New Orleans Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in New Orleans
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to New Orleans — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) - 2015 rewrite(2015)
The City of New Orleans adopted the current Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance on August 12, 2015. It replaced the previous CZO and reorganized New Orleans zoning into 28 articles, including new Historic Urban Neighborhood Districts (Articles 11-12), Suburban Districts (Articles 13-14), Centers for Industry, Commercial Center, and Mixed-Use districts.
Source · nola.govCZO Article 11 - Historic Urban Neighborhoods Residential Districts(2015)
Article 11 of the CZO establishes the Historic Urban Neighborhoods Residential Districts (HU-RS, HU-RD1, HU-RD2, HU-RM1, HU-RM2, HU-B1A, HU-B1) for the historic neighborhoods around the French Quarter. HU-RD2 requires a minimum lot width of 30 feet, a minimum lot depth of 90 feet, and a minimum lot area of 2,250 sq ft (Section 11.3, Table 11-2A).
Source · czo.nola.govVieux Carre Commission (VCC)(1936)
The Vieux Carre Commission, established by amendment to the Louisiana Constitution in 1936, has authority to review and approve any exterior change to a structure within the French Quarter historic district. Permits in the VCC overlay require VCC review in addition to standard zoning approval.
Source · nola.govShort-Term Rental ordinance overhaul(2019)
On December 1, 2019, stricter short-term rental rules took effect in New Orleans via CZO amendments (Ordinance 28156 MCS and related). Residential STRs were largely restricted to owner-occupied properties, with caps on guest rooms (max 3) and overnight guests (max 6) in accessory STR uses. The framework was further modified in 2023 following federal court rulings.
Source · library.municode.com
Key Zoning Facts
New Orleans Zoning Overview
New Orleans is a city in Louisiana that manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance. The city's zoning code divides the municipality into districts that regulate the types of uses permitted, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density. Residents and developers should consult the city's planning department and municipal code for the most current zoning regulations and requirements.
The city's zoning ordinance typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts, each with specific development standards. Residential districts range from low-density single-family zones to higher-density multi-family zones. Commercial districts accommodate retail, office, and service uses, while industrial districts are designated for manufacturing and warehousing operations.
Development Process
Development in New Orleans generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in New Orleans, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in New Orleans and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the New Orleans planning department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in New Orleans
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
- Wetlands: Significant wetlands and bayou systems in eastern Orleans Parish; the city is largely below sea level with extensive levee and pump systems.
State — Louisiana
- Building Code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code (LSUCC) - 2021 IBC base with state amendments
County — Orleans Parish
- Role: New Orleans is coterminous with Orleans Parish; the city government handles all planning and land-use functions.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Vieux Carre (VCC) Historic District — The French Quarter is regulated by the Vieux Carre Commission, which reviews all exterior changes including additions, demolitions, and signage.
- Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) — HDLC reviews exterior work in 16+ locally designated historic districts outside the Vieux Carre.
- Flood Zone / Base Flood Elevation — Post-Hurricane Katrina FEMA flood map updates require many new structures and substantial improvements to meet elevated base flood elevation (BFE) requirements.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: No
- Traditional New Orleans neighborhoods are generally not governed by HOAs; some newer developments and condo buildings have CC&Rs.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 2,250 sq ft (minimum lot width 30 ft, minimum lot depth 90 ft)
ADU Rules in New Orleans
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for New Orleans are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check New Orleans permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific