Franklin St. Mary & Franklin Banner-Tribune
May 27, 2026
ORDINANCE #3479
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA AMENDING CHAPTER 87 SECTIONS 87-2, 87-122, AND CHAPTER 88 SECTIONS 88-5, 88-8(e), 88-81, AND ENACTING CHAPTER 87 SECTIONS 87-6, 87-123, 87-124 AND CHAPTER 88 SECTION 88-82 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FRANKLIN REGARDING SUBDIVISIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRANKLIN, ST. MARY PARISH, LOUISIANA, IN A REGULAR MEETING CONVENED THAT:
SECTION 1: Chapter 87, Sec. 87-2 of the Franklin City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 87-2. Definitions.
(a) For the purpose of this ordinance, certain terms and words used herein are defined as follows:
(1) “Subdivision” means the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two (2) or more lots, plots, parcels, or building sites for the purpose of sale or of building development, either immediate or future. It also includes the re-subdivision or rearrangement of one (1) or more lots, plots, parcels, or building sites. It shall also include the development of manufactured home (trailer) or manufactured home parks or subdivisions consisting of two (2) or more lots, plots, or parcels for the purpose of sale and for manufactured home (trailer) or manufactured home parks consisting of six (6) or more lots, plots, or parcels for the purpose of renting or leasing.
(2) “Street, Avenue, Road, and Highway” or any other similar designation all mean the same for the general purpose of this ordinance.
(3) “Alley, Service Way” or any other similar designation all mean the same for the general purpose of this ordinance.
(4) “City” means the governing body of the City of Franklin.
(5) “Engineer” means a qualified, professional engineer licensed in the State of Louisiana.
(6) “Surveyor” means a qualified, professional surveyor licensed in the State of Louisiana.
(7) “Owner” means any person, firm, or corporation owning lands proposed for subdivision into lots or plots for building or dwelling sites.
(8) “Base Flood” means the flood having a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
(9) “Drainage Easement” means a right-of-way for any sub-surface or open ditch drainage outside of the public road right-of-way.
(10) “Utility Easement” means a right-of-way for any and all types of utilities.
(11) “Storm Water Management Facility” means a physical facility located within the subdivision boundary used to collect, store, and convey storm water run-off of a development. These facilities include, but are not limited to, detention and retention ponds, storm water drainage systems (open ditch or sub-surface systems), open channels, and special structures such as inlet and discharge control structures, conveyance structures, and channel slope erosion protection for outfall structures. Storm water detention facilities such as ponds, parking lots, depressed grassy areas, and underground storage systems are used for the temporary storage of storm water run-off and future release, delay, and control of storm water run-off. Storm water retention facilities are used for on-site storage of storm water to eliminate subsequent discharge of storm water run-off from a development. Wet ponds are the most common type of retention storage facility, although, wet ponds may also be designed to function as a retention/detention storage facility.
(12) “Traffic” means the flow of vehicular traffic over the public roads.
(13) “LA-DOTD Standard Specification” means the latest edition at the time of a subdivision review.
(14) “Development” means any manmade change to improved and unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
(15) “Manufactured Home (Trailer) Park or Subdivision” means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale and providing the preparation of sites including the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
(16) “Manufactured Home” means a structure transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent structure and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term “trailer” and “manufactured home” shall mean the same for the general purpose of this ordinance. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle.”
(17) “Elevation” shall be referenced to the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 to which base flood elevations shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
(18) “Recreational Vehicle” means a vehicle which is (i) built on a single chassis; (ii) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections; (iii) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and (iv) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
(19) “Variance” means a grant of relief by action of the City from any provisions of this ordinance.
(b) This chapter shall not apply to:
(1) Land in subdivisions legally recorded previously, except in the case of resubdivisions.
(2) The subdivision of land to be used for orchards, forestry or the raising of crops, provided the City Council certifies upon the plat that such land is to be used only for orchards, forestry or the raising of crops.
(3) The subdivision of land that has been dedicated to recreational uses, and restricted against residential, commercial or industrial uses, by act executed by the owner of the land and filed for record in the public conveyance records of St. Mary Parish. This exception shall no longer apply, and the subdivision approval shall be necessary, in the event that the dedication is revoked to allow residential, commercial or industrial uses.
(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 City certifies upon the plat that such sale or exchange does not create additional building sites.
