Louisiana’s construction market spans hurricane-prone coastal areas, dense urban centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and rural parishes with unique permitting needs.
Contractors and developers must understand that while Louisiana follows state-adopted building codes, permitting authority is handled locally at the parish and municipal level.
Additionally, because of the state’s geography and weather risks, permitting often includes added considerations for flood zones, wind resistance, and coastal construction standards.
Below, we cover which projects require permits in Louisiana, who issues them, permit requirements, costs, and the steps to obtain a permit efficiently.
Who issues building permits in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, permits are issued by local jurisdictions — either parish governments or city building departments. Larger municipalities have dedicated permitting offices, while rural areas may rely on parish planning and zoning departments.
Examples of permitting authorities include:
- City of New Orleans – Safety and Permits Department
- City of Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish – Permit Office
- Jefferson Parish – Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement
- St. Tammany Parish Planning & Development
- Lafayette Consolidated Government – Permit & Inspection Division
What requires a building permit in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires building permits for most new construction, structural changes, and major utility installations. The specific requirements can vary by parish or city, but in general, permits are required for:
- New residential and commercial buildings
- Structural additions, renovations, or demolitions
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system installations or upgrades
- Roofing, siding, and window replacement (especially in wind-prone areas)
- Decks, garages, and accessory structures
- Mobile home installation (varies by parish)
- Projects within designated flood zones
Projects typically exempt: Cosmetic repairs such as painting, flooring replacement, cabinetry, and small non-structural maintenance.
Louisiana building permit requirements
Permit applications in Louisiana generally require:
- Completed local permit application form
- Construction drawings (engineer/architect seal for commercial projects)
- Site plan showing lot, setbacks, and drainage details
- Contractor’s Louisiana state license (if applicable) and insurance
- Estimated construction value and project description
- Proof of compliance with floodplain management regulations (where applicable)
Additional requirements may include:
- Elevation certificates for projects in FEMA flood zones
- Wind load and structural calculations in coastal areas
- State Fire Marshal review for certain commercial and public projects
Louisiana building permit costs
Permit fees in Louisiana are set locally, typically based on project valuation, square footage, or flat rates for specific work types.
Typical fee structures include:
- Residential projects: Average $5–$10 per $1,000 of valuation
- Commercial projects: Average $6–$15 per $1,000 of valuation
- Flat fees for smaller projects (HVAC, water heaters, reroofing, etc.)
- Plan review fees often assessed separately (commonly 25–50% of permit fee)
👉 Example: New Orleans calculates permit fees by project cost with minimums starting at ~$60, plus separate trade permit fees for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work.
Unique considerations when permitting in Louisiana
Floodplain requirements
Louisiana has extensive flood-prone areas, requiring elevation certificates, floodproofing, or mitigation measures for projects.
Hurricane and wind resistance standards
Coastal parishes often require stricter compliance with wind load and anchoring standards under the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code.
State Fire Marshal oversight
Commercial and public assembly projects often require plan approval by the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal in addition to local permits.
Parish-by-parish variation
While Louisiana enforces statewide building codes, local jurisdictions adopt and enforce them at different levels, requiring contractors to confirm requirements with the specific parish.
Contractor licensing
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors requires licenses for most residential projects over $7,500 and commercial projects over $50,000.
How to get a building permit in Louisiana
The process for obtaining a permit in Louisiana typically involves:
- Identify the local authority – Determine whether the project is under a parish or city permitting office.
- Check zoning and floodplain status – Confirm zoning approvals and flood zone designations.
- Prepare application materials – Gather plans, site surveys, contractor licenses, and elevation/flood certificates (if required).
- Submit application – Many larger jurisdictions, such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, have online application portals.
- Plan review – Local officials and, if required, the State Fire Marshal review the project for compliance.
- Pay fees – Fees are assessed based on valuation or square footage.
- Receive permit – The permit must be displayed on-site before construction begins.
- Schedule inspections – Inspections are typically required at footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final stages.
