Protect, preserve, and maintain the historic French Quarter

The purpose of the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) is to promote and regulate the preservation of the buildings and structures of the French Quarter deemed to have architectural and historical value for the benefit of the people of New Orleans, as well as Louisiana. The jurisdiction of the VCC includes all private and semi-private properties within the boundaries of the Vieux Carré Historic District, as defined by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana.

Before any work may begin on the exterior of a building or property in the Vieux Carré, first an application describing the work must be filed through the One Stop Shop and then, the approval of the VCC must be obtained. This process ensures the long-term physical preservation and maintenance of the Vieux Carré.  Until the VCC has determined that proposed changes are in keeping with the character of the property, the surrounding parcels and the District, the VCC will not issue a permit for work.

The VCC maintains a Staff of preservation professionals who assist property owners and applicants through the review and permitting process. It addition to providing information the staff can conduct an informal review in advance of the Architectural Committee (AC) and Commission meetings and can approve certain repairs, restoration projects and work that meet the criteria set forth in the Design Guidelines. The Commission ratifies or provides a final decision on all applications and can comment on additional matters outside direct jurisdiction that affect the tout ensemble, or overall effect of the district.

In addition to this regulatory work, it is our goal to be an agency that offers better outreach and education to its constituents and affects positive change in blight reduction and violation enforcement in this neighborhood that is both an important cultural district and a prominent tourist attraction.