(5) Small parcels of land subdivided amongst heirs, provided that no additional roadways or improvements are made to twelve (12) or more of the lots, plots, parcels, or building sites.
SECTION 2: Chapter 87, Sec. 87-6 of the Franklin City Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Sec 87-6. Fees.
In order to defray the cost to the City for reviewing and evaluating subdivision plans and inspecting subdivision construction works, the owner shall pay the City Permit Department fees according to the following schedule:
(a) For reviewing and evaluating the preliminary plat of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $1.50 per lot or $300.00, whichever sum shall be the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the preliminary plat is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(b) For reviewing and evaluating the storm water management plan of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $2.00 per lot or $250.00, whichever sum shall be the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the storm water management plan is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(c) For reviewing and evaluating the plans and specifications of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at a rate of $3.00 per lot or $400.00, whichever sum is greater, and this sum shall be paid at the time the plans and specifications are submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees will apply.
(d) For examining, inspecting, and approving the subdivision construction works and improvements, the Owner shall remit a sum computed on the basis of $60.00 per man-hour for actual time spent. This sum shall be paid before final certification of completion of improvements by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(e) For reviewing and evaluating the final plat of a subdivision, the owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $3.00 per lot or $400.00, whichever is the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the final plat is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(f) For providing a one (1) year, two (2) year, and three (3) year inspection review of completed subdivision and/or improvements, the Owner shall remit a sum computed on the basis of $60.00 per man-hour for actual time spent. This sum shall be paid before a final certification of yearly inspection of improvements form is completed by the City. If a second review is required in any given year, additional fees will apply.
SECTION 3: Chapter 87, Sec. 87-122 of the Franklin City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 87-122. Detention Requirements for Non-Residential Developments.
1. Permissible Detention Basins.
a. Pond.
b. Parking lot—depth of ponding not to exceed 6 inches.
c. Underground storage.
d. Perimeter swale ditches.
e. Detention within required green areas.
f. Other methods only with prior approval of the City.
2. Outlet Structures.
a. Design shall be based on a 10-year storm event and analyzed for a 100-year storm event.
b. Emergency spillways shall be in an area that will least affect traffic flow and not cause flooding of structures intended for occupancy.
3. Plan Requirements.
a. Existing topographic plan with elevations.
b. Grading plan with elevations.
c. Minimum of two (2) grading sections of entire site (i.e., one (1) east/west and one (1) north/south). A sufficient number of grading sections shall be provided to adequately evaluate site drainage patterns as required by the City.
d. Profile of outlet structure connecting to existing outfall depicting utility crossings and identifying conflicts, if any.
4. Waivers.
a. In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge rates, as determined solely by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-development discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
b. No detention requirement shall be allowed for developments of ¾-acre or less. Runoff to the adjacent roadway, outfall or other properties for these sized developments shall not be allowed single point discharge unless approved by the City. A drainage site and grading plan shall be submitted for review and approval.
c. Other methods of detention/retention may be utilized with prior approval of the City.
5. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
The Owner of the proposed development or any successor who acquires title to the storm water management facility shall at all times maintain the design section of the storm water management facility as indicated on the site drainage plan and in the drainage impact analysis. In the event the City determines that the storm water management facility has not been maintained, the Owner shall make the necessary modifications to conform to the original approved design sections, requirements, etc., within a 30-day period from written notification from the City. If the Owner does not act within this time frame to remedy the situation, the City may perform the necessary modifications, improvements, etc., and bill the Owner for the work at its operating costs.
Compliance with this section shall be mandatory and the requirements of this section shall be included on the Site Drainage Plan as well as within the Drainage Impact Analysis Report and shall be acknowledged in writing by the Owner and/or Developer if different from Owner. The Developer shall provide the City with an agreement or other contractual arrangement evidencing that adequate provision has been made for future maintenance of the facility in those instances where the facility is to be transferred by the Developer or is to be acquired by an Owners’ Association or other similar entity.
SECTION 4: Chapter 87, Sec. 87-123 of the Franklin City Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Sec 87-123. Detention Requirements for Residential Subdivision Developments.
1. Permissible Residential Subdivision Detention Basins—Open Ditch Subdivisions That Will Remain Open Ditch.
a. Roadside ditch.
b. Pond.
c. Perimeter ditches.
d. Other design options formulated by the Developer and approved by the City.
