New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments Special Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Board of Zoning Adjustments held a special meeting on February 9, 2026, to consider multiple variance requests and appeals. The meeting included roll call, adoption of January minutes, and deliberation on 14 docket items. Key actions included approvals, denials, and deferrals.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the January meeting unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• BZA 079-25 (restaurant variance): Applicant Angela Dix requested approval for side and rear yard setbacks and bicycle parking. Board asked clarifying questions about bicycle parking options and ADA ramp placement.
• BZA 101-25 (canopy variance): Applicant requested a 30-day deferral to work with an architect; no other public comment.
• BZA 105-25 (sign variance): Applicant argued the sign is a replica of a historic sign. Opposition was led by Aaron Holmes (VCPora), who stated the sign is not historically designated and would undermine sign standards. The applicant rebutted that the sign would restore Bourbon Street character.
• BZA 001-26, 002-26, 003-26 (fence height variances): Applicant Ron Lazel presented evidence of neighbor support and referenced a similar approved variance at Royal Street. He requested an increase from 9 feet to 10 feet. Commissioners raised concerns about proper notice for the amended request.
• BZA 005-26 (front-yard setback variance): Applicant’s representative explained the need for a front porch and noted that over 75% of neighboring properties have front-yard encroachments. Staff clarified that only properties developed under current CZO were analyzed.
• BZA 007-26 (fence height after-the-fact): Applicant stated the fence was installed for security cameras; staff found 7 of 10 comparable fences were non-compliant.
• BZA 008-26 (accessory structure variances): Applicant argued the structure has a long history on the property and agreed to fire-rate walls and remove windows. Commissioners questioned whether the second story was originally built.
• BZA 013-26 (billboard appeal): Extensive public opposition from District E council member, homeowners, and neighborhood groups (ENoNAC, Lake Barrington HOA). Opponents cited negative impacts on property values, light pollution, safety, and procedural defects in notice. The applicant claimed the billboard meets all zoning requirements and was mischaracterized by staff. Over 20 residents spoke in opposition.

Discussion Items

• BZA 079-25 (937 Esplanade area – restaurant variances): Applicant reduced side-yard setback on one side to 5 feet and requested a 2-foot waver on the other side, rear-yard setback, and bicycle parking waiver (later withdrawn for off-site provision). Staff recommended approval for lot area, permeable open space, and one side-yard, but denial for bicycle parking. Board approved the four items with two provisos and denied bicycle parking (5-0).
• BZA 101-25 (3205 Charter Street – canopy): After-the-fact request for an 11-foot excessive canopy encroachment. Applicant asked for a 30-day deferral to March 16; granted (5-0).
• BZA 105-25 (235-241 Burban Street – sign): Requested variances for sign projection, area, and floor location. Staff recommended denial; board deferred to March 16 for applicant to provide dimensions of comparable signs (5-0).
• BZA 001-26, 002-26, 003-26 (3513, 3517, 3521 Charter Street – fence height): Applicant sought 9-foot fences (later requested 10 feet) for short-term rental properties. Board deferred to late February agenda to allow resubmission with correct height (5-0 each).
• BZA 004-26 (6020 St. Charles Avenue – parking pad): Applicant did not appear; board deferred to late February (5-0).
• BZA 005-26 (8 Maryland Drive – front porch setback): Applicant requested 18’3” setback vs. required 20’. Board deferred to March agenda for better documentation of adjacent properties (5-0).
• BZA 006-26 (235-237 Charter Street – mechanical equipment): Approved unanimously (5-0) with two provisos, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA 007-26 (Audubon – fence height): Approved (5-0) with one proviso, acknowledging marginal height difference (7’3” vs. 7’) and difficulty measuring grade.
• BZA 008-26 (5015 South Saratoga – accessory structure): Board deferred to March 16 to allow applicant to submit historical evidence of original structure and address roof overhang issues (5-0).
• BZA 009-26 (1229 Cadis/4534 Perrier – pool location): Approved (5-0) with two provisos, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA 010-26 (600 New Orleans Hammond Hwy – accessory use for worship): Approved (5-0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA 011-26 (3627 Alfred Street – parking): Approved (5-0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA 108-25 (homestead exemption appeal): Board upheld the Director of Safety and Permits’ decision, denying the appeal (5-0).
• BZA 012-26 (1901-1941 Canal Street): Deferred to late February at applicant’s request (5-0).
• BZA 013-26 (10563 N. I-10 Service Road – billboard appeal): After debate, board deferred to March agenda for staff to clarify the zoning verification status and ensure complete record (5-0).
• BZA 014-26 (3929 Canal Street): Deferred to late February at staff’s request (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved variances: BZA 079-25 (partial), 006-26, 007-26, 009-26, 010-26, 011-26 – all with provisos.
• Denied variances: BZA 079-25 (bicycle parking portion), BZA 108-25 (appeal denied).
• Deferred items: BZA 101-25 (to March 16), 105-25 (to March 16), 001-26/002-26/003-26 (to late February), 004-26 (to late February), 005-26 (to March), 008-26 (to March 16), 012-26 (to late February), 013-26 (to March), 014-26 (to late February).
• Item deemed moot: BZA 015-26 (937 Esplanade).
• Meeting adjourned: Approximately 5-0 vote after completing all items.