The CZO requires Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning in designated submarkets and offers Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning bonuses citywide. Projects providing affordable units may earn density, height, and parking reductions under Article 28 of the zoning ordinance.
Adopted in 2019 and refined since, the inclusionary zoning rules in CZO Article 28 require multifamily developments above thresholds in mandatory submarkets to set aside a share of units, typically around 5% to 10%, for households earning a defined percentage of area median income. Voluntary IZ allows projects citywide to opt in for additional height, density, and parking bonuses in exchange for affordable units or in-lieu fees deposited into the Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund. The ordinance survived a partial state-law challenge tied to LA RS 9:3258.1 affecting rent regulation, and current incentives are calibrated to remain compliant with state preemption.
Receiving an IZ bonus without recording the required affordability covenant, failing to deliver affordable units, or marketing them above set rents can trigger CZO enforcement, recovery of incentives, and Office of Community Development action.
New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
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See how New Orleans's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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