2. Permissible Residential Subdivision Detention Basins—Curb and Gutter Subdivisions.
a. Curbside detention area shall be curb-to-curb, but flood depth not to exceed above centerline of roadway elevation.
b. Curb-to-curb and underground storm drainage system.
c. Curb-to-curb, underground storm drainage system and detention pond.
d. Pond.
e. Other design options formulated by the Developer and approved by the City.
3. Outlet Structures.
a. Design shall be based on a 5-year storm event and analyzed for a 100-year event.
b. Emergency spillways shall be in an area that will least affect traffic flow and not cause flooding of structures intended for occupancy.
4. Plan Requirements.
a. Existing topographic plan with elevations.
b. Grading plan with elevations.
c. Minimum of two (2) grading sections of entire site (i.e., one (1) east/west and one (1) north/south). A sufficient number of grading sections shall be provided to adequately evaluate site drainage patterns as required by the City.
d. Profile of outlet structure connecting to existing outfall depicting utility crossings and identifying conflicts, if any.
5. Waivers.
a. In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge change rates, as determined solely by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-developments discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
b. No detention requirement shall be allowed for developments of ¾-acre or less. Run-off to the adjacent roadway, outfall, or other properties for these sized developments shall not be allowed as point discharge unless approved by the City. A drainage site and grading plan shall be submitted for review and approval.
c. Other methods of detention/retention may be utilized, with prior written approval of the City, including a waiver of the requirement for a detention/retention facility by the City.
6. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
The Owner of the storm water management facility or any successor who acquires title to the storm water management facility shall at all times maintain the design section of the storm water management facility, as indicated on the Site Drainage Plan and in the Drainage Impact Analysis Report. In the event the City determines that the storm water management facility has not been maintained, the Owner shall make the necessary modifications to conform to the original approved design sections, requirements, etc., within a 30-day period from written notification from the City. If the Owner does not act within the time frame to remedy the situation, the City may perform the necessary modifications, improvements, etc., and bill the Owner(s) for the work at its operating cost.
Compliance with this section shall be mandatory and shall be included on the Site Drainage Plan as well as within the Drainage Impact Analysis Report and shall be acknowledged in writing by the Owner of the Development. The Developer shall provide the City with an agreement or other contractual arrangement evidencing that adequate provision has been made for future maintenance of the facility in those instances where the facility is to be transferred to the developer or is to be acquired by an Owners’ Association or other similar entity.
7. Access in Favor of the City of Franklin.
Access in favor of the City will be provided from a public dedicated road to the storm water management facility. The access shall be no less than a clear 30-foot-wide travel way (graded to accommodate use by equipment) and sufficient area proximate to such travel ways to allow de-siltation activities. A note shall be placed on the final plat indicating that this access shall be provided to the City.
Features that ease maintenance problems and reduce maintenance costs shall be included in the design of the storm water management facility to the greatest extent practicable. These features include, but may not be limited to, the following:
a. A fore-bay to capture a greater part of incoming sediments.
b. A reinforced maintenance platform alongside the fore-bay to facilitate sediment removal.
c. Ponds greater than 5 acres in surface area should include a device to temporarily lower or raise the elevation of the permanent pool.
d. Incoming flow diversion alongside the maintenance platform to facilitate sedimentation along the maintenance platform rather than in the middle of the facility.
8. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
Maintenance (such as mowing, bank or bulkhead repairs, and removing debris and trash that occurs on a regular basis, etc.) of all other public or private areas, access areas, or privately-owned lots that are a part of or adjacent to the facility shall be the responsibility of the Owner of the storm water management facility.
9. Accommodating Non-Equivalent Discharge Rates.
In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge rates, as determined by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-developments discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
SECTION 5: Chapter 87, Sec. 87-124 of the Franklin City Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Sec. 87-124. Drainage Impact Analysis
(a) Drainage Impact Analysis.
For all proposed development, a Drainage Impact Analysis shall be required pursuant to the following requirements:
(1) A comprehensive drainage impact analysis of any proposed development surrounding affected areas shall be submitted to the City after the preliminary plat has been approved.
The development construction plans and/or the final plat shall not be approved until a favorable written certification of the Drainage Impact Analysis has been made by the City.
(2) A Developer may submit in writing a request to waive the drainage impact analysis to the City.
In the event the City grants the request (only favorable evaluation of the conditions), the City shall issue a written approval of said request.
(3) No construction of any development components which are the subject of any preliminary or final plat approval by the City shall be commenced until a favorable written approval of the drainage impact analysis has been made by the City.
