Historic District Advisory Committee

The Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) is an appointed board of the City that is responsible to maintain the historic character of Gretna's two local Historic Districts, Historic Gretna and McDonoghville. It is made up of residents appointed by the Mayor and City Council who will review architectual plans of old and new buildings (any exterior change of any property) within our historic districts. The HDAC reviews and determines if the asthetic appearance of the requested changes in the look of the building is compatible with its historic surroundings. HDAC recommendations are forwarded to the Gretna City Council for final approval.

We ask that you contact the Building Official to apply to the HDAC prior to the issuance of a building permit. This is for all properties within the district and not just those that are believed to be "historic". All applications should be submitted the week before the HDAC meeting which is held at 3:00 p.m. at Gretna City Hall in the Council Chambers on the Monday two weeks prior to our regular City Council meeting (2nd Wednesday of the month) . For futher information, contact the Building Official, Danika Gorrondona, 363-1563.

Should you wish to review the actual ordinance which governs the HDAC and its procedures, it can be found in the "Historic Preservation" section (Chapter 52) of the Gretna City Ordinances: click here to view.

The boundaries for the two districts are listed below:

The Mechanickham-Gretna Historic District is hereby bounded by the east side of Gulf Drive, the north side of Sixth Street to the west side of Dolhonde, on the West; the north side of Twelfth Street on the South; the east side of Amelia Avenue on the East; and the Mississippi River on the North.

The McDonoghville Historic District is hereby bounded by the east side of Ocean Avenue from the river to the Fourth Street right-of-way to the west side of Hancock Street to the Orleans Parish line and Mississippi River.

Also, any modifications to any property in McDonoghville Cemetary requires HDAC review.