New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting

On May 20, 2026, the New Orleans Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) held a meeting to consider several variance requests, appeals, and deferrals. The board took action on multiple dockets, including approvals, denials, and deferrals, and addressed a significant appeal withdrawal related to a Trader Joe's development.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the April 2026 meeting were adopted by a 6-0 vote.
• Items rendered moot: BZA Docket 03126 (7032 Boston Drive), BZA Docket 04526 (730-32 St. Peter's Street).
• Item withdrawn: BZA Docket 04226 (14 Thrasher Street).

Public Comments & Testimony

• BZA Docket 023-26 (7032 Boston Drive): The applicant was absent due to a health condition; no public testimony was heard. The board discussed efforts to assist the applicant with permeable surface compliance.
• BZA Docket 029-26 (1614 Poland Avenue): Applicant's representative Zach Smith requested a 120-day deferral, citing delays in acquiring adjacent property.
• BZA Docket 032-26 (2022 Phillips Street): Applicant's representative Deshaun Davenport argued that redesign would create other zoning issues. Commissioners expressed that hardship was not demonstrated and that the developer's financial concerns did not meet the nine criteria.
• BZA Docket 038-26 (3316 Dauphine Street): Applicant Pedro Molina explained that the mechanical unit was relocated to a service alley after a conflict with a window. Opponents Frederick Helms and Janet Benson cited safety and access concerns, noting only 5 inches of clearance.
• BZA Docket 039-26 (1455 North Roman Street): Applicant Ezra Spira-Cohen argued the variance would preserve a 19-year-old lot configuration and noted 37% of properties in an adjacent square had similar deficiencies.
• BZA Docket 040-26 (1041 Dumain Street): Applicant Mary Grace Burgess stated the subdivision would align lot lines with existing uses without changing structures or open space.
• BZA Docket 041-26 (property at ___ ): Applicant Johnston Burkhard requested approval to create two separate lots for a two-family dwelling.
• BZA Docket 044-26 (932 Arabella Street): Applicant Zach Smith argued the project is a single-family home that would be sold with a homestead exemption. Multiple neighbors, including Gary Silbert, Eugenie Lyman, Margaret Silverstein, Robert Woodkowski, and a representative of Dana Atchinson, strongly opposed, citing parking burdens, density, and the developer's track record.
• BZA Docket 046-26 (518 Walnut Street): Applicant Kristen Galat and property owner Charlotte Dawson explained they are combining two condos into one single-family home for their family, with no intent to develop.
• BZA Docket 062-25 (2501-2537 Two Lane Avenue): Representatives of the neighborhood group withdrew their appeal. They criticized the lack of evidence presented for variances, the building's design, and urged the board to require actual evidence and use its design authority under the CZO.

Discussion Items

• BZA Docket 023-26 (7032 Boston Drive): The board discussed the applicant's willingness to break up more concrete to increase permeable space. Staff noted no assistance was currently available from Urban Conservancy or Groundwork NOLA.
• BZA Docket 044-26 (932 Arabella Street): Commissioners debated the distinction between owner-occupied and developer-sold properties, the intent of the University Area Overlay District, and the potential for plan locking via a proviso. A motion to deny passed 4-2.
• BZA Docket 110-25 (1037-39 Broadway Street): The board voted to reconsider on the minutes following a prior tie vote, effectively deferring the item to the next meeting.
• BZA Docket 062-25 (Two Lane Avenue): The appeal was withdrawn as moot after the completion of construction and exhaustion of litigation.

Key Outcomes

• BZA Docket 023-26: Approved (6-0) with provisos, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA Docket 029-26: Deferred 120 days at applicant's request (6-0).
• BZA Docket 032-26: Deferred 60 days to allow plan modifications (6-0).
• BZA Docket 038-26: Deferred 30 days for staff to obtain clarity from the mechanical division (6-0).
• BZA Docket 039-26: Deferred 60 days to resolve encroachment issues (6-0).
• BZA Docket 040-26: Approved (6-0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA Docket 041-26: Approved (6-0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA Docket 044-26: Denied (4-2) for failure to meet the nine criteria.
• BZA Docket 046-26: Approved (6-0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria met.
• BZA Docket 024-26: Deferred 30 days at staff request (6-0).
• BZA Docket 043-26: Deferred 30 days at staff request (6-0).
• BZA Docket 062-25: Appeal withdrawn as moot.
• BZA Docket 110-25: Motion to reconsider on the minutes carried (6-0), deferring the item to the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 p.m. after a recess from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.