Town of Benton, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Benton has split public-facing permit administration. Code Inspections Plus serves the Town for permitting, plan review, building inspections, and floodplain management. Benton-Parish MPC approves building permits from the zoning and site-plan side.

Department

Code Inspections Plus LLC (for permitting and inspections); Benton-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (for zoning and site plan review)

Address

Code Inspections Plus: 700 Benton Rd Suite B, Bossier City, LA 71111; Benton Town Hall: 105 Sibley Street, Benton, LA 71006

Phone

318-562-3030 (Code Inspections Plus); 318-965-2781 (Town Hall); 318-549-4572 (Benton MPC)

Email

info@lacodes.com

Website

https://www.lacodes.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project requires Benton MPC zoning compliance and site plan review. The MPC states nearly all physical development needs a site or sketch plan before a permit can be issued.
2. Prepare the site plan and project package. Plans should show property lines, address, legal description, structures, setbacks, easements, fences, pools, and related dimensions.
3. Submit the permit application, site plan, and fees to Code Inspections Plus, either through the MGO portal or directly to CIP.
4. Benton MPC, Bossier Parish Engineering, and Code Inspections Plus review the package for zoning, drainage, flood, parking, driveway, building, trade, energy, access, and stormwater compliance.
5. If corrections are issued, revise and resubmit. The applicant will receive a list of needed corrections.
6. Pay the full plan review fee before issuance of the official permit. After approvals and payment, the permit is issued and inspections follow.

Source: Code Inspections Plus LLC (for permitting and inspections); Benton-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (for zoning and site plan review)

General Requirements

Benton MPC states nearly all physical development requires site plan review before a permit can be issued. Code Inspections Plus confirms permits are required for detached buildings, manufactured homes, electrical reconnects needing inspection, and similar work. Public Benton sources do not publish one fully consolidated permit-trigger list.

Required Documents

• Site plan
• Permit application
• Project plans and foundation plans where applicable
• Septic permit from the health unit for manufactured homes
• Homeowner affidavit if claiming owner-builder licensure exemption
• Zoning-related supporting materials

Building code

Code Inspections Plus enforces 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IMC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 IPC for areas it serves, including Town of Benton (effective January 1, 2023)

Owner-builder

Code Inspections Plus posts the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors owner-builder affidavit. Requires the owner to act as the general contractor, maintain the home as a primary residence, and not obtain another such residential permit within one year.

Contractor requirements

Contractors are subject to Louisiana licensure requirements. Code Inspections Plus uses the state affidavit for owner-builder exemption and advises use of licensed contractors unless properly exempt.

Fees

Plan check fee

Benton MPC site-plan and zoning compliance review functions as the public plan review fee. Must be fully paid before permit issuance.

Permit fee formula

Benton MPC: Commercial construction $0.06 per square foot (minimum $80.00); Residential new construction, additions, renovations 15 percent of the permit fee (minimum $60.00); flat fees for fences ($45.00), pools ($75.00), driveways or slabs ($50.00)

Reinspection fee

Benton MPC charges 50 percent additional fee when site plans are reviewed three times or more

Payment note

Benton MPC fee schedules require filing fees to accompany the application. Card-processing or online-payment surcharge rules not clearly posted.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached buildings of 200 square feet or less, only when they have no plumbing, electrical, or HVAC

Important: Confirm claimed exemptions directly with Code Inspections Plus before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Portal-based (MGO or other system) (online)

Additional Resources

• Building code: Code Inspections Plus enforces 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IMC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 IPC for areas it serves, including Town of Benton (effective January 1, 2023)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Benton MPC Zoning Forms and Documents
• Town of Benton Forms and Applications
• Code Inspections Plus Documents and Links
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Benton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Benton, LA?

Benton MPC states nearly all physical development requires site plan review before a permit can be issued. Code Inspections Plus confirms permits are required for detached buildings, manufactured homes, electrical reconnects needing inspection, and similar work. Public Benton sources do not publish one fully consolidated permit-trigger list.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Benton, LA?

Fees are calculated as: Benton MPC: Commercial construction $0.06 per square foot (minimum $80.00); Residential new construction, additions, renovations 15 percent of the permit fee (minimum $60.00); flat fees for fences ($45.00), pools ($75.00), driveways or slabs ($50.00). Plan check fee: Benton MPC site-plan and zoning compliance review functions as the public plan review fee. Must be fully paid before permit issuance..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Benton, LA?

1. Determine whether the project requires Benton MPC zoning compliance and site plan review. The MPC states nearly all physical development needs a site or sketch plan before a permit can be issued. 2. Prepare the site plan and project package. Plans should show property lines, address, legal description, structures, setbacks, easements, fences, pools, and related dimensions. 3. Submit the permit application, site plan, and fees to Code Inspections Plus, either through the MGO portal or directly to CIP. 4. Benton MPC, Bossier Parish Engineering, and Code Inspections Plus review the package for zoning, drainage, flood, parking, driveway, building, trade, energy, access, and stormwater compliance. 5. If corrections are issued, revise and resubmit. The applicant will receive a list of needed corrections. 6. Pay the full plan review fee before issuance of the official permit. After approvals and payment, the permit is issued and inspections follow.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Benton, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached buildings of 200 square feet or less, only when they have no plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. Note: Confirm claimed exemptions directly with Code Inspections Plus before starting work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Benton, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Portal-based (MGO or other system).

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