New Orleans, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

New Orleans and Orleans Parish are coterminous in practice. The City of New Orleans permit system functions as the parishwide local building permit authority. Reviews may also be routed internally to zoning, floodplain, historic district, levee district, fire, and other agencies depending on the site and scope.

Department

City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits

Address

1300 Perdido Street, Room 7E07, New Orleans, LA 70112; One Stop service at 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone

(504) 658-7100

Email

permitinfo@nola.gov

Website

https://www.nola.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the correct legal address, zoning context, and whether the site is in a local historic district, Vieux Carre area, levee review area, floodplain review area, or another overlay that triggers extra approvals.
2. Create a One Stop App account if filing online, then begin the permit by searching the property address and selecting the applicable permit type.
3. Complete the building permit application with project details and upload the required plans and supporting documents. For larger or more complex projects, plans and other digital submittals are uploaded through the portal.
4. Permit intake reviews the application for completeness. If information is missing, staff contacts the applicant for corrections or additional documents.
5. The application is routed through the required internal reviews, which can include zoning, plan review, GIS addressing, floodplain administration, Flood Protection Authority, Orleans Levee District, historic review, and other agency checks.
6. If plan review is required, a plan examiner reviews the stamped plans for code compliance. Straightforward work may be issued the same day, while projects requiring plan review should generally expect about 30 days.
7. After all reviews clear, the applicant receives approval notice, pays the assessed fees, and the permit is issued. Online users can then download and print the permit and related documents.
8. Where plans are reviewed, one approved set must be kept at the job site and the permit must be posted visibly from the street during construction.

Typical processing time: Same day for straightforward remodeling or emergency repair permits; about 30 days where plan review is required.

Source: City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits

General Requirements

A building permit is required when an owner, authorized agent, or contractor wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, and for many related systems and appurtenances. Most new construction and alterations and renovations require a building permit.

Required Documents

• Complete permit application
• Plot plan/site plan
• Stamped architectural plans for new construction, additions, and structural renovations
• Foundation drawings
• Benchmark certificate for new construction or projects exceeding 50 percent of building value
• Contractor registration/license information
• Historic approval if in HDLC or VCC jurisdiction
• State contractor residency certification if applicable
• Owner-builder exemption form if acting as own contractor
• Recorded act of sale if ownership recently changed
• Project valuation

Permit validity

Permits automatically expire and become void if work is not commenced within 180 days, or if work is suspended or an inspection is not obtained within 180 days. Extension request forms are available.

Building code

International Building Code with New Orleans amendments, the Life Safety Code, and the State Sanitary Code. Recent One Stop permit records reference compliance with the 2021 International Building Code and City of New Orleans amendments to the 2021 IBC.

Owner-builder

The City requires a state exemption form for owners acting as their own contractor. This ties to the exemption in La. R.S. 37:2157. An owner may build their primary residence without a contractor license, but cannot build a home to rent or sell under that exemption.

Contractor requirements

Applicants, owners, and contractors must comply with Louisiana contractor licensing requirements. A commercial license is generally required for commercial work over $50,000; residential construction licensure is required for new home construction and certain larger residential work; home improvement registration applies to existing residential work from $7,500 to $50,000.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$60 base fee for building permits other than demolition.

Plan check fee

$1 per $1,000 of construction value if plan review is required, minimum $60; re-review fee is $0.50 per $1,000 with a $45 minimum.

Permit fee formula

Building permits: $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of construction value. Demolition permits: $95 plus $5 per $1,000 of demolition cost.

Reinspection fee

$50 for extra inspection or wasted-trip fee may apply.

Penalty (no permit)

200 percent penalty for projects started without a permit.

Payment note

One Stop App accepts online payment by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. In-person payment may be made by check or money order. An approved but unpaid permit is not issued, and no refunds are granted once payment is accepted. Historic district and Vieux Carre work carries a 50 percent surcharge on building, plan review, demolition, and sign permit fees.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Less than 50 percent per exterior wall removal and replacement of deteriorated weatherboards, aluminum, or vinyl siding (sheathing replacement is not exempt where structural)
• Removal and replacement of deteriorated floorboards
• Removal and replacement of unenclosed and uncovered deteriorated porches and steps up to 5 feet above grade, if not in conflict with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
• Interior painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Paving of yard when compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
• Retaining walls not over 3 feet in height
• Exterior painting when not requiring protective scaffolding over public property or lead-based paint removal
• Repairs to stucco when not requiring protective scaffolding over public property
• Replacement of less than 50 percent of roofing and/or gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings
• Fences up to 7 feet in height when compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
• Masonry walls up to 3 feet in height, when used as a fence and compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Tents under 150 square feet and not in the Fire District, subject to fire code conditions
• Uncovered residential decks not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches high, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving as an exit door

