Preservation Resource Center Of New Orleans: Information On Hurricane Ida Repairs In HDLC And VCC Historic Districts

Press release from the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans:

Preservation Resource Center

September 9, 2021

The staff of the HDLC and VCC have issued new guidance for homeowners faced with Hurricane Ida repairs. The commission staff understands that many property owners do not have power or internet access and that securing homes is of the utmost urgency.

We understand that many roofs will require replacement and that materials are limited. If possible, please select a roofing brand and color from the attached list*. If these are not available, there is a one-year suspension of the HDLC required roof brands and colors. Make sure to save and submit your receipt with the date of purchase and the roof can be approved by the Staff.

If your chimney has been damaged, please call us for an inspection prior to removal. If you have already removed the chimney, please let us know so that we may document the loss as a Hurricane Ida-related loss.

The HDLC staff encourages the repair and replacement of all windows to match the existing. Window glass panes can be replaced without any approval from the HDLC. If you require new windows, please submit an application online or call us at 658-7040 so that we can assist you with installing the correct windows.

The HDLC approves the replacement of wood weatherboards with new wood or SMOOTH finish Hardi Plank siding that matches the existing exposure.

All repair work that matches the existing condition can be approved at the staff level. Please call us at 658-7040 or email us at hdlcstaff@nola.gov so that we may help you get the approvals you need.

If you have internet access, you can apply online for a permit at onestopapp.nola.gov. The HDLC can issue over the counter approvals in 1-2 business days. All of our Design Guidelines and Rules, Policies and Procedures can be found at www.nola.gov/hdlc.

*Note: this list is for HDLC districts — not the French Quarter, which is under VCC jurisdiction. See below for more information from the VCC about repairs in the French Quarter.

We understand that many roofs will require replacement and that materials are limited. As historic roofing materials are extremely important, especially in the Vieux Carré, it is imperative that replacement materials are appropriate to the specific building. It is highly recommended that you replace roofing materials to match existing conditions. If that is not possible or you would like to use a better material, please reach out to VCC staff for advice.

If your chimney has been damaged, please call us out to inspect prior to removal. If you have already had to remove the chimney due to significant damage, or if it collapsed during the storm, please let us know so that we may document the loss as a Hurricane Ida related loss.

If necessary, the VCC staff encourages the repair and replacement of windows to match the existing. Window glass panes can be replaced without any approval from the VCC. If you require new windows, please submit an application online or call us at 504-658-1429 so that we can assist you with installing the correct windows.

All repair work that matches the existing condition can be approved at the staff level. Please call us at 504-658-1429 or email us at vcc@nola.gov so that we may help you get the approvals you need.

If you have internet access – you can apply online for a permit at onestopapp.nola.gov. The VCC can issue over the counter approvals in 1-2 business days.

All of our Design Guidelines and Rules, policies and Procedures can be found at www.nola.gov/vcc

This press release was produced by the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. The views expressed here are the author’s own.