New Orleans Zoning Decisions: July 2026

In July 2026, New Orleans held 3 public meetings covering zoning matters. 25 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 15 approved (94% approval rate), 1 denied, 9 deferred. Activity was up 11% compared to June (275 activity items across 3 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Sidewalk cafe permit appeal at 4501 Toulouse Street

Denied.

Appeal alleging sidewalk cafe at a nonconforming bar is not permitted. Property is zoned HUB1A Neighborhood Business District (not a residential district). Appellant Kelly Burgess (property owner). Board denied the appeal 5-0 and upheld the Director's decision, finding no error in interpretation of the CZO (License No. 26 SDUS-7434). Zach Smith spoke in opposition to the appeal.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Driveway width variance at 1631 Kildare Street

Deferred.

Variance from Article 22, Section 22.11.A.1 to permit renovation of driveway with excessive width in SLRS-2 district. Driveway apron exceeds allowable 20-foot length by 5 feet. Applicant unable to attend due to jury duty; 30-day deferral granted 5-0.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Off-street parking variance at 2022 Phillips Street

Deferred.

Variances from Article 22, Section 22.4.A, Table 22-1 for off-street parking to permit construction of a two-family dwelling with insufficient off-street parking. Applicant had not submitted revised site/floor plans. 30-day deferral granted 5-0.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Lot area/width variance at 1455 North Roman Street

Deferred.

Variances from Article 11, Section 11.3.A.1 for minimum lot area and lot width to create a lot with insufficient area and width, involving an encroachment issue from 1457 North Roman onto 1455. Applicant Ezra Spear Cohen needs more time to revise survey. 30-day deferral granted 5-0.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Permeable open space variance at 906 Phillip Street

Deferred.

After-the-fact variance to permit a renovation resulting in insufficient permeable open space and excessive impervious surface in the front yard. Applicant Charles Anderson placed bricks over front concrete. Staff needs contractor documentation to determine grandfather eligibility. 30-day deferral granted 4-0 (Gonzalez stepped away).

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Interior side yard setback variance at 10 Audubon Boulevard

Deferred.

Variances from Article 11, Section 11.3.A.1, Table 11-2A for interior side yard setback to permit an addition to a single family dwelling. Staff requested revised drawings for accessory structure. 30-day deferral granted 4-0 (Gonzalez out).

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Hotel nonconforming use appeal at 717 Barrack Street

Deferred.

Appeal of Director's refusal to recognize legal nonconforming use for a hotel operating without a dedicated lobby and without 24-hour staffing. Director recommended denial. Applicant (represented by Laura Carlisle) requested 30-day deferral to work through issues with the department, over strong opposition from neighbors. Deferral granted 5-0.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Planned Development at 720 Henry Clay Avenue (Poor Clare's Monastery adaptive reuse)

Approved.

Planned development to permit adaptive reuse of the former Franciscan Poor Clare's Monastery into multifamily residential dwellings in the HURD-2 district and CPC Character Preservation Corridor Design Overlay. Site occupies an entire city block bounded by Magazine Street, Henry Clay Avenue, Constant Street, and Calhoun Street. Preserves and rehabilitates the historic monastery while constructing two new residential buildings; three buildings total providing 24 units (8 in each), max height ~49 feet vs 35 permitted, 61 parking spaces vs 65 required. Developer Tony Elderman. Approved.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 25 recorded zoning decisions. See all New Orleans meetings →

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 88 instances
• setback: 30 instances
• commercial: 25 instances
• residential: 20 instances
• variance: 20 instances

What to Watch

• Setback mentions were up 173% from June.
• Variance came up 186% more often than June.

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