Rapides Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Rapides Parish, including development permits outside incorporated municipalities

Department

Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), Building Code Enforcement / Development Permitting

Address

803 Johnston Street, Alexandria, LA 71301

Phone

318-487-5401, 1-800-256-2656, fax 318-487-5406

Website

https://www.rapc.info/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain an application from RAPC.
2. Complete the permit application and, if applicable, the floodplain development application.
3. Identify the development location and attach a plat of survey or site plan.
4. If the site is in a special flood hazard area, include scaled plans, lowest floor elevation, and drainage alteration information.
5. Application is reviewed by the Floodplain Administrator.
6. After approval, proceed with the building permit process and any local inspections.

Source: Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), Building Code Enforcement / Development Permitting

General Requirements

Permit required when building, locating, or substantially improving a residence, business, camp, commercial, industrial, or mobile home in the unincorporated parish.

Required Documents

• application
• floodplain application if applicable
• plat of survey or site plan
• scaled flood drawings and elevation data if in flood hazard area

Building code

Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code applies; RAPC page cites Act 12 of 2005 and statewide residential codes

Owner-builder

RAPC states the applicant must produce proof of active applicable contractor licensure or an exemption affidavit for residential construction.

Contractor requirements

Proof of Louisiana contractor licensure or exemption affidavit. RAPC also notes Louisiana residential improvement registration for work of $7,500 and above.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150

Plan check fee

Residential plan review is $200 for new construction, $75 for additions/remodels, $50 for swimming pools, $75 for detached buildings. Commercial plan review uses a separate commercial schedule.

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction and additions are 48 cents per square foot, remodels 1.25 percent of project cost, modular 25 cents per square foot, detached buildings 25 cents per square foot. Commercial rates vary by occupancy and size; general new construction is 58 cents per square foot with exceptions.

Reinspection fee

$75 reinspection fee after the 2nd failed inspection. After-the-fact permits and falsification may be doubled.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Some projects built prior to 1/1/07 need trade permits only.
• Projects less than 50 percent of floor area may need trade permits only.
• Government agencies are exempt from the fee but not from the permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• online portal (online)
• 318-487-5401 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Construction begins after permit approval; inspections are requested during construction; final inspection completes the process.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code applies; RAPC page cites Act 12 of 2005 and statewide residential codes
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Floodplain Management
• Building Code Enforcement
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Rapides Parish Building Permit FAQ

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

Permit required when building, locating, or substantially improving a residence, business, camp, commercial, industrial, or mobile home in the unincorporated parish.

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

The minimum permit fee is $150. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction and additions are 48 cents per square foot, remodels 1.25 percent of project cost, modular 25 cents per square foot, detached buildings 25 cents per square foot. Commercial rates vary by occupancy and size; general new construction is 58 cents per square foot with exceptions.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review is $200 for new construction, $75 for additions/remodels, $50 for swimming pools, $75 for detached buildings. Commercial plan review uses a separate commercial schedule..

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

1. Obtain an application from RAPC. 2. Complete the permit application and, if applicable, the floodplain development application. 3. Identify the development location and attach a plat of survey or site plan. 4. If the site is in a special flood hazard area, include scaled plans, lowest floor elevation, and drainage alteration information. 5. Application is reviewed by the Floodplain Administrator. 6. After approval, proceed with the building permit process and any local inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Some projects built prior to 1/1/07 need trade permits only.; Projects less than 50 percent of floor area may need trade permits only.; Government agencies are exempt from the fee but not from the permit..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: online portal, 318-487-5401.