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New Orleans, LA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in New Orleans, LA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Governing code: Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
Height in required yard: 14 feet maximum
Setback from lot line: 3 feet minimum
Rear-yard coverage cap: 40% of required rear yard
Permit: Safety and Permits required

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Louisiana under recent ADU streamlining laws. The New Orleans, LA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

New Orleans permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential districts under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. A detached ADU is an accessory structure, so within a required yard it is capped at 14 feet tall and must sit at least 3 feet from any lot line.

When detached accessory structures are located within a required yard, structures are limited to a maximum height of fourteen (14) feet, unless otherwise permitted or limited by this Ordinance.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The city IS the parish (consolidated city-parish), so land use is governed directly by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). ADUs are a listed use standard in CZO Article 20 and, as detached accessory structures, follow the Article 21.6 development standards. Detached accessory structures within a required yard are limited to 14 feet in height and must be set back at least 3 feet from any lot line; combined detached accessory structures in the required rear yard may cover no more than 40% of that yard. District use tables in Articles 11-17 and any VCC/HDLC historic-district overlay control whether and where an ADU is allowed. A building permit from Safety and Permits is required.

Violations & Fines

Zoning and building violations are handled by the Department of Safety and Permits; unpermitted structures can be red-tagged, fined, and ordered removed or brought into compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ADUs legal in New Orleans?

Yes. Accessory dwelling units are a permitted use standard in most residential CZO districts, subject to the accessory-structure size, height, and setback limits and any historic-district overlay.

How tall can a backyard ADU be?

A detached accessory structure in a required yard is capped at 14 feet. Placement in the buildable area follows the underlying district's height limit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New Orleans

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSignificant Restrictions

All New Orleans rules

How New Orleans compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana accessory structures overview

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