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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jefferson Parish
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.
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
- 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 private-property paving, subject to right-of-way exceptions
- Exempt Replacement windows and doors in one- and two-family dwellings within existing rough openings
- 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 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.
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
- Building code
- Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, plus Jefferson Parish amendments and local ordinances.
- Permit validity
- Work generally must begin within 6 months of issuance.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review parish permitting requirements and determine whether zoning, floodplain, levee, Public Works, or outside-agency approvals are needed.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit your application, survey, stamped plans, valuation support, and all required supporting documents.
- 04 Parish staff will complete plan review and route the permit through any required internal or external reviews.
- 05 Pay fees when due.
- 06 Receive your permit, complete the work, and obtain inspections or other closeout documentation.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jefferson Parish building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
Online permitting is available. Certain fees are due upon application acceptance.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MGO Connect portal (online)
- East Bank: 504-736-6957; West Bank: 504-364-3512 (phone)
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jefferson Parish permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, 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 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, LA via: MGO Connect portal, East Bank: 504-736-6957; West Bank: 504-364-3512.
last verified April 2026
source Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department ↗
entry id permits/louisiana/jefferson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jefferson Parish Building Permits Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.