Accessory Structures in New Orleans, LA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
New Orleans permits accessory dwelling units, called auxiliary or accessory dwelling units, under the 2015 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. ADUs are allowed in most single- and two-family districts subject to size, height, and design standards, and historic district commissions add architectural review.
ADU Rules in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
New Orleans regulates accessory dwelling units — including the city's traditional 'carriage houses' — under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Article 21 (Use Standards). ADUs are permitted as accessory uses in most residential districts (HU-RD2, HU-RM1, HU-MU, S-RS, S-RD, S-RM) subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or by-right in some historic preservation overlays. Vieux Carré Commission or Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) review applies to most ADU construction.
New Orleans ADU and Carriage House Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
New Orleans does not charge separate development impact fees for ADUs but applies standard Sewerage and Water Board (SWB) water/sewer connection fees and Entergy New Orleans electric service charges. Building permit fees through the Department of Safety and Permits are based on construction valuation. Louisiana has no statewide ADU fee waiver. Flood zone construction adds elevation certificate and floodplain development fees.
New Orleans ADU Permit and Utility Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Article 21 does not impose a strict owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units in most residential districts. Property owners may rent both the principal dwelling and the ADU long-term. Owner occupancy is, however, central to the Short-Term Rental (STR) framework under CZO Article 20 — STR permits in residential districts require owner occupancy.
New Orleans ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rentals (30+ days) of New Orleans ADUs are permitted by right in most residential districts under CZO Article 21. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are tightly restricted under CZO Article 20 (the 2023 amended STR ordinance, Ordinance 33,706). Residential STRs in HU and S districts require owner-occupancy with homestead exemption, are limited to one per property, and one per square in most of the city. ADUs cannot be standalone STRs in single-family districts.
New Orleans ADU Rental and STR Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds in New Orleans up to 200 square feet and one story generally do not require a building permit but must still meet zoning setbacks and historic district review where applicable. Larger sheds or those with electrical or plumbing connections need permits from the Department of Safety and Permits.
Shed Rules in New Orleans
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in New Orleans requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits and must meet ADU standards if the new space is a separate dwelling unit. Historic district approval and FEMA flood elevation rules often apply, particularly for the city's many traditional carriage houses.
Garage Conversion Rules in New Orleans
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
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.
Carport Rules in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
New Orleans does not have a dedicated tiny home ordinance, so small dwellings on permanent foundations are regulated as either single-family homes or accessory dwelling units under the CZO. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent residences in residential zones.