New Orleans has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. However, properties in the Vieux Carré and other historic districts face VCC and HDLC guidelines limiting permanent fixtures and certain lighting that affects historic character. Amplified outdoor audio must comply with City Code Chapter 66 noise standards. HOAs in CBD/Warehouse District condos impose limits.
New Orleans does not regulate residential holiday lighting installation, removal dates, or brightness through general municipal code. Decorative lighting is permitted year-round on private property in most of the city. The Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) under City Code Chapter 84 enforces Design Guidelines that scrutinize any permanent lighting fixtures or attachments to historic French Quarter properties — purely seasonal temporary lights are generally not regulated, but lights affixed by drilling, permanent attachment, or that alter the visible character can trigger VCC review. Similar HDLC rules apply in the 13 other local historic districts under City Code Chapter 84-301 et seq. The New Orleans noise ordinance, City Code Chapter 66 (Nuisances), Article II, sets numeric decibel limits in some districts: 60 dBA daytime residential and 55 dBA nighttime (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), measured at the property line. Amplified audio accompanying holiday displays must respect these limits. The Vieux Carré has special noise district rules. Famous holiday displays at Celebration in the Oaks (City Park) and historic-home tours (Garden District, Esplanade Ridge) operate under separate special-event permits. Holiday decorations on Mardi Gras houses overlap with year-round Mardi Gras decoration traditions in New Orleans culture — many residences display decorations from late Carnival season through Twelfth Night and beyond, supported by local custom.
Noise ordinance violations under Ch. 66 are City Code violations with fines up to $500 per day under Section 6-22. Vieux Carré violations carry additional VCC enforcement up to $500 per day. HDLC violations are similar. HOA violations are pursued civilly.
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