Carports in New Orleans are accessory structures regulated by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and require building permits when attached to the dwelling or exceeding 200 square feet. Setback, height, and lot coverage rules apply, and historic district commissions strictly limit visible front-yard carports.
Under CZO Article 21, carports are accessory structures subject to the same rear-yard and setback rules as garages and sheds in most New Orleans residential districts. Detached carports must generally be located in the rear yard, set back at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines, with maximum height of 15 feet for single-story structures. Attached carports are regulated like additions to the principal structure and must meet front, side, and corner setbacks of the underlying district, often 5 to 20 feet depending on zoning. Building permits are required for any carport attached to a dwelling or larger than 200 square feet, including footing inspection for posts, and structural review for wind loads given Louisiana's hurricane exposure (ASCE 7 wind speeds of 130 to 150 mph in Orleans Parish). Carports must also meet the Floodplain Management Ordinance, with open-sided structures generally treated as enclosures only when they have walls on more than two sides. In HDLC and Vieux Carre districts, front-yard or street-facing carports are typically prohibited as incompatible with historic streetscapes; rear-yard carports accessed from alleys or driveways are preferred. Total accessory structure coverage of the rear yard is generally capped at 30 percent. Off-street parking minimums in the CZO may also be satisfied by an open carport in some districts.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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