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Council denies neighbor appeal of HDLC approval for partial roof demolition at 7801 Zimple Street
Summary
Council upheld the Historic District Landmarks Commission approval to allow 55.9% roof removal at 7801 Zimple Street for a camelback addition, denying a neighbor’s appeal that alleged misrepresentation and that the property would be converted to student housing.
The New Orleans City Council denied an appeal filed by a neighbor and upheld a Historic District Landmarks Commission approval allowing the partial demolition of the roof at 7801 Zimple Street for a proposed camelback addition.
Deputy director Eleanor Burke told the Council that FEMA and property-record research dates the structure to about 1900–1910 and that the double-shotgun retains key Edwardian architectural features. She said staff did not object to removing 55.9% of the roof to accommodate a camelback, because the addition would be located behind the front wall and meet HDLC guidelines. The HDLC voted to approve the application at its 12/03/2025 hearing.
Neighbor Susan Johnson, representing Carrollton Watch, appealed the HDLC decision arguing the renovation would be used as student housing, alleged misrepresentations in submitted facade drawings and questioned whether the development complied with the university-area overlay's bathroom limits. Johnson asked the Council to overturn HDLC approval.
HDLC staff and other supporters explained that the plans show large common areas and a layout consistent with single-family occupancy. After discussion, a council member moved to deny the appeal (motion m26 61); the Council recorded “7 yeas, no nays” and the appeal was denied.
The Council’s denial leaves the HDLC approval intact; the project remains subject to applicable design-review requirements and any remaining plan approvals prior to building permits.
