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
New Orleans ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in New Orleans?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in New Orleans requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 13 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (7 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in New Orleans?
- Core required items include: Architectural / Complete Plans (2 sealed sets); Benchmark Certificate (elevation/survey); Building Permit (Master) Application; Executed Contract or Approved Estimate; Foundation Drawings; Manual J, S, and D Calculations, plus 1 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in New Orleans?
- New Orleans accepts permit submittals via One Stop App online portal. ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.