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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Metairie
Jefferson Parish requires permits to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, and for most trade work. Fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators also require permits. Work in MRTPD and OMNCD triggers additional review.
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
- Exempt Interior painting, finish work, carpeting, tiling, and similar finish work in one- and two-family dwellings when no hazardous or complex condition exists
- Exempt Non-structural paving on private property, subject to public right-of-way and overlay exceptions
- Exempt Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings when they fit existing rough openings and do not reduce opening size
- Exempt Change of roof covering only and gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Soffit or fascia replacement only on Type V B construction
- Exempt Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep accessory to Group R Division 3 occupancy
- Exempt Replacement of non-structural exterior wall covering on one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Playhouses, swings, and similar playground equipment
- Exempt Construction shacks, dumpsters, or trailers during active construction
- Exempt Pile load tests and soil borings
- Exempt Replacement of fence boards and stringers with no change in posts, location, height, type, or design
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. MRTPD and OMNCD may have additional review requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Permits Department before proceeding.
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, and elevation details
- Contract or valuation support
- Any required MRTPD, OMNCD, levee, DOTD, Environmental Affairs, or Public Works approvals
- Building code
- Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and overlay district rules.
- Permit validity
- Work generally must begin within 6 months of permit issuance.
- Owner-builder
- An owner may obtain a permit for their personal residence by submitting 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm whether your property is in the Metairie Ridge Tree Protection District (MRTPD) or Old Metairie Neighborhood Conservation District (OMNCD) and identify any additional approvals needed.
- 02 Create an MGO account or file in person with the Jefferson Parish Building Permits office at 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101.
- 03 Upload or submit your permit application, current stamped survey, stamped plans, contract or valuation backup, and any required overlay or outside-agency approvals.
- 04 Parish staff will route your application for plan review and any required engineering, zoning, levee, or overlay district review.
- 05 Pay permit fees when invoiced or when the application is accepted, depending on permit type.
- 06 Receive your permit, complete the work, and obtain required inspections or submit geotagged re-roof photos if applicable.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Metairie building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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 or contract value. Repair and renovation fees are based on contract or fair-market value including labor and materials.
Fees are due upon acceptance for new one- and two-family dwelling applications. Other fees are collected through the permit process. Online payments are supported through parish permitting systems.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MGO Connect portal (online)
- 504-736-6957 (phone)
Typical 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 may use geotagged photo documentation instead of in-person inspection for certain phases.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Metairie permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Metairie, LA? ▸
Jefferson Parish requires permits to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, and for most trade work. Fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators also require permits. Work in MRTPD and OMNCD triggers additional review.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Metairie, LA? ▸
Building permit fees in Metairie, LA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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 or contract value. Repair and renovation fees are based on contract or fair-market value including labor and materials..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Metairie, LA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Metairie, LA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether your property is in the Metairie Ridge Tree Protection District (MRTPD) or Old Metairie Neighborhood Conservation District (OMNCD) and identify any additional approvals needed. 2. Create an MGO account or file in person with the Jefferson Parish Building Permits office at 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101. 3. Upload or submit your permit application, current stamped survey, stamped plans, contract or valuation backup, and any required overlay or outside-agency approvals. 4. Parish staff will route your application for plan review and any required engineering, zoning, levee, or overlay district review. 5. Pay permit fees when invoiced or when the application is accepted, depending on permit type. 6. Receive your permit, complete the work, and obtain required inspections or submit geotagged re-roof photos if applicable.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Metairie, LA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. MRTPD and OMNCD may have additional review requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Permits Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Metairie, LA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Metairie, LA via: MGO Connect portal, 504-736-6957.
last verified April 2026
source Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department ↗
entry id permits/louisiana/jefferson/metairie
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.