Overpaving in New Orleans is a major cause of flooding, urban heat island effect, subsidence, and other quality of life issues. Since 2015, we’ve worked with homeowners, contractors, the City, and others to reduce the barriers to paving removal, and help the City become greener, cooler, and safer from flooding–one property at a time.
We aim to further the sustainability and resilience goals spelled out in the GNO Urban Water Plan, and the New Orleans Master Plan, in addition to complementing the Complete Streets policy.
Paving in excess of 40% of your front yard (and side yard on corner lots) is illegal in most New Orleans neighborhoods under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). But since no permit issuance is required to pave a front yard area, the practice is widespread. Property owners replace their green spaces with concrete and other impermeable surfaces in an effort to provide additional parking and/or reduce yard maintenance–but these hard surfaces affect more than the single lot on which they sit.
What’s Wrong with Excessive Paving?
It’s Ugly
Attractive and environmentally friendly green space is lost as front yards are converted into off-street parking areas. Some cities have seen significant drops in property values as yard paving spreads.
It’s Unsafe
Cars parked on the front yard area of residential lots often obstruct the “public right-of-way” (sidewalks) and pedestrians are forced into the street as a result. They also eliminate on-street public parking spaces.
It Leads to Flooding
Paved yards do not allow rainwater to soak into soil. Instead, the water runs off into the street and storm sewer systems, which then leads to more street flooding and sewer backups, increased pressure on infrastructure, more runoff pollutants entering waterways, and increased subsidence.
It’s Illegal
Most cases of excessive front yard paving and front yard parking spaces are illegal in New Orleans under the current Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. However, no permit issuance is required to pave a front yard area, so the practice is widespread and relies on complaint-based, after-the-fact enforcement.
It’s Expensive
Excessive paving leads to more standing water, more pumping, more subsidence, and more frequent street repairs, all at taxpayers’ expense.
A Healthy Block
This is what we want our blocks to look like. They’re holding water onsite, replenishing the water table, and slowing subsidence.
Learn about our 2015-2025 Front Yard Initiative homeowner incentive program.
