New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Printed: 3/28/2024 4:01:17 AM

12.3.B Building Design Standards

1.   The following standards shall apply to all sites, except single and two-family residential dwellings:

a.   All buildings shall provide a clearly identifiable entry from the public sidewalk at the front (primary street) elevation.

b.   Structures on a corner lot shall be built to the corner.

c.   Where reuse of an existing gas station is proposed, parking is permitted in the front of the structure, subject to the landscape standards of Article 23.7 provided that a designated pedestrian access way between the sidewalk and main entrance is provided.  This access way shall be separated from parking areas by a landscaped area no less than five (5) feet wide.

d.   The ground floor of newly constructed commercial buildings shall contain a minimum transparency of fifty percent (50%) on the primary street and windows shall be constructed of transparent glass. Opaque, highly tinted, or reflective glass is prohibited. Transparency into the building shall be maintained. Any window signs shall consist of individual letters and numerals without the use of any background.

e.    For new construction, ADA accessible ramps and lifts shall compliment the building and be visually unobtrusive, preferably through internalized ramps or sloped walkways.

f.   The first floor of commercial buildings shall be designed with a minimum ceiling height of twelve (12) feet.

g.   Security bars, if installed, shall be on the inside of windows. Roll-up or accordion security grilles are permitted on the ground floor when constructed of a see-through, non-solid material. The Casing shall be painted to match the building and shall not damage or obscure architectural detailing.

h.    The following restrictions apply to building materials:

i.    The following materials are prohibited as the predominant surface finish material on exterior elevations visible from the public right-of-way. However, such materials may be used as part of decorative or detail elements, or as part of the exterior construction, such as a foundation course, that is not used as a predominant surface finish material.

(1)        Exterior insulating finish systems (EIFS, “Dryvit”)

(2)        Stuccato Board

(3)        Vinyl

i.    The siting and design requirements for buildings in the HU-MU District are illustrated in Figure 12-2: HU-MU District Illustrative and Site Diagram.

2.   The following standards shall apply to all sites that meet the applicability thresholds of Section 4.5 Development Plan and Design Review:

a.   Windows and doors shall have raised elements to create shadow and articulation. In addition, three-dimensional elements, such as balconies and bay windows, shall be incorporated to provide dimensional elements on a façade. Windows shall be set back into or projected out from the façade to provide façade depth and shadow and a consistent style.

b.   Facades shall be designed to be viewed from multiple directions with consistent materials and treatments that wraps around all facades. There shall be a unifying architectural theme for an entire multi-family or townhouse development, utilizing a common vocabulary of architectural forms, elements, materials, and colors around the entire structure.

FIGURE 12-1: PARKING LOT LOCATION

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FIGURE 12-2: HU-MU DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM

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FIGURE 12-2: HU-MU DISTRICT ILLUSTRATIVE AND SITE DIAGRAM

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Ord. 29126, 8-12-22, ZD016/22

12.3.B.3 Townhouse and Multi-Family Dwelling Design Standards   

See Section 11.3.B for building design standards for townhouse and multi-family dwellings in the Historic Urban Neighborhood Non-Residential Districts.