New Orleans, LA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Any new or modified curb cut connecting a driveway to a public street requires a permit from the Department of Public Works, which reviews sight distance, sidewalk impact, drainage, and proximity to corners and fire hydrants. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance limits driveway widths in residential districts, with typical maximums in the range of 10 to 20 feet at the property line depending on lot width and zoning, and restricts the percentage of the front yard that can be paved. In historic districts overseen by the Historic District Landmarks Commission or the Vieux Carre Commission, new curb cuts and driveways often require additional design review and may be prohibited where they would harm the streetscape. Vehicles must be parked on a hard improved surface such as concrete, asphalt, brick, or approved permeable paving; parking on grass, dirt, or front lawns is prohibited and routinely cited by Code Enforcement. Driveways may not block the public sidewalk, and parked vehicles whose bumpers overhang the sidewalk are subject to ticketing. Trash carts, recycling bins, and stored items cannot permanently occupy a required parking space. Driveways serving multifamily and commercial properties have additional standards regarding turning radii, drainage, and accessibility. Owners considering converting a front yard to additional parking should consult zoning and, where applicable, historic-district staff before any work begins.