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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gretna
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.
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
- Exempt Interior painting, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
- Exempt Exterior painting when no protective scaffolding is required over public property
- Exempt Change of roof covering or gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V unprotected construction
- Exempt Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy
- Exempt Shade-cloth structures for nursery or agricultural uses without service systems
- Exempt Residential playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine zoning, historic-district status, floodplain triggers, and site-development requirements using Gretna Planning and City Development tools.
- 02 Create or use a MyGovernmentOnline account and start your permit application online.
- 03 Upload stamped drawings, current survey, site plan, contract or invoice showing project cost, and any other project-specific materials.
- 04 Obtain any needed Historic District Commission, Planning, floodplain, or other city approvals during the review process.
- 05 Pay fees online or through the city cashier if directed by the department.
- 06 Receive your issued permit and schedule inspections through the city process.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MyGovernmentOnline portal (online)
Typical 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gretna permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Gretna, LA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gretna, LA, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Gretna, LA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gretna, LA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gretna, LA via: MyGovernmentOnline portal.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department, City of Gretna ↗
entry id permits/louisiana/jefferson/gretna
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, City of Gretna before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.