City Building Permits

Thibodaux, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Louisiana Lafourche Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within the City of Thibodaux city limits.

Department
Department of Public Works, Building and Inspection Permits, City of Thibodaux
Address
1219 Henry S. Thibodeaux Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301; mailing: P.O. Box 5418, Thibodaux, LA 70302
Phone
(985) 446-7223 (main); (985) 446-7208 (inspections); (985) 446-7216 (gas inspections)

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Packet-Based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type from the Building and Inspection Permits page and download the matching packet, fee sheet, code sheet, and plan requirements.
  2. Complete the permit application and assemble plan review materials. For new construction, the city requires two complete plan sets, two plot plans, and separate plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical layouts as applicable.
  3. Provide supporting items before issuance, including debris disposal proof and toilet facilities for workers for new construction.
  4. Submit to the Building Official / Inspection Department for plan review and permit issuance.
  5. Post the permit card on site, call inspections at the required stages, complete final inspection, and obtain certificate of occupancy before move-in.

Source: Department of Public Works, Building and Inspection Permits, City of Thibodaux

General Requirements

Required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for regulated electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Required Documents

  • Application
  • Plan sets (two complete sets for new construction)
  • Plot plans (two for new construction)
  • Trade layouts (plumbing, electrical, gas, mechanical as applicable)
  • Debris disposal proof
  • Toilet facility proof
  • Zoning compliance documents
  • Site plan
  • Flood-related materials
Permit validity
Demolition work must start within 30 days and be completed within 180 days.
Building code
2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2021 IEBC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IMC, plus 2018 Entergy Customer Installation Standards and ADA standards.
Owner-builder
Homeowners may perform their own electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work if knowledgeable of the code; if their work shows they do not know the code, the city can require a city-registered trade contractor.
Contractor requirements
Trade work in city limits must be performed by city-registered contractors. Registration packets require the applicable state license, and in some trades a bond and liability insurance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$40.00 for commercial and residential building permits
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for building permits. Residential is $2.50 per $1,000 up to $100,000, then stepped tiers; commercial is $3.00 per $1,000 up to $100,000, then stepped tiers.
Reinspection fee
$50.00; missed inspection penalty $100.00 plus hold harmless filing requirement; double fees apply for work performed without permit issuance.
Penalty (no permit)
Double fees apply for work performed without permit issuance.
Payment note
All fees must be paid by check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard prior to permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
  • Repair or replacement of soffit or fascia board and vinyl or aluminum siding
  • Fence repair not exceeding 25 linear feet
  • Fences less than 30 inches high from natural grade
  • Wood decks not more than 30 inches above grade, with no roof and not over 400 square feet
  • Replacing residential driveways with no change in location or profile

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Inspection Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (985) 446-7208 (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) (phone)
  • (985) 446-7216 (gas inspections) (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Requests before 10:00 AM are normally performed the same day; allow up to 48 hours.
Inspection hours
Normal business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Building at foundation, framing, completion; electrical at foundation, rough-in, completion; mechanical at rough-in, completion; plumbing at foundation, rough-in, completion; gas at rough-in, completion.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Public Works, Building and Inspection Permits, City of Thibodaux before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thibodaux Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Thibodaux, LA?
Required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for regulated electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work.
How much does a building permit cost in Thibodaux, LA?
The minimum permit fee is $40.00 for commercial and residential building permits. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits. Residential is $2.50 per $1,000 up to $100,000, then stepped tiers; commercial is $3.00 per $1,000 up to $100,000, then stepped tiers..
How do I apply for a building permit in Thibodaux, LA?
1. Determine permit type from the Building and Inspection Permits page and download the matching packet, fee sheet, code sheet, and plan requirements. 2. Complete the permit application and assemble plan review materials. For new construction, the city requires two complete plan sets, two plot plans, and separate plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical layouts as applicable. 3. Provide supporting items before issuance, including debris disposal proof and toilet facilities for workers for new construction. 4. Submit to the Building Official / Inspection Department for plan review and permit issuance. 5. Post the permit card on site, call inspections at the required stages, complete final inspection, and obtain certificate of occupancy before move-in.
What work is exempt from building permits in Thibodaux, LA?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Repair or replacement of soffit or fascia board and vinyl or aluminum siding; Fence repair not exceeding 25 linear feet; Fences less than 30 inches high from natural grade; Wood decks not more than 30 inches above grade, with no roof and not over 400 square feet; Replacing residential driveways with no change in location or profile. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Inspection Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Thibodaux, LA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (985) 446-7208 (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing), (985) 446-7216 (gas inspections). Requests before 10:00 AM are normally performed the same day; allow up to 48 hours..

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Important: 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.

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