minimum of two (2) parking spaces shall be required
for each dwelling unit. Parking spaces must be constructed us-
ing concrete or blacktop. Alternative construction materials may
be used only with prior approval from the Town of Independence
Zoning Board.
(2) Multi-Family Housing Fill Requirements:
1. For all new multi-family residential construction, regardless of flood zone
classification, fill shall be restricted to buildable areas and shall not exceed
twelve (12) inches above the existing grade, unless otherwise deemed rea-
sonable by the Town of Independence Board of Aldermen.
2. In cases where fill exceeds twelve (12) inches above existing grade, the
structure shall be required to be supported by either pilings or a concrete
chain wall foundation.
3. Fill for residential properties without an approved building permit shall re-
quire a Land Clearing/Fill Permit and shall be limited to the minimum neces-
sary to achieve positive drainage by cut and fill.
4. All site and building plans must include erosion and drainage control mea-
sures where runoff or soil erosion may impact adjacent properties.
At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Independence, on
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, a motion was made by Eric Costa to introduce Ordinance
#2026-1131 (Multi-Family Housing)
A public hearing was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Regular Meeting of the
Board of Aldermen of the Town of Independence, Independence, Louisiana, at which
time a motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to adopt Ordinance
#2026-1131.
Voting to adopt Ordinance #2026-1131 was as follows:
Yeas: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike Muscarello
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstained: None
Be it ordained by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Independence that Ordinance
#2026-1131 was passed by a unanimous vote at the Regular Meeting on the 10th day
of February 2026.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately.
_______________________________
Jim Paine
Mayor
_______________________________
Julie Peterson
Town Clerk
Cost of notice: $72.98