New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Printed: 3/29/2024 7:37:21 AM

15.3.A.2 Front Yard Build-To Line Requirement

a.  Within the C-1, C-2, C-3, MU-1, MU-2 and LS Districts of the Commercial Center and Institutional Campus Districts, the front yard build-to line is established by any one (1) of the following methods. A build-to line is an established setback line at which a structure is required to build. However, in no case may the front yard exceed twenty (20) feet.

i.  As of the effective date of this Ordinance, the current front yard of the existing structure may be set as the required front yard build-to line. When a structure is demolished, the demolition permit shall indicate the dimension of the front yard prior to demolition. The required front yard build-to line is that indicated on the demolition permit.

ii.  The required front yard build-to line indicated on the most recent survey or Sanborn maps.

iii.  The average of the front yard of the adjacent lots on either side may be used to establish the required front yard build-to line. Averaging is based on the two (2) adjacent lots or, in the case of a corner lot, two (2) neighboring lots on the same blockface. In the case of a lot configuration where only one (1) lot is available for averaging, the front yard build-to line is that of the adjacent lot. (See Figure 15-1: Front Yard Averaging)

b.  The applicant is permitted a three (3) foot variation from a front yard build-to line established by any of the above methods.

c.  The required front yard build-to line is measured as the narrowest dimension from the front lot line to the principal structure. The measurement is taken from the building walls of the principal structure and does not include permitted encroachments or architectural features.

d. Should the calculation of the required front yard setback be unable to be determined by the methods identified in item a above, the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits shall determine the setback based on his/her judgement given the development pattern in the immediate surrounding area.

FIGURE 15-1: FRONT YARD AVERAGING

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