Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting – May 20, 2024\n\nThe Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) met on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in Council Chambers to hear variances, appeals, and other business. The meeting was called to order with roll call; five commissioners present (Candace Forest, Todd James, Tamara Agins, Jose Alvarez, Ramiro Diaz), two absent (Alfonso Gonzalez, Jason Richards). The board adopted the minutes from the April 15, 2024 meeting (4-0). The board recessed at approximately 1:00 P.M. and reconvened at 1:30 P.M. Decisions were released by May 30, 2024. One item was withdrawn (Item 8) and one rendered moot (Item 6).\n\n## Variances – Unfinished Business\n\n### Item 1: 1834 Second Street (BZA100-23)\nThe applicant requested variances for minimum lot area, permeable open space, rear yard setback, and off-street parking to permit a six-unit multifamily development. Zach Smith (applicant representative) provided an updated site plan showing that the building extends nearly lot line to lot line, arguing hardship due to the property's history and physical constraints. No opposition was heard. The board approved the variances (5-0) subject to two provisos: (1) stamping the site plan and (2) removing concrete along Rhone Street except where structurally required.\n\n### Item 2: 2320-22 S. Derbigny Street (BZA119-23)\nThe applicant sought a variance for insufficient rear yard setback (5’4” vs. required 15’) to build a two-family duplex. Irma Plummer (owner) cited safety concerns and neighborhood transition; supporters from the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association and a local pastor spoke in favor. Staff recommended denial, noting the applicant could achieve compliance by adjusting the front setback. The board denied the variance (5-0), finding the nine criteria not met; a compliant set of plans had already been permitted.\n\n### Item 3: 7417 Burthe Street (BZA023-24)\nThe applicant requested multiple parking variances for a four-bedroom unit in a fourplex, including insufficient parking pad depth, tandem parking, front yard parking, backing out, and driveway width. Zach Smith argued that homestead exemptions make parking rules discriminatory; opponents cited overcrowding, safety, and destruction of neighborhood character. The board granted waivers for off-street parking area access and driveway width (subject to two provisos) but denied all other waivers (5-0), effectively preventing the addition of a fourth bedroom.\n\n## Variances – New Business\n\n### Item 4: 2517 Washington Avenue (BZA025-24)\nThe applicant requested variances for insufficient lot width (28.667 ft vs. 40 ft) and excessive step encroachment into side yard to build a four-unit small multifamily affordable dwelling. Nicole Nelson (applicant rep) and Travis Martin (architect) explained the design maximized living space and provided access for first responders. No opposition. The board approved the variances (5-0) subject to one proviso (stamped site plan), accepting the applicant’s argument on hardship.\n\n### Item 5: 3900 Howard Avenue (BZA026-24)\nThe applicant sought a waiver to allow six roof-mounted satellite dish antennas without screening, arguing screening would block signals. Rebecca Gieger (Gray Media) and others noted the dishes are tucked away in an industrial area; only one neighbor attended the NPP and had no issues. Staff recommended denial only on criteria five (essential character). The board granted the waiver for all six dishes (5-0), finding the character not altered, and added a proviso for stamped plans.\n\n### Item 6: 27 Newcomb Boulevard (BZA027-24) – Rendered moot.\n\n## Director of Safety and Permits Decision Appeals – Unfinished Business\n\n### Item 7: 2900 Perdido Street (BZA008-24)\nVoice of the Experienced appealed the issuance of a permit for a jail construction, arguing the conditional use was not amended. The city attorney recommended deferral due to pending federal litigation. The board deferred the item for 60 days (4-0, with recusal) to allow litigation to proceed.\n\n### Item 8: 7417 Burthe Street (BZA016-24) – Withdrawn.\n\n## Director of Safety and Permits Decision Appeals – New Business\n\n### Item 9: 911-913 Governor Nicholls Street (BZA028-24)\nDaniel Raines appealed the permit issuance, arguing the driveway width (10 ft) violated the minimum 12 ft requirement for multifamily developments. Staff clarified that the CZO sets a maximum, not a minimum, for driveways; the drive aisle width is separate. Opponents cited safety and historic preservation. The board upheld the director’s decision (5-0), finding no error.\n\n### Item 10: 7504-7506 Zimpel Street (BZA029-24)\nSusan Johnson appealed a permit regarding parking pad setbacks. Both parties agreed to a deferral after updated plans were submitted late. The board deferred the item for 30 days (5-0) to allow review.\n\n## Key Outcomes\n- Item 1 (1834 Second St.): Variances approved (5-0) with two provisos.\n- Item 2 (2320-22 S. Derbigny St.): Variance denied (5-0).\n- Item 3 (7417 Burthe St.): Partial grant/denial of parking variances (5-0); fourth bedroom prevented.\n- Item 4 (2517 Washington Ave.): Variances approved (5-0) with one proviso.\n- Item 5 (3900 Howard Ave.): Waiver granted for six satellite dishes (5-0) with stamped plans.\n- Item 7 (2900 Perdido St.): Deferred 60 days (4-0) due to litigation.\n- Item 9 (911-913 Governor Nicholls St.): Director’s decision upheld (5-0).\n- Item 10 (7504-7506 Zimpel St.): Deferred 30 days (5-0) for additional review.\n- Minutes from April 15, 2024 meeting adopted (4-0).