ADU Rules in New Orleans, LA (2026)

New Orleans, LA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In New Orleans, the New Orleans Office of Safety and Permits handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in New Orleans.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in New Orleans: Detached ADU: up to 750 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: No greater than primary dwelling floor area. New Orleans CZO allows accessory dwelling units in residential zones. Detached ADUs (carriage houses) are a historic part of New Orleans's urban fabric. The city does not use the California JADU concept. ADU size limits vary by zone — typical residential zones limit detached accessory structures to 750 sqft. Historic overlay districts may impose additional restrictions through the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC).

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in New Orleans: Plan check fee: $200–$1,500. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $500–$3,000. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $1,000–$5,000 typical fee total. Louisiana and New Orleans do not impose significant impact fees for residential construction. Historic districts may require HDLC application fees ($150–$500). New Orleans Safety and Permits fee schedule: nola.gov/safety-and-permits.

Permit Timeline

New Orleans ADU Permit Timeline: New Orleans Office of Safety and Permits: plan review typically 4-8 weeks. The city's permit process can be slow — factor in additional time for historic review if in HDLC jurisdiction. Construction 4-10 months. Apply through the New Orleans Office of Safety and Permits online permit portal. Phone: (504) 658-7100.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in New Orleans: Front setback: Not permitted in front yard. Side setback: 3 feet. Rear setback: 3 feet. Accessory structures in New Orleans residential zones require minimum 3 ft side and rear setbacks. Accessory structures are not permitted in the required front yard. Shotgun-style lots common in New Orleans may have minimal rear yard depth — verify lot dimensions before planning ADU. CZO Section 21.6.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: 1 parking space per ADU required in most residential zones. New Orleans has limited off-street parking citywide — carriage house ADUs are a traditional form that predates parking requirements. Verify zone-specific parking requirements with New Orleans DSD.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
• •Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) approval required for properties in local historic districts
• •Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) approval required for French Quarter properties
• •Flood elevation requirements may affect ADU design significantly — much of New Orleans is below sea level
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary lot
• •STR licensing for ADU rental requires separate STR permit — subject to ongoing regulatory changes

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in New Orleans: Single-family lots: 1 accessory dwelling unit per lot. Multifamily properties: Subject to CZO density provisions by zone. New Orleans CZO allows one ADU per single-family residential lot. In historic urban neighborhoods, carriage houses are a traditional ADU form and are generally supported by the CZO framework.

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions