1808 Lowerline St.

Staff Recommendations: 

On February 21, 2024 HDLC Staff reviewed the partial demolition at the rear of 1808 Lowerline. The demolition percentage was 43%. The documents were stamped as reviewed, returned back to Safety and Permits, and no sub permit was generated.

On May 31, 2024 HDLC Director Bryan Block was notified that the previous night's weather had "split the building in half". HDLC Staff conducted an inspection. The two exterior side walls had splayed out pulling the front gable wall toward the rear of the structure. In order to salvage the building the entire roof structure needed to be removed in order to pull the walls back in to a plumb condition.

The removal of rear portions of existing buildings in order to construct a camelback addition is a common occurrence throughout the City of New Orleans. It would appear in this instance that proper care was not taken in the way of properly bracing the building while the camelback addition was being constructed. 

At the June 10th  HDLC Commission meeting retention of the roof demolition was granted and the fine decision was deferred at the behest of the applicant in order to produce a report from a structural engineer. The report was reviewed by HDLC Staff and HDLC Director, Bryan Block. The conclusions from the structural engineer aligned with what the HDLC has presented.

It has been suggested by the applicant that the only reason for the increased fine structure is to punish property owners demolishing without or in excess of permits. HDLC staff disagrees believing that they importantly also exist to discourage property owners and their contractors from negligence which leads to unnecessary damage and destruction of their buildings as the engineer report in this case clearly outlines.

For the aforementioned reasons Staff continues to recommend a Tier 2 fine.