Celebrating 100 Years of Planning in New Orleans

City Planning Commission

The New Orleans City Planning Commission is a nine member citizen board appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Planning Commission provides analysis and recommendations to the City Council on matters dealing with the present and future development of the City, in accordance with the goals and policies of the City's Plan for the 21st Century or the Master Plan. This includes reviewing, approving, and/or recommending to the City Council requests for master plan amendments, map changes, text amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), appeals and subdivisions. The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.  

Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA)

The Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) is a seven member board made up of citizens that are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Board hears and makes final decisions on requests for variances from the requirements of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and considers appeals of decisions by the Director of Safety and Permits. This Board was placed under the management of City Planning by a City Charter revision that became effective on January 1, 1996. The Board of Zoning Adjustments meets the third Monday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) at 10:00 am in the City Council Chambers.