Violation of this provision can result in a cease and desist order being issued with respect to such development.
(b) Specifications for Drainage Impact Analysis and Development Regulations.
Every required Drainage Impact Analysis Report shall comply with the following specifications:
1. An area drainage map shall be submitted which identifies:
a. The various drainage areas involved/affected.
b. The acreage in each drainage area.
c. The slope of each drainage area to the entry point and/or exit point of the development.
2. The Drainage Impact Analysis Report shall indicate:
a. The cubic feet per second (cfs) of storm water resulting at each development entry point from a designated storm. This determination shall be based on the existing land use of the upstream drainage areas.
b. The cubic feet per second (cfs) of storm water at each development exit point resulting from a design storm. This determination shall be based on the existing land use of the upstream drainage areas whether inside or outside the development. This calculation shall take into account expected construction within the development that will change the grades, direction of flow, run-off factors, or other existing conditions.
c. The maximum capacity, expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs), of existing and proposed drainage structures within the development based on the design storm event.
d. The capacity of all ditches, culverts, sub-surface, and surface drainage structures that will be utilized by new or relocated outfall points downstream of the development in allowing passage of storm water to the first outfall, coulee, canal, or river. In no case shall a Developer be required to evaluate the capacity of the first outfall, coulee, canal, or river in excess of 1,000 feet downstream of the development.
3. The Drainage Impact Analysis Report shall consist of two (2) distinct and designated parts as follows:
a. Summary.
The effect of the proposed construction on upstream and downstream areas.
b. Design Criteria.
Description of methodology, data, and assumptions used.
4. The subdivision Drainage Impact Analysis and the Development Drainage Design shall be based on a 5-year storm event (minimum) for residential developments and a 10-year storm event (minimum) for commercial developments.
5. Sub-surface drainage of drainage outfalls serving more than a single development shall be based on a 10-year storm event.
6. Open channel drainage serving more than a single development shall be based on a 10-year storm event with 1-foot of freeboard existing in the channel above the 10-year water surface elevation.
7. If the Drainage Impact Analysis and/or Development Drainage Design is based on rainfall intensity, the rainfall intensity data contained in the most recent edition of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Hydraulics Manual shall be used.
8. Ponding, retention, or detention of storm water shall be evaluated in the Drainage Impact Analysis, in accordance with Sec. 87-122 or Sec. 87-123.
9. All open ditch and sub-surface drainage systems shall be designed in accordance with the most recent edition of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Hydraulics Manual, unless otherwise approved by the City.
10. The development drainage plans shall give the location, description, and elevation of all permanent benchmarks used for the drainage study and to be used for the development construction.
11. Plan sheets and area drainage maps shall be submitted for review and shall be approved by the City before any development improvement work begins.
12. Sub-surface or open ditch drainage systems shall be designed for a 5-year storm event (minimum). Outfall structures and outfall channels shall be designed for a 10-year storm event (minimum). Collector street crossings shall be designed for a 10-year storm event (minimum). Arterial street crossings shall be designed for a 25-year storm event (minimum) unless otherwise approved by the City.
13. Only drainage pipe constructed of materials listed below and/or approved by the City may be used in storm sewer construction in the public rights-of-way or servitudes:
a. High Performance Polypropylene Pipe (PP) meeting the requirements of ASTM 2736 (12 inches through 30 inches) including integral bell and spigot gaskets (Type 3 joints) meeting ASTM F477, provided there is a minimum of 1 foot of cover over the pipe to be installed and properly backfilled strictly in accordance with ASTM D2321 and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Polypropylene pipe will not be allowed for cross drain installations. Polypropylene pipe over 30 inches in diameter is not allowed.
b. Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) or Reinforced Concrete Pipe Arch (RCPA) with Ram-Nek joint material or O-rings meeting minimum cover and installation requirements of the DOTD Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges, latest edition.
SECTION 6: Chapter 88, Sec. 88-5 of the Franklin City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 88-5. Fees.
In order to defray the cost to the City for reviewing and evaluating subdivision plans and inspecting subdivision construction works, the owner shall pay the City Permit Department fees according to the following schedule:
(a) For reviewing and evaluating the preliminary plat of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $1.50 per lot or $300.00, whichever sum shall be the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the preliminary plat is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(b) For reviewing and evaluating the storm water management plan of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $2.00 per lot or $250.00, whichever sum shall be the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the storm water management plan is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(c) For reviewing and evaluating the plans and specifications of a subdivision, the Owner shall remit a sum computed at a rate of $3.00 per lot or $400.00, whichever sum is greater, and this sum shall be paid at the time the plans and specifications are submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees will apply.
