Zoning Determinations

What It Is?

A Zoning Determination is an official ruling from the Department of Safety and Permits on how a property can be used or whether that use is permitted.

They are Three Types of Request:

1. General Zoning Verification

  • What’s required: official zoning designation, whether a specific use is allowed, or completing a government agency’s form.
  • Fee: $100

2. Established Multi‑Family Determination (up to 4 units)

  • What’s required: property’s long-term residential use history, meeting CZO 20.3.W standards (only allowed in zones marked "P"/"P C").
  • Fee: No charge

3. Non‑Conforming Use (NCU) Verification

  • Relevant when a property use doesn't meet current zoning rules but was legally established in the past. S&P must confirm the use hasn’t been vacant for 180+ days before issuing permits or licenses.
  • Fee: $200

How to Apply

  1. Apply on the One Stop website for a Zoning Determination.
  2. Upload the required documents noted below. The list below of document types is not meant to be exhaustive.
  3. Staff will review the request and determine which application type is most relevant for your request and apply the appropriate fees.
  4. Staff will email the applicant a copy of the invoice for payment.
  5. Once payment is received, the request will be reviewed and a determination will be made. Processing times for Zoning Verifications are 1-2 weeks, Established Multi-family are 3 weeks and Non-Conforming Use verifications are 4 weeks. 
If you disagree with the Director of Safety and Permits' decision, you can appeal to the Board of Zoning Adjustments within 45 days of the decision.

Zoning Vertification: Required Documents

Zoning verifications verify the zoning designation of a property and sometimes deal with confirming parking requirements or completing other government agencies forms. The required documents are:

  1. Detailed description of the information requested.
  2. Any additional supporting documentation that you may find helpful in processing your application.  

Established Multi-Family (EMF): Required Documents (Only 4 units or less: all other requests require an NCU application)

An Established Multi-Family is a property with a legal history of being used as a two-family or multi-family residence, even in districts that generally do not allow such uses. The Zoning Division will confirm that the structure meets the standards outlined in CZO 20.3.W. These dwellings are allowed up to four units per lot, only in certain zoning districts (indicated by "P" or "P/C" in the zoning Use Table).

  1. Detailed description of the request.
  2. Detailed timeline outlining the property's prior uses and any periods of vacancy.
  3. Current and most recent leases
  4. Rental receipts to demonstrate continued occupancy & operation.
  5. Utility Records for the last 12 months (Entergy, Sewerage & Water Board, Delta Utilities and Cox)
  6. Floor plan of the building, indicating the use of each room
  7. Photographs of the interior of each unit.
  8. Notarized affidavit attesting to the use of the property and that the property has not been vacant for longer than 180 days.
  9. Any other documentation that would help support your request.

Non-Conforming Use Determination: Required Documents

Please provide as many of the following documents to support your request:

  1. Detailed description of the request.
  2. Detailed timeline outlining the property's prior uses and any periods of vacancy.
  3. Current/most recent leases
  4. Rental receipts to demonstrate continued occupancy & operation.
  5. Utility Records for the last 12 months (Entergy, Sewerage & Water Board, Delta Utilities and Cox)
  6. Floor plan of the building, indicating the use of each room
  7. Photographs documenting such uses
  8. Copy of most recent licenses (business, ABO, mayoralty permit, state or federal licenses). 
  9. Notarized affidavit attesting to the use of the property and that the property has not been vacant for longer than 180 days.
  10. Any other documentation that would help support your request.

Debulking Request

All debulking requests should be directed to the Orleans Parish Tax Assessor office.

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