Jefferson Parish, LA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

The matrix row for a secondary or accessory dwelling unit (LBCS function code 1121, printed under Two family detached) reads X, X, X, X, X, X, P, P across eight columns, in this order: OBM-1 (Old Bucktown Mixed-Use Residential, § 33-3.51), OBM-2 (Old Bucktown Mixed-Use Commercial, § 33-3.52), TCMU (Town Center Mixed Use, § 33-3.54), FC-1, FC-2 and FC-3 (the three Fat City districts, § 33-3.53), U-1S (Unrestricted Suburban, § 33-3.58) and U-1R (Unrestricted Rural, § 33-3.59). The specific use standard column is blank for this row, so the table points to no separate Article 5 standard for it.

Section 33-3.4.2 supplies the legend. A P means allowed by right. An X means the use is not allowed unless otherwise expressly allowed within the UDC. Where a district permits mixed-use buildings, an X on private dwellings (function code 1100) refers to stand-alone single-use dwellings, and the number of dwelling units inside a mixed-use building is set by § 33-5.20.

A P in U-1S is not always final. Section 33-3.58.3(a)(2) treats a P as a special permitted use for single-, two-, three- and four-family developments exceeding 10 lots or 2 acres, for any addition that pushes a site past those thresholds, and for residential uses within 3,000 feet of the NOLA Motorsports main track. Short-term rentals are also a special permitted use there. That approval is an ordinance of the Parish Council under § 33-2.23, requested by the owner through the planning department with a site plan, and only one special permitted use is allowed per dwelling or lot. U-1S waives the two-year renewal requirement.

U-1R covers lands where natural topography restricts development. Uses on the unprotected side of the Pontchartrain and Vicinity, West Bank and Vicinity, or Mississippi River and Tributaries levees, or the Urban Growth Limit Line, need a PIER certificate under § 39-10. Accessory buildings and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses are allowed by § 33-3.59.2(b). The 1-4 family yard standards are a front and corner side yard of 20 feet (or the average front setback of neighboring buildings within 300 feet, no less than 10 feet), side yards totaling 20 percent of lot width, and a rear yard of 20 percent of lot depth held between 15 and 25 feet. Building height is capped at the width of the fronting right-of-way, 60 feet at most.