(d) For examining, inspecting, and approving the subdivision construction works and improvements, the Owner shall remit a sum computed on the basis of $60.00 per man-hour for actual time spent. This sum shall be paid before final certification of completion of improvements by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(e) For reviewing and evaluating the final plat of a subdivision, the owner shall remit a sum computed at the rate of $3.00 per lot or $400.00, whichever is the greater, and this fee shall be paid at the time the final plat is submitted for consideration by the City. If a second review is required, additional fees at $100.00 per hour will apply.
(f) For providing a one (1) year, two (2) year, and three (3) year inspection review of completed subdivision and/or improvements, the Owner shall remit a sum computed on the basis of $60.00 per man-hour for actual time spent. This sum shall be paid before a final certification of yearly inspection of improvements form is completed by the City. If a second review is required in any given year, additional fees will apply.
SECTION 7: Chapter 88, Sec. 88-8(e) of the Franklin City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 88-8. Penalty for sale or transfer of lots prior to final approval and recording of plat.
(e) Any person, firm, or corporation who fails to comply with, or violates, any of these regulations shall be subject to penalty pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 33:114 et seq. and an injunction may be brought in the 16th Judicial District, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, and a civil action for penalties and costs may be brought in the 16th Judicial District, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana.
SECTION 8: Chapter 88, Sec. 88-81 of the Franklin City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 88-81. Detention Requirements for Non-Residential Developments.
1. Permissible Detention Basins.
a. Pond.
b. Parking lot—depth of ponding not to exceed 6 inches.
c. Underground storage.
d. Perimeter swale ditches.
e. Detention within required green areas.
f. Other methods only with prior approval of the City.
2. Outlet Structures.
a. Design shall be based on a 10-year storm event and analyzed for a 100-year storm event.
b. Emergency spillways shall be in an area that will least affect traffic flow and not cause flooding of structures intended for occupancy.
3. Plan Requirements.
a. Existing topographic plan with elevations.
b. Grading plan with elevations.
c. Minimum of two (2) grading sections of entire site (i.e., one (1) east/west and one (1) north/south). A sufficient number of grading sections shall be provided to adequately evaluate site drainage patterns as required by the City.
d. Profile of outlet structure connecting to existing outfall depicting utility crossings and identifying conflicts, if any.
4. Waivers.
a. In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge rates, as determined solely by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-development discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
b. No detention requirement shall be allowed for developments of ¾-acre or less. Runoff to the adjacent roadway, outfall or other properties for these sized developments shall not be allowed single point discharge unless approved by the City. A drainage site and grading plan shall be submitted for review and approval.
c. Other methods of detention/retention may be utilized with prior approval of the City.
5. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
The Owner of the proposed development or any successor who acquires title to the storm water management facility shall at all times maintain the design section of the storm water management facility as indicated on the site drainage plan and in the drainage impact analysis. In the event the City determines that the storm water management facility has not been maintained, the Owner shall make the necessary modifications to conform to the original approved design sections, requirements, etc., within a 30-day period from written notification from the City. If the Owner does not act within this time frame to remedy the situation, the City may perform the necessary modifications, improvements, etc., and bill the Owner for the work at its operating costs.
Compliance with this section shall be mandatory and the requirements of this section shall be included on the Site Drainage Plan as well as within the Drainage Impact Analysis Report and shall be acknowledged in writing by the Owner and/or Developer if different from Owner. The Developer shall provide the City with an agreement or other contractual arrangement evidencing that adequate provision has been made for future maintenance of the facility in those instances where the facility is to be transferred by the Developer or is to be acquired by an Owners’ Association or other similar entity.
SECTION 9: Chapter 88, Sec. 88-82 of the Franklin City Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Sec 88-82. Detention Requirements for Residential Subdivision Developments.
1. Permissible Residential Subdivision Detention Basins—Open Ditch Subdivisions That Will Remain Open Ditch.
a. Roadside ditch.
b. Pond.
c. Perimeter ditches.
d. Other design options formulated by the Developer and approved by the City.
