NEW ORLEANS - The Council approved Zoning Docket 41/19 by District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer which updates density and height bonuses for the Marigny and Bywater sub-districts of the Riverfront Overlay.  

The zoning docket removes any possible conflicts within the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to ensure the citywide Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning (MIZ) requirements meant to promote affordable housing will also apply in the riverfront overlay's Marigny and Bywater sub-districts. The MIZ also addresses incentives for developers, which will replace those previously available through the CZO's riverfront overlay provisions. After today's changes, developments not taking advantage of those incentives will be limited to the height and density provided by the underlying zoning district.

The sub-districts include properties along the Riverfront between the Mississippi River and Chartres or Decatur streets in the Marigny and Bywater communities. Developments closest to the street would still be limited to avoid having large buildings looming over nearby properties.

"The CZO we worked so hard to put in place after Katrina gave us a clear map of where we wanted commercial activity and where we wanted to preserve our residential neighborhoods. The Marigny and Bywater communities are currently in the strong market for new developments, and we want to make sure that developments taking advantage of maximum height and density allowances along the Riverfront also include affordable units," said Councilmember Palmer. 

"Having introduced various legislation and zoning applications to increase the City's affordable housing stock, including creating and mandating the use of Affordable Housing Impact Statements, this is and has long been a priority of mine both as a Councilmember and State Representative," said District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett. "Far too many residents are cost-burdened, spending upwards of 40 percent of their total income on housing costs. I am grateful to Councilmember Palmer for bringing this forward and for her steadfast commitment to this issue. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues on the Council to end our City's current affordable housing crisis, and ensure all New Orleanians have access to safe, equitable and affordable housing."

###

Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley

Communications Director

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 658-1034