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, historic, floodplain, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with the Department of Safety and Permits before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• One Stop App portal (online)
• Building inspections: (504) 658-7130; Electrical: (504) 658-7145; Mechanical: (504) 658-7153; Final inspections: (504) 658-7200 (phone)
• inspections@nola.gov (email)

Inspection hours

One Stop office hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Sequence depends on scope, but examples include foundation, rough framing, final building inspection, and final certificate of occupancy inspection. Periodic inspections may be required depending on scope, and a final inspection is needed before a certificate of occupancy is issued where applicable.

For reroof permits, no in-person inspection is required if the applicant uploads required geotagged progress photos and emails for closure.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code with New Orleans amendments, the Life Safety Code, and the State Sanitary Code. Recent One Stop permit records reference compliance with the 2021 International Building Code and City of New Orleans amendments to the 2021 IBC.
• Verify contractor license: Louisiana State Licensing Board Verify Licensure
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• One Stop App About
• Plan Review Division Brochure
• Building Permit Guidelines Brochure
• Standards for Complete Permit Applications
• Work Exempt from Permit
• Lead Paint Information
• Louisiana Contractor License FAQ
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Orleans, LA?

A building permit is required when an owner, authorized agent, or contractor wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, and for many related systems and appurtenances. Most new construction and alterations and renovations require a building permit.

How much does a building permit cost in New Orleans, LA?

The minimum permit fee is $60 base fee for building permits other than demolition.. Fees are calculated as: Building permits: $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of construction value. Demolition permits: $95 plus $5 per $1,000 of demolition cost.. Plan check fee: $1 per $1,000 of construction value if plan review is required, minimum $60; re-review fee is $0.50 per $1,000 with a $45 minimum..

How do I apply for a building permit in New Orleans, LA?

1. Confirm the correct legal address, zoning context, and whether the site is in a local historic district, Vieux Carre area, levee review area, floodplain review area, or another overlay that triggers extra approvals. 2. Create a One Stop App account if filing online, then begin the permit by searching the property address and selecting the applicable permit type. 3. Complete the building permit application with project details and upload the required plans and supporting documents. For larger or more complex projects, plans and other digital submittals are uploaded through the portal. 4. Permit intake reviews the application for completeness. If information is missing, staff contacts the applicant for corrections or additional documents. 5. The application is routed through the required internal reviews, which can include zoning, plan review, GIS addressing, floodplain administration, Flood Protection Authority, Orleans Levee District, historic review, and other agency checks. 6. If plan review is required, a plan examiner reviews the stamped plans for code compliance. Straightforward work may be issued the same day, while projects requiring plan review should generally expect about 30 days. 7. After all reviews clear, the applicant receives approval notice, pays the assessed fees, and the permit is issued. Online users can then download and print the permit and related documents. 8. Where plans are reviewed, one approved set must be kept at the job site and the permit must be posted visibly from the street during construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in New Orleans, LA?

Typical processing time is Same day for straightforward remodeling or emergency repair permits; about 30 days where plan review is required..

What work is exempt from building permits in New Orleans, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Less than 50 percent per exterior wall removal and replacement of deteriorated weatherboards, aluminum, or vinyl siding (sheathing replacement is not exempt where structural); Removal and replacement of deteriorated floorboards; Removal and replacement of unenclosed and uncovered deteriorated porches and steps up to 5 feet above grade, if not in conflict with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Interior painting, papering, and similar finish work; Paving of yard when compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Retaining walls not over 3 feet in height; Exterior painting when not requiring protective scaffolding over public property or lead-based paint removal; Repairs to stucco when not requiring protective scaffolding over public property; Replacement of less than 50 percent of roofing and/or gutter work for one- and two-family dwellings; Fences up to 7 feet in height when compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Masonry walls up to 3 feet in height, when used as a fence and compliant with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Tents under 150 square feet and not in the Fire District, subject to fire code conditions; Uncovered residential decks not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches high, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving as an exit door. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, historic, floodplain, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with the Department of Safety and Permits before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in New Orleans, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: One Stop App portal, Building inspections: (504) 658-7130; Electrical: (504) 658-7145; Mechanical: (504) 658-7153; Final inspections: (504) 658-7200, inspections@nola.gov.