Frequently Asked Questions
From Navigating the VCC Sessions
The full commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month. The only exception to this is if there are no items for the agenda.
When the work is ongoing, please post your permits. You can post them in a window, a door’s window, or a transom. If that isn’t an option, please tack them up to the building somewhere and in a way that won’t do any damage to the building or leave permanent marks. If you have two permits (ex.VCC Permit and Safety Permit), please put both of them up. Be aware that if it is posted to the outside of your building, you may want to laminate it so that it survives the weather.
Approved permits should be signed or stamped by Bryan D. Block, Director of the Vieux Carré Commission.
You can look up your color-rating at either of these websites by just typing in your address: https://vieuxcarre.nola.gov/ https://www.hnoc.org/vcs/
In 2012, City Hall started the online process and repository. Those documents are available through the One Stop Website at https://www.nola.gov/onestop/. Prior to 2012, those documents were submitted in hard copies. Those physical files reside in the VCC offices at City Hall. If you do not own the property, then you must submit a Public Records Request through the City Hall Legal Department at https://www.nola.gov/city-attorney/public-records-requests/. After that has been submitted, you can set up an appointment with the VCC office to come and look at the files. During the time of Covid-19, the VCC has been scanning them, but some of the files can be too large to send via email.
*The VCC Foundation is raising money to expand the Vieux Carré Virtual Library to include these physical documents in the online resource so you can research your properties from the comfort of your home and at your convenience. These documents will be searchable by both address and keywords. If you want to contribute, donations can be made here: http://vccfoundation.org/donate/
The meetings and hearing are recorded. That recording is combined with all staff notes and compiled into comprehensive minutes by Dr. Renee Bourgogne, Senior Architectural Historian. Please be advised that the minutes are not a transcript of the meeting, but contain all the pertinent information.
The minutes and the agendas can be found on the VCC website at: https://nola.gov/vcc/.
This is very tricky. Usually, if the co-owners, co-tenants, or shared owners can’t come to an agreement on their own, it ends up becoming a civil matter. The VCC cannot solve disputes between owners or tenants. The VCC can only address issues that fall within the stated mission and guidelines.
The association’s Bylaws and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are responsible for outlining shared spaces and features. The association is responsible for repairs or violations. If a homeowner within the association has an issue, they need to speak with their association. The VCC can only address issues that fall within the stated mission and guidelines.
Typically, no the VCC would not review plants for courtyards. When there is an overall renovation being done, the VCC will require a site plan that includes landscape features which by default include plants. The VCC would have jurisdiction over things like the placement of planters or other built items. Trees are a little different. Trees can be very large and have complicated or damaging root systems. The VCC may recommend not planting trees in certain places for the benefit of the property owner and neighbors or for potential structural concerns to historic buildings.
The VCC cannot recommend a contractor, engineers or other entities. There are two places you can find useful information.
The first is with the VCC Foundation. There is a list of contractors compiled from attending the VCC meetings and hearings that is specific to the Vieux Carré Historic District. You can find that list on their website or here: https://vccfoundation.org/contractors/
The second is with the Preservation Resource Center. Their resource is not French Quarter specific, but can help navigate choosing a contractor. You can find the information on their website here: https://prcno.org/resources/renovating-a-historic-building/choosing-the-right-contractor-3/
These resources are provided with the intent of helping to guide property owners and tenants, but should not be considered comprehensive. One of the best ways to find good contractors or to know which vendors are right for your property is by asking your neighbors!