The recent policy changes regarding variance applications in New Orleans introduce important procedural updates that prospective applicants must be aware of. Effective from May 10, 2024, at 5.01 pm, these changes aim to streamline the application process and ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances.
Prospective variance applicants are now required to file a building permit application with the Department of Safety and Permits. This step includes obtaining a zoning review that specifies the required variances before submitting a variance application to the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Variance applications submitted without this pre-application requirement will be deemed incomplete and rejected.
The new policy ensures that changes are in accordance with Article 3, Section 3.2.B of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Complete variance applications, once re-submitted, will be docketed per the adopted docketing schedule.
The policy applies to applications where the work requiring the variance also necessitates a building permit. The Executive Director has the authority to modify the pre-application requirements based on the nature of the proposal.
A variance is an exception from a requirement or standard in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. To grant a variance, a request must meet all nine approval standards, including demonstrating a non-financial hardship. Variances are meant to address specific use cases and are not intended for matters of convenience. The City Council decides variance requests for conditional uses.
In compliance with the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and state laws, New Orleans has a reasonable accommodation process for ordinance exceptions related to housing for individuals with disabilities.
Complete applications must include all required information and attachments as specified in the application form. These can be submitted in-person or via email (CPCinfo@nola.gov) by 5:00 p.m. on the filing deadline day. Applications undergo a completeness review within 10 days of submission and will only be docketed if complete. Incomplete applications must be corrected for consideration in the next meeting cycle per the docketing schedule.
The fees for variance applications vary depending on the project type:
Acceptable payment methods include checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, made payable to the City of New Orleans.