2. Permissible Residential Subdivision Detention Basins—Curb and Gutter Subdivisions.
a. Curbside detention area shall be curb-to-curb, but flood depth not to exceed above centerline of roadway elevation.
b. Curb-to-curb and underground storm drainage system.
c. Curb-to-curb, underground storm drainage system and detention pond.
d. Pond.
e. Other design options formulated by the Developer and approved by the City.
3. Outlet Structures.
a. Design shall be based on a 5-year storm event and analyzed for a 100-year event.
b. Emergency spillways shall be in an area that will least affect traffic flow and not cause flooding of structures intended for occupancy.
4. Plan Requirements.
a. Existing topographic plan with elevations.
b. Grading plan with elevations.
c. Minimum of two (2) grading sections of entire site (i.e., one (1) east/west and one (1) north/south). A sufficient number of grading sections shall be provided to adequately evaluate site drainage patterns as required by the City.
d. Profile of outlet structure connecting to existing outfall depicting utility crossings and identifying conflicts, if any.
5. Waivers.
a. In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge change rates, as determined solely by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-developments discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
b. No detention requirement shall be allowed for developments of ¾-acre or less. Run-off to the adjacent roadway, outfall, or other properties for these sized developments shall not be allowed as point discharge unless approved by the City. A drainage site and grading plan shall be submitted for review and approval.
c. Other methods of detention/retention may be utilized, with prior written approval of the City, including a waiver of the requirement for a detention/retention facility by the City.
6. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
The Owner of the storm water management facility or any successor who acquires title to the storm water management facility shall at all times maintain the design section of the storm water management facility, as indicated on the Site Drainage Plan and in the Drainage Impact Analysis Report. In the event the City determines that the storm water management facility has not been maintained, the Owner shall make the necessary modifications to conform to the original approved design sections, requirements, etc., within a 30-day period from written notification from the City. If the Owner does not act within the time frame to remedy the situation, the City may perform the necessary modifications, improvements, etc., and bill the Owner(s) for the work at its operating cost.
Compliance with this section shall be mandatory and shall be included on the Site Drainage Plan as well as within the Drainage Impact Analysis Report and shall be acknowledged in writing by the Owner of the Development. The Developer shall provide the City with an agreement or other contractual arrangement evidencing that adequate provision has been made for future maintenance of the facility in those instances where the facility is to be transferred to the developer or is to be acquired by an Owners’ Association or other similar entity.
7. Access in Favor of the City of Franklin.
Access in favor of the City will be provided from a public dedicated road to the storm water management facility. The access shall be no less than a clear 30-foot-wide travel way (graded to accommodate use by equipment) and sufficient area proximate to such travel ways to allow de-siltation activities. A note shall be placed on the final plat indicating that this access shall be provided to the City.
Features that ease maintenance problems and reduce maintenance costs shall be included in the design of the storm water management facility to the greatest extent practicable. These features include, but may not be limited to, the following:
a. A fore-bay to capture a greater part of incoming sediments.
b. A reinforced maintenance platform alongside the fore-bay to facilitate sediment removal.
c. Ponds greater than 5 acres in surface area should include a device to temporarily lower or raise the elevation of the permanent pool.
d. Incoming flow diversion alongside the maintenance platform to facilitate sedimentation along the maintenance platform rather than in the middle of the facility.
8. Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facility.
Maintenance (such as mowing, bank or bulkhead repairs, and removing debris and trash that occurs on a regular basis, etc.) of all other public or private areas, access areas, or privately-owned lots that are a part of or adjacent to the facility shall be the responsibility of the Owner of the storm water management facility.
9. Accommodating Non-Equivalent Discharge Rates.
In areas where existing and/or development conditions will not accommodate equivalent discharge rates, as determined by the City, a maximum increase of the pre-developments discharge rate of 5 percent of said rate, not to exceed 5 cubic feet per second, shall be allowed.
All sections, articles, chapters or provisions of said Code in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed.
This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Garrison, who moved for its adoption, seconded by Councilman Robison and upon roll call vote was adopted by its title, section by section, and as a whole by the following yea and nay vote:
YEAS: Councilmembers Autin, Garrison, Levine, Rack, and Robison
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
This ordinance was hereupon declared adopted by the Mayor and Council and was approved, signed and attested by the City Clerk of the Council of the City of Franklin, Louisiana, affixed thereof on the 19th day of May, 2026.
CITY OF FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
/s/EUGENE P. FOULCARD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/Karen LeBlanc
City Clerk
May 27, 2026