New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting Summary – February 18, 2025

Note on date: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025, not February 18 as stated in the user instruction. The summary below uses the provided date but notes the discrepancy.

The City Planning Commission’s Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) convened on February 18, 2025, to hear variance requests and one decision appeal. The meeting included roll call, adoption of minutes, and a series of public hearings on variances for residential and commercial properties. Key discussions centered on hardship, lot subdivision, impervious surfaces, and parking. One appeal regarding the definition of customary lodging services was heard but the transcript ends before a vote was recorded.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 27, 2025, meeting (6–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• BZA006-25 (6820 Chef Menteur): A parishioner spoke in support, emphasizing safety for elderly parishioners and agreement with the architect’s design.
• BZA007-25 (6161 General Meyer): Multiple neighbors opposed the subdivision, citing safety hazards, out-of-character lot sizes, and traffic concerns. The opposition highlighted that the lot was not destroyed by a hurricane, but rather demolished by the owner in 2013.
• BZA012-25 (737 Eleonore/5808 Magazine): The property owner explained the history of the lot and previous permitted work, noting that the subdivision is needed due to insurance difficulties.

Discussion Items

• BZA001-25 (2512 Constance): Variance to split a lot into two separate parcels. Staff found all nine criteria met; board approved subject to one proviso (6–0).
• BZA004-25 (616 Conti): Variance for insufficient open space ratio for a restaurant (The Dead Rabbit). Staff noted a misprint in the report; board approved with two provisos (6–0).
• BZA005-25 (2310 Perdido): Deemed improper, but staff later clarified a text amendment made it proper; will be re-docketed as BZA1825.
• BZA006-25 (6820 Chef Menteur): Variance for insufficient ceiling height and primary entrance orientation for a church office. Staff recommended denial, but the board voted to approve, finding the nine criteria met based on applicant testimony (6–0).
• BZA007-25 (6161 General Meyer): Variance to create four lots from a larger corner lot. Staff recommended denial because the applicant could create three compliant lots. Board voted to deny the requested variances (5–0).
• BZA008-25 (5007 S. Tonti): After-the-fact variance for excessive impervious surface and front-yard parking. Staff recommended denial, but the board deferred for 60 days to allow the applicant to explore pervious paving solutions (6–0).
• BZA009-25 (2816-18 St. Louis): Variance to subdivide one lot into two substandard lots. Staff recommended denial. Board deferred 60 days to allow the applicant to consider alternative lot configurations (6–0).
• BZA010-25 (5310 Laurel): Variance for a side porch with insufficient distance from the lot line. Staff requested deferral due to additional outstanding waiver questions. Board deferred 30 days (6–0).
• BZA011-25 (222 Walnut): After-the-fact variance for excessive impervious surface. Staff recommended denial. Board deferred 30 days to allow the applicant to submit a revised sketch reducing impervious area (6–0).
• BZA012-25 (737 Eleonore/5808 Magazine): Multiple variances to subdivide a mixed-use lot. Staff recommended denial, but the board approved all requested variances (including parking and open space) subject to one proviso, finding the nine criteria met (6–0).
• BZA013-25 (8228-30 Nelson): Withdrawn by applicant.
• BZA014-25 (717 Barracks) – Decision Appeal: Appeal of the director’s interpretation that customary lodging services require 24/7 staffing. The city argued the codified definition does not override prior interpretations; the applicant argued the council intentionally omitted staffing hours from the definition. The transcript ends without a recorded decision; no vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved variances: BZA001-25, BZA004-25, BZA006-25, BZA012-25 (all with provisos).
• Denied variances: BZA007-25.
• Deferred items: BZA008-25 (60 days), BZA009-25 (60 days), BZA010-25 (30 days), BZA011-25 (30 days).
• Re-docketed: BZA005-25 (will appear as BZA1825).
• Appeal (BZA014-25): No decision recorded; meeting transcript ends abruptly.