Mayor Landrieu Signs Ordinance to Promote Development of More Affordable Housing in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – September 10, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Mitch Landrieu has signed into law an ordinance to amend the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to promote development of more affordable housing in New Orleans. Under this CZO amendment for zoning districts that permit multifamily dwellings, developers are now allowed to build denser residential developments as long as a portion of units are committed to housing residents whose income falls below certain levels based upon the Area Median Income (AMI). The New Orleans City Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,891, authored by District B Councilmember LaToya Cantrell, on Sept. 3, 2015, and Mayor Landrieu signed the measure on Sept. 8, 2015.

This density bonus allows for a reduction in the minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirement and an increase in the floor area ratio. The bonuses are available for set-asides at 30 percent, 50 percent and 80 percent AMI. Bonuses may be combined if residential units are set aside for each AMI. Under this law, the maximum total density is 30 percent.

In June 2015, Mayor Landrieu signed into law the City’s new CZO that the City Council unanimously approved in May. The CZO is the law that governs land use throughout the city of New Orleans. The CZO includes lists of permitted land uses for each of the City’s zoning districts, in addition to height limits, setback requirements, urban design standards, operational rules, and other regulations.

Statement from Mayor Landrieu:

“Affordable housing is one of my top priorities, and we will continue to expand affordable housing options throughout New Orleans. By working with the City Council, we have carefully crafted an updated Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance that will shape New Orleans for generations while preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods. I’m proud to sign this new law, which encourages and incentivizes developers to offer more affordable housing in our city. This falls on the heels of the successful inclusion of the Riverfront Overlay District in the recently enacted CZO that encourages development of affordable housing in the Marigny and Bywater, assuring our city grows more equitably and accommodates more inclusive communities.

“Right now, we are working with a broad and diverse group of stakeholders as part of the HousingNOLA plan being released this fall that will further define our city’s needs, create strategies and tactics, develop new policies and tools and identify the resources necessary to promote more affordable housing options so we can sustain our momentum. Our vision is one where all New Orleanians live in vibrant neighborhoods with a range of safe, quality housing options that are affordable and provide access to services that support their families and lifestyles. With New Orleans’ 300th anniversary approaching in 2018, these are positive steps forward that amplify our commitment to smart growth.”