City Building Permits

Gretna, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Louisiana Jefferson Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Gretna handles permits inside city limits. Planning, historic district, floodplain, and zoning reviews are integrated into city review.

Department
Building Department, City of Gretna
Address
740 2nd Street, Gretna, LA 70053
Phone
504-363-1563
Website
https://www.gretnala.com/departments/building/

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGovernmentOnline (MGO)

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine zoning, historic-district status, floodplain triggers, and site-development requirements using Gretna Planning and City Development tools.
  2. Create or use a MyGovernmentOnline account and start your permit application online.
  3. Upload stamped drawings, current survey, site plan, contract or invoice showing project cost, and any other project-specific materials.
  4. Obtain any needed Historic District Commission, Planning, floodplain, or other city approvals during the review process.
  5. Pay fees online or through the city cashier if directed by the department.
  6. Receive your issued permit and schedule inspections through the city process.

Source: Building Department, City of Gretna

General Requirements

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change a structure or regulated trade system. Permits are specifically required for fencing, storage sheds, carports, generators, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

  • Online application
  • Stamped drawings
  • Current survey
  • Signed contract or invoice with estimated project cost
  • Site plan with setbacks, equipment locations, parking, hardscape and greenspace calculations
  • Project-specific approvals
Building code
Gretna Unified Development Code and Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code for technical construction standards.
Contractor requirements
All building-trade professionals, except the general contractor, must be licensed to work in Gretna.

Fees

Payment note
Permit fees can be paid online. If the online portal cannot be used, notify staff if payment will be made through the city cashier.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Interior painting, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
  • Exterior painting when no protective scaffolding is required over public property
  • Change of roof covering or gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings
  • Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V unprotected construction
  • Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy
  • Shade-cloth structures for nursery or agricultural uses without service systems
  • Residential playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment
  • Construction shacks or trailers during active construction

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Online filing, plan review, permit issuance, discipline-specific inspections, and final approval. HDC review is required first for visible exterior work in the historic district.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Department, City of Gretna before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gretna Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Gretna, LA?
A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change a structure or regulated trade system. Permits are specifically required for fencing, storage sheds, carports, generators, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
How do I apply for a building permit in Gretna, LA?
1. Determine zoning, historic-district status, floodplain triggers, and site-development requirements using Gretna Planning and City Development tools. 2. Create or use a MyGovernmentOnline account and start your permit application online. 3. Upload stamped drawings, current survey, site plan, contract or invoice showing project cost, and any other project-specific materials. 4. Obtain any needed Historic District Commission, Planning, floodplain, or other city approvals during the review process. 5. Pay fees online or through the city cashier if directed by the department. 6. Receive your issued permit and schedule inspections through the city process.
What work is exempt from building permits in Gretna, LA?
The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work; Exterior painting when no protective scaffolding is required over public property; Change of roof covering or gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings; Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V unprotected construction; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy; Shade-cloth structures for nursery or agricultural uses without service systems; Residential playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment; Construction shacks or trailers during active construction. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Gretna, LA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MyGovernmentOnline portal.

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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.

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