New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting – October 6, 2025

The New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) met on Monday, October 6, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included an executive session, consideration of several variance requests (both unfinished and new business), appeals of decisions by the Director of Safety and Permits, and adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule. The board recessed from approximately 1:05 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. for a Public Works Committee meeting. All votes were 7-0 unless otherwise noted.

Executive Session

• The board entered executive session to discuss pending litigation: Robco Realty, LLC and Milan Neighborhood Bar, LLC v. The City of New Orleans et al., Docket No. 2025-08492. The board reconvened without further public discussion.

Variances – Unfinished Business

• BZA069-25 (3405 Octavia Street): Request for variances to allow front yard parking and a front porch encroachment exceeding the allowable six feet, related to a home elevation project under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Staff recommended denial. After discussion, the board voted to defer the item for 60 days to allow the applicant to explore alternative stair configurations and parking solutions. (7-0)
• BZA071-25 (4400-4420 Dauphine Street): Request for variances to permit a 97-foot building height (12 ft 4.5 in. waiver) and reduced electric vehicle charging stations (12 instead of 29 required). Staff recommended approval in part with provisos. Commissioner Richards moved to approve both variances, finding all nine criteria met, subject to two provisos. The board approved 6-0-1 (Commissioner Gonzalez recused).

Variances – New Business

• BZA079-25 (2212 S. Claiborne Avenue): Request for multiple variances to reconstruct a standard restaurant on a former commercial lot. Numerous public speakers supported the project, citing its historic significance and community legacy. Staff recommended partial approval and partial denial. The board voted to defer for 60 days to allow the applicant to work with a design professional on setbacks, fire egress, and site plan revisions. (7-0)
• BZA080-25 (2518 S. Tonti Street): After-the-fact variance for insufficient rear yard setback on a new single-family dwelling. Staff recommended approval. The board voted to approve, finding all nine criteria met, subject to one proviso. (7-0)
• BZA081-25 (900-906 Poland Avenue): Variance for rear yard setback (proposing 12 ft 1.25 in. vs. required 20 ft) due to structural demolition that converted the project to new construction. Staff recommended denial, but the board voted to approve, finding hardship due to preservation of historic piers and conformity with the block character, subject to HDLC approval. (7-0)
• BZA082-25 (3134 Royal Street): After-the-fact variance for a fence height of 11 ft 9 in. (waiver of 4 ft 9 in.) on a two-family dwelling. Staff recommended approval. The board approved, finding all nine criteria met, subject to one proviso. (7-0)
• BZA086-25 (6006 Annunciation Street): Variance request for a single-family dwelling with four and a half bathrooms (over the two-and-a-half limit in the University Area Overlay) and only one off-street parking space (required six). Staff recommended approval for parking, denial for bathrooms. The board approved both variances, citing the pending sunset of the bathroom restriction and the multi-generational living need, subject to one proviso. (7-0)
• Items BZA083-25, BZA084-25, BZA085-25 were rendered moot.
• Item BZA089-25 (4201 Dauphine Street) was deferred 30 days at staff request for additional information. (7-0)

Director of Safety and Permits Decision Appeals – Unfinished Business

• BZA076-25 (4917 Freret Street): Appeal of a permit for a commercial swimming pool at a standard restaurant (Sonny’s Poolside). The appellant argued the pool was not an allowed use and violated outdoor activity restrictions. Staff presented the matter as one of first impression. After extensive testimony from neighbors citing noise and disruption, the board voted to deny the appeal (uphold the director’s decision), finding no error in the interpretation of the CZO. (7-0)
• BZA077-25 (7301-7303 Burthe Street): Appeal of a zoning decision regarding a two-unit property. The department requested a deferral for a zoning inspection. The board deferred the item 30 days. (7-0)

Director of Safety and Permits Decision Appeals – New Business

• BZA087-25 (1943 North Rampart Street – Iggy’s Bar): The department reported the appeal was moot because the original business no longer operates; a new owner has taken over. The board took no action.
• BZA088-25 (1365 Annunciation Street): Withdrawn by the applicant.

Any Other Matters – New Business

• Adoption of 2026 BZA Meeting Schedule: The board voted to suspend its rules and adopt the proposed 2026 schedule, which moves staff report release to one week before each meeting. The schedule sets meeting dates on third Mondays (with holiday exceptions). (7-0)

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (7-0) except BZA071-25 (6-0-1 with one recusal).
• Deferrals granted: BZA069-25 (60 days), BZA079-25 (60 days), BZA089-25 (30 days), BZA077-25 (30 days).
• Approvals granted: BZA071-25, BZA080-25, BZA081-25, BZA082-25, BZA086-25 (each with provisos).
• Appeal denied: BZA076-25 (director’s decision upheld).
• Items BZA083-25, BZA084-25, BZA085-25, BZA087-25, BZA088-25 were rendered moot or withdrawn.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:30 p.m. after adopting the 2026 schedule.