New Orleans Subdivision Regulations

Regulations to guide the future growth and development of the City in accordance with the Master Plan

Printed: 2/12/2025 3:29:10 PM

4.2.4 Blocks

This section is intended to promote connectivity within existing neighborhoods and proposed subdivisions. In general, neighborhoods developed prior to WW2 that are considered more urban in nature with a more dense, mixed-use development pattern shall preserve shorter block lengths that are pedestrian in nature and promote block connectivity and access. Neighborhoods developed post-WW2 that are considered more suburban in nature may have existing block lengths exceed exceeding those of urban neighborhoods. However, many of these suburban development patterns have resulted in environments that do not adequately accommodate pedestrians and cyclists and it is the intent of these regulations to improve upon these past deficiencies.

  1. Subdivisions that require the creation of new streets and block patterns shall design streets and block patterns in a manner that achieves high levels of connectivity within and around developments.
  2. Block lengths should be consistent with the surrounding block lengths and patterns. When there are no predominant lengths and patterns in the vicinity, maximum block lengths shall be determined by multiplying by twelve (12) the minimum single-family lot width for the existing underlying zoning district. Zoning districts that do not have a designated minimum lot width shall have a maximum block length of 300 feet. Block lengths that exceed 600 feet shall provide a pedestrian way every 400 feet in order to provide connectivity that will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

Subdivisions that abut an existing block pattern and/or stub street(s), the subdivision shall make provision for the continuation of principal existing streets serving contiguous properties into the new subdivision areas (or their proper projection where adjoining land is not subdivided) in order to preserve the surrounding block pattern and street widths in a manner that is consistent with this section.

Subdivisions that include existing blocks that exceed the maximum allowed in this section shall make provision for streets that adhere with the block length requirements. 

Block lengths shall not exceed the specified maximum, except for when a block length that exceeds the maximum is deemed appropriate by the Executive Director. The Executive Director may determine a block exceeding the maximum to be appropriate in instances where the block length better ensures continuity with an existing street network or is more suitable given the particular geometry of the site.

Figure 1. Maximum Block Length in the HU-RD2 District

Graphic

Figure 2. Maximum Block Length in the S-RS District

Exceptions to the requirement to extend existing streets may be considered by the Executive Director and may be granted for subdivisions that are contiguous with properties that include obstructions such as: