Between historic preservation rules, strict flood zone requirements, and neighborhood-specific oversight, securing a building permit in New Orleans, Louisiana is far from a routine step. Whether you’re restoring a Creole cottage, developing multifamily housing, or taking on a large-scale commercial project, understanding the New Orleans permitting process is critical to keeping your timeline and budget on track.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about New Orleans permits, including application steps, costs, trade-specific requirements, and local quirks that can slow projects down. We’ll also point you to the right resources so you can navigate the Department of Safety & Permits with confidence.
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What requires a building permit in New Orleans?
The New Orleans Building Department requires permits for nearly all construction, remodeling, or repair projects.
You’ll need a permit to:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure
- Change occupancy of a building
- Erect or install a sign
- Install or alter fire-extinguishing equipment, elevators, boilers, furnaces, heaters, or other heat-generating apparatuses required by code
What doesn’t require a building permit?
There are several types of projects that may not require permits.
Here are some examples:
- Replacing weather boards, aluminum/vinyl siding, provided it’s less than 50% per exterior wall; structural sheathing like plywood still requires a permit
- Replacing deteriorated floorboards
- Unenclosed, uncovered porches and steps <5 ft tall, front/rear/side, without zoning conflicts (excluding porch roofs and framing)
- Interior painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work
- Yard paving that complies with zoning
- Retaining walls <3 ft tall
- Exterior painting, unless scaffolding over public property or lead remediation is involved
- Stucco repairs, absent public scaffolding
- Roofing/gutter replacement <50% for one- and two-family dwellings
- Fences <8 ft tall, zoning compliant
- Masonry walls <3 ft tall used as fences, zoning compliant
For more information, refer to the Ordinance of the City of New Orleans and the guide to building permits from the official city website.
New Orleans building permit cost
Fees for New Orleans permits are based on construction type (residential or commercial), valuation, square footage, and scope.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Note: Work in locations under the jurisdiction of the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) or Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) is subject to a 50% surcharge on permits, reviews, and demolition fees.
Additional fees
Penalties
Note: Both residential and commercial demolition permits carry extra neighborhood conservation fees ($250 for residential and $500 for commercial).
To find more information on your specific case and related fees, refer to the city’s building permit fee schedule.
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New Orleans trade permits
Electrical permits
Covers panel changes, rewiring, generators, and circuits.
For more information, refer to the electrical permit page.
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Permits required for new system installs, replacements, and duct changes.
Find more information on the city's mechanical permit page.
How to get a building permit in New Orleans
Step 1: Identify your permit type
Visit the One Stop App to start, selecting the permit type that matches your project (e.g., New Construction, Renovation, Mechanical, Demolition, Historic District work).
Note: If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, contact the Building Division at (504) 658-7130 or via email buildingdivision@nola.gov.
Step 2: Gather required documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Completed application
- Plot plan, plans with live seals (Architect/Engineer)
- Recorded Act of Sale
- Manual J/S/D calculations for HVAC
- Foundation drawings, contract or signed quote, Benchmark Certificate
- Certificate of Appropriateness if in a historic district
- Contractor license info (or exemption form for owner-build)
Step 3: Submit building permit application via One Stop App
Complete all required forms, upload documents, and save progress. If acting as your own contractor, follow the guidance for exemption documentation.
Step 4: Plan review & approvals
Your application undergoes review by Safety & Permits, plus any necessary agencies (HDLC/VCC, City Planning, etc.). Revisions may be requested.
Note: Permit processing for residential projects typically takes 2-5 days, while commercial projects may take 10-15 days, depending on scope and required approvals.
Step 5: Final payment & permit issuance
Once approved, you’ll have to pay the permit fees via the app (in the "Your Items" section).
Your permit will be issued and downloadable via email or the One Stop App. Post it at the job site.
Step 6: Begin work & schedule inspections
Construction can begin once the permit is active. Additionally, don't forget to schedule and track inspections (framing, MEP, final) through the One Stop App.
New Orleans permitting resources
- Department of Safety & Permits
- Building permit guide
- Permit portal (One Stop App)
- New Orleans building permits search page
- Phone: (504) 658-7100
- Email: permitinfo@nola.gov
- Address: City Hall, 1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Building permit requirements
- Building permit review information
- Building permit fee schedule
- Applications:
- Trade permit pages:
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Builders and contractors trust PermitFlow because we deliver:
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