New Orleans ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in New Orleans, Louisiana means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 13 source-cited requirements (7 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through One Stop App online portal. These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of New Orleans. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
New Orleans has no separate 'ADU permit' or ADU-specific checklist — an ADU is built under the standard building-permit track (select 'New Construction' for a detached/new ADU, or 'Accessory Structure') via the One Stop App. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) controls where an ADU is allowed; the exact CZO section and the circulated 750-sf / owner-occupancy figures could not be confirmed against an official CZO section — confirm eligibility with City Planning. Historic review is a hard gate: properties in a local historic district or the French Quarter need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HDLC or the Vieux Carré Commission (with two approved plan sets) before the permit, plus a 50% fee surcharge. Most of the city is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (a Benchmark Certificate applies).
- Architectural / Complete Plans (2 sealed sets)required
Two complete plan sets detailing the work, with live original seals stamped by a Louisiana Registered Architect or Civil Engineer.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Benchmark Certificate (elevation/survey)required
Completed by a registered land surveyor on the City's three-part form, with live seals, dated within the last six months. Required for new construction.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Building Permit (Master) Applicationrequired
Completed application indicating the description and full scope of work; the 'Type of Building' includes a 'Residential (Accessory Use)' checkbox for an ADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Executed Contract or Approved Estimaterequired
Scope of work with costs inclusive of labor and materials.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Foundation Drawingsrequired
Drawings detailing the foundation, with live original seals (LA Architect or Civil Engineer).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Manual J, S, and D Calculationsrequired
HVAC load/equipment/duct sizing energy calculations, required for new construction.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Plot / Site Planrequired
Lot dimensions, all buildings with dimensions and setbacks from property lines, and the location/dimensions of all parking spaces.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Recorded Act of Saleconditional
Required only if the property recently changed ownership (within ~365 days).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - State Exemption Form R-1364 (owner-builder)conditional
Required only if the owner acts as their own contractor; signed by the owner and notarized.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Supp G — Lead-Based Paint Removal Formconditional
Required if the structure was built before 1978.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Supp J — Dumpster / Construction Zone Formconditional
Required if a dumpster will be placed in the street.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Supp L — Sidewalk Repair Formconditional
Required if any portion of the sidewalk will be repaired.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - VCC / HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness (+2 plan sets)conditional
Required if the property is in a local historic district / French Quarter; approval plus two approved plan sets must precede permit issuance (a 50% fee surcharge applies).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22