Lafayette Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This section covers the unincorporated parts of Lafayette Parish. Lafayette Consolidated Government is the parish-side permit authority outside municipal limits, with additional floodplain, drainage, roadway, and utility coordination often relevant in unincorporated areas.

Department

Lafayette Consolidated Government Community Development and Planning, Permitting and Codes

Address

220 West Willow Street, Building B, Lafayette, LA 70501

Phone

(337) 291-8461

Email

dp@lafayettela.gov

Website

https://www.lafayettela.gov/DP/Pages/default.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm that your site is in unincorporated Lafayette Parish and identify any parish-only drainage, road, utility, floodplain, or subdivision reviews that apply.
2. Create an MGO account or work with LCG staff for in-person filing.
3. Submit your permit application and upload the required plans and supporting materials.
4. LCG will route your project through the applicable parish development-review functions.
5. Pay permit fees as invoiced through the process.
6. Print your permit, perform the work, and request inspections through MGO until final approval.

Source: Lafayette Consolidated Government Community Development and Planning, Permitting and Codes

General Requirements

Public LCG fee materials cover residential and commercial construction, renovation, additions, demolition, signs, floodplain development, mobile homes, and trade permits. These same permitting functions apply to unincorporated parish areas under LCG jurisdiction.

Required Documents

• Application data
• Uploaded plans
• Supporting documents for floodplain, drainage, utilities, roads, fire, or related reviews depending on project scope and location

Building code

Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code as administered by Lafayette Consolidated Government.

Contractor requirements

LCG publishes local registration fees for multiple contractor trades. Louisiana state licensing rules apply where triggered.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential building permit minimum $35.00; commercial building permit minimum $100.00

Plan check fee

Residential plan review $50.00; commercial plan review $10.00 per sheet with a $100.00 minimum

Permit fee formula

Residential building permits are $3.50 per $1,000 fair market value with a $35.00 minimum. Commercial building permits are $5.00 per $1,000 fair market value with a $100.00 minimum. Floodplain development permit fees track the same residential or commercial building fee structure.

Reinspection fee

Building reinspection $50.00; extra or partial inspection $25.00; no-permit fee double fee; overtime inspection $50.00 per hour

Penalty (no permit)

No-permit fee is double the standard permit fee.

Payment note

MGO supports online payment.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Lafayette Consolidated Government Community Development and Planning, Permitting and Codes to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MGO Connect portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, phased inspections by applicable discipline, and final approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code as administered by Lafayette Consolidated Government.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• LCG Development Roundtable Meetings
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette Parish Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lafayette Parish, LA?

Public LCG fee materials cover residential and commercial construction, renovation, additions, demolition, signs, floodplain development, mobile homes, and trade permits. These same permitting functions apply to unincorporated parish areas under LCG jurisdiction.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lafayette Parish, LA?

The minimum permit fee is Residential building permit minimum $35.00; commercial building permit minimum $100.00. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permits are $3.50 per $1,000 fair market value with a $35.00 minimum. Commercial building permits are $5.00 per $1,000 fair market value with a $100.00 minimum. Floodplain development permit fees track the same residential or commercial building fee structure.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $50.00; commercial plan review $10.00 per sheet with a $100.00 minimum.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lafayette Parish, LA?

1. Confirm that your site is in unincorporated Lafayette Parish and identify any parish-only drainage, road, utility, floodplain, or subdivision reviews that apply. 2. Create an MGO account or work with LCG staff for in-person filing. 3. Submit your permit application and upload the required plans and supporting materials. 4. LCG will route your project through the applicable parish development-review functions. 5. Pay permit fees as invoiced through the process. 6. Print your permit, perform the work, and request inspections through MGO until final approval.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lafayette Parish, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal.