city · Orleans County · Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

7.8

Friction Index High Regulatory Environment

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application via OneStop portal
✓ Site plan with survey and elevation certificate
✓ FEMA flood zone determination and compliance
✓ Base Flood Elevation (BFE) certification
✓ Historic District Landmarks Commission review (if applicable)
✓ Stormwater management plan (S&WB compliance)
✓ Sewerage & Water Board utility connection permits
✓ Fire Prevention Bureau review
✓ Zoning compliance review per CZO
✓ Environmental review (brownfield sites)
✓ Neighborhood participation program (rezonings)
✓ Demolition permit (if replacing existing structure)
✓ Tree preservation review (heritage trees)

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Department of Safety and Permits handles all building permits. Complex historic overlay system across many neighborhoods. Flood zone compliance mandatory for virtually all new construction. Online portal (OneStop) available but in-person submittals often faster for complex projects. Pre-application conferences strongly recommended.

Recent Changes

January 2026: Updated Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) amendments for accessory dwelling units in historic districts. November 2025: Revised floodplain management ordinance requiring 2 feet above BFE (Base Flood Elevation) for new residential construction. New short-term rental restrictions in residential zones effective February 2026.

Rezone Probability

45%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(504) 658-7100

Official Website

https://www.nola.gov/safety-and-permits/

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