County Building Permits
Jefferson Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Louisiana Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
This section covers the parish-administered unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish outside the incorporated cities and towns.
- Department
- Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department
- Address
- East Bank: 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101, Jefferson, LA 70123; West Bank: 1855 Ames Boulevard, Suite A, Marrero, LA 70072
- Phone
- East Bank: 504-736-6957; West Bank: 504-364-3512
Online Permit Portal
Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review parish permitting requirements and determine whether zoning, floodplain, levee, Public Works, or outside-agency approvals are needed.
- Create an MGO account or file in person with the East Bank office at 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101, or West Bank office at 1855 Ames Boulevard, Suite A, Marrero.
- Submit your application, survey, stamped plans, valuation support, and all required supporting documents.
- Parish staff will complete plan review and route the permit through any required internal or external reviews.
- Pay fees when due.
- Receive your permit, complete the work, and obtain inspections or other closeout documentation.
General Requirements
The parish requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, trade work, fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators. Public-right-of-way sidewalks, curb cuts, and driveway aprons also require engineering permits.
Required Documents
- Application
- Owner, contractor, and design-professional information
- Current stamped survey
- Stamped plans
- Contract or estimate
- Any required Public Works, DOTD, levee, subdivision, environmental, or zoning approvals
- Permit validity
- Work generally must begin within 6 months of issuance.
- Building code
- Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and local ordinances.
- Owner-builder
- An owner may pull a permit for a personal residence with an Affidavit Claiming Exemption from Licensure.
- Contractor requirements
- State licensure or registration is required where applicable. The parish also requires local home-improvement licensing in certain value ranges.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- New one- and two-family dwelling 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 materials and labor.
- Payment note
- Online permitting is available. Certain fees are due upon application acceptance.
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 private-property paving, subject to right-of-way exceptions
- Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings within existing rough openings
- 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
- Fence-board and stringer replacement with no change in location, height, type, design, or posts
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Permits Department before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- MGO Connect portal (online)
- East Bank: 504-736-6957; West Bank: 504-364-3512 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Application review, permit issuance, discipline-specific inspections, and final approval. Alternative photo-based closeout available for eligible re-roof permits.
Re-roofing permits may use geotagged photo submission by email for certain phases.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and local ordinances.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- When Do I Need a Permit?
- Jefferson Parish Planning Department
- Forms
- Residential Permitting Requirements
- 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
Jefferson Parish Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA?
- The parish requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, trade work, fences, sheds, carports, and permanently installed generators. Public-right-of-way sidewalks, curb cuts, and driveway aprons also require engineering permits.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA?
- Fees are calculated as: New one- and two-family dwelling 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 materials and labor..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA?
- 1. Review parish permitting requirements and determine whether zoning, floodplain, levee, Public Works, or outside-agency approvals are needed. 2. Create an MGO account or file in person with the East Bank office at 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 101, or West Bank office at 1855 Ames Boulevard, Suite A, Marrero. 3. Submit your application, survey, stamped plans, valuation support, and all required supporting documents. 4. Parish staff will complete plan review and route the permit through any required internal or external reviews. 5. Pay fees when due. 6. Receive your permit, complete the work, and obtain inspections or other closeout documentation.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, 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 private-property paving, subject to right-of-way exceptions; Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings within existing rough openings; 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; Fence-board and stringer replacement with no change in location, height, type, design, or posts. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Permits Department before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, East Bank: 504-736-6957; West Bank: 504-364-3512.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Jefferson Parish can be complicated.
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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.