How much does a building permit cost in Metairie, LA?

Fees are calculated as: New one- and two-family dwelling consolidated permit and trade filing fees are based on total square footage under roof. Other new construction and additions are based on dollar value per square foot under Section 8-2-104.2 or contract value. Repair and renovation fees are based on contract or fair-market value including labor and materials..

How do I apply for a building permit in Metairie, LA?

1. Confirm whether the property is in MRTPD or OMNCD and whether additional tree-preservation, planning, levee, floodplain, or Public Works approvals apply. 2. Create an MGO account or file in person with the Building Permits office. 3. Upload or submit the permit application, current stamped survey, stamped plans, contract/valuation backup, and any required overlay or outside-agency approvals. 4. Parish staff route the application for plan review and any required engineering, zoning, levee, or overlay review. 5. Pay permit fees when invoiced or when the application is accepted, depending on permit type. 6. Receive the permit, complete work, and obtain required inspections or submit geotagged re-roof photos if applicable.

What work is exempt from building permits in Metairie, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting, finish work, carpeting, tiling, and similar finish work in one- and two-family dwellings when no hazardous or complex condition exists; Non-structural paving on private property, subject to public right-of-way and overlay exceptions; Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings when they fit existing rough openings and do not reduce opening size; Change of roof covering only and gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings; Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V B construction; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy; Replacement of non-structural exterior wall covering on one- and two-family dwellings; Playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment; Construction shacks, dumpsters, or trailers during active construction; Pile load tests and soil borings; Replacement of fence boards and stringers with no change in posts, location, height, type, or design.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Metairie, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Jefferson Parish permitting channels and trade sections.

City Building Permits

Metairie, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Metairie, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Louisiana Jefferson Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Metairie is unincorporated Jefferson Parish, not a separate municipality. Permits are issued by Jefferson Parish. Metairie-specific overlays include the Metairie Ridge Tree Protection District (MRTPD) and Old Metairie Neighborhood Conservation District (OMNCD).

Department: Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department
Address: 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101, Jefferson, LA 70123
Phone: 504-736-6957
Website: https://www.jeffparish.gov/173/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGovernmentOnline / MGO Connect

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm whether the property is in MRTPD or OMNCD and whether additional tree-preservation, planning, levee, floodplain, or Public Works approvals apply.
Create an MGO account or file in person with the Building Permits office.
Upload or submit the permit application, current stamped survey, stamped plans, contract/valuation backup, and any required overlay or outside-agency approvals.
Parish staff route the application for plan review and any required engineering, zoning, levee, or overlay review.
Pay permit fees when invoiced or when the application is accepted, depending on permit type.
Receive the permit, complete work, and obtain required inspections or submit geotagged re-roof photos if applicable.

Source: Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department

General Requirements

Jefferson Parish permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, and for most trade work; fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators also require permits. In Metairie, work in MRTPD and OMNCD triggers additional review.

Required Documents

Online or paper permit application
Owner, contractor, and design-professional contact information
Current stamped survey
One electronic set of stamped plans
Plot/foundation/floor/framing/elevation details
Contract or valuation support
Required MRTPD, OMNCD, levee, DOTD, Environmental Affairs, or Public Works approvals, as applicable

Permit validity: Work generally must begin within 6 months of issuance.
Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and overlay rules.
Owner-builder: An owner may obtain a permit for his or her personal residence but must submit an Affidavit Claiming Exemption from Licensure.
Contractor requirements: State residential contractor license required for applicable work; home-improvement work between $7,500 and $75,000 requires state home-improvement registration plus a valid Jefferson Parish Home Improvement License.

Fees

Permit fee formula: New one- and two-family dwelling consolidated permit and trade filing fees are based on total square footage under roof. Other new construction and additions are based on dollar value per square foot under Section 8-2-104.2 or contract value. Repair and renovation fees are based on contract or fair-market value including labor and materials.
Payment note: Online payments are supported through parish permitting systems.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Interior painting, finish work, carpeting, tiling, and similar finish work in one- and two-family dwellings when no hazardous or complex condition exists
Non-structural paving on private property, subject to public right-of-way and overlay exceptions
Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings when they fit existing rough openings and do not reduce opening size
Change of roof covering only and gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings
Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V B construction
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy
Replacement of non-structural exterior wall covering on one- and two-family dwellings
Playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment
Construction shacks, dumpsters, or trailers during active construction
Pile load tests and soil borings
Replacement of fence boards and stringers with no change in posts, location, height, type, or design

Inspections

How to Schedule

Jefferson Parish permitting channels and trade sections (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, trade filings as needed, rough and final inspections by discipline; for re-roofing, photo review and certificate of completion.

Re-roofing permits use emailed geotagged photo documentation instead of in-person inspection for covered phases.

Additional Resources

Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and overlay rules.
Zoning information: View zoning info
When Do I Need (or Not Need) a Permit
Planning Department
Forms
License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Metairie, LA?: Jefferson Parish permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, and for most trade work; fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators also require permits. In Metairie, work in MRTPD and OMNCD triggers additional review.
How much does a building permit cost in Metairie, LA?: Fees are calculated as: New one- and two-family dwelling consolidated permit and trade filing fees are based on total square footage under roof. Other new construction and additions are based on dollar value per square foot under Section 8-2-104.2 or contract value. Repair and renovation fees are based on contract or fair-market value including labor and materials..
How do I apply for a building permit in Metairie, LA?: 1. Confirm whether the property is in MRTPD or OMNCD and whether additional tree-preservation, planning, levee, floodplain, or Public Works approvals apply. 2. Create an MGO account or file in person with the Building Permits office. 3. Upload or submit the permit application, current stamped survey, stamped plans, contract/valuation backup, and any required overlay or outside-agency approvals. 4. Parish staff route the application for plan review and any required engineering, zoning, levee, or overlay review. 5. Pay permit fees when invoiced or when the application is accepted, depending on permit type. 6. Receive the permit, complete work, and obtain required inspections or submit geotagged re-roof photos if applicable.
What work is exempt from building permits in Metairie, LA?: The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting, finish work, carpeting, tiling, and similar finish work in one- and two-family dwellings when no hazardous or complex condition exists; Non-structural paving on private property, subject to public right-of-way and overlay exceptions; Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings when they fit existing rough openings and do not reduce opening size; Change of roof covering only and gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings; Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V B construction; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy; Replacement of non-structural exterior wall covering on one- and two-family dwellings; Playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment; Construction shacks, dumpsters, or trailers during active construction; Pile load tests and soil borings; Replacement of fence boards and stringers with no change in posts, location, height, type, or design.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Metairie, LA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Jefferson Parish permitting channels and trade sections.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.