New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Printed: 3/28/2024 7:07:30 AM

17.5.E Landmark Preservation Financial Contribution Standards

17.5.E.1 Landmark Preservation Public Benefit Formula   

Floor area bonuses for financial contributions to the restoration of existing or proposed landmark structures shall be based on one-time financial contributions based on the following:

a.  The financial contribution required for each square foot of bonus floor area shall be equal to eighty percent (80%) of the median cost of one (1) square foot of land within the Central Business District, as geographically defined in Section 17.5.D.2.

b. The cost of land in the Central Business District, as geographically defined below in Section 17.5.D.2, shall be determined based on the average sale price for land within the most recent five (5) years, as provided by the City. In the event that fewer than three (3) such sale prices are available in the most recent five (5) years, the land value of parcels of land that are not developed with structures within the Central Business District, as provided by the Orleans Parish Assessor, may be used to determine the average cost of land for the purposes of this section.

c. The maximum bonus that may be obtained is equal to twenty percent (20%) of the base Floor Area Ratio.

17.5.E.2 Landmark Preservation Standards and Guidelines   

a. Existing or proposed landmark structures shall be located within the boundaries of the Central Business District and shall be identified on the list of historic landmarks of the Historic District Landmarks Commission or on the National Register of Historic Places.

b.  Restoration projects shall be consistent with the guidelines of the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) if the landmark structure is located within a local historic district or on the list of historic landmarks of the HDLC, and subject to the approval of the Division of Historic Preservation of the State of Louisiana if the landmark structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and is not within a local historic district or on the list of historic landmarks of the HDLC.

c.  Proposed new landmarks shall be identified and certified by the HDLC and/or the National Park Service.

d.  Funds shall be used for substantial interior or exterior rehabilitation or restoration that is visible from a public street or within a portion of the interior that is open to the public. The work shall exceed routine maintenance, as determined by the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits.