On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Rapides Parish
Permit required when building, locating, or substantially improving a residence, business, camp, commercial, industrial, or mobile home in the unincorporated parish.
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.
- Exempt Some projects built prior to 1/1/07 need trade permits only.
- Exempt Projects less than 50 percent of floor area may need trade permits only.
- Exempt Government agencies are exempt from the fee but not from the permit.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Obtain an application from RAPC.
- 02 Complete the permit application and, if applicable, the floodplain development application.
- 03 Identify the development location and attach a plat of survey or site plan.
- 04 If the site is in a special flood hazard area, include scaled plans, lowest floor elevation, and drainage alteration information.
- 05 Application is reviewed by the Floodplain Administrator.
- 06 After approval, proceed with the building permit process and any local inspections.
Source: Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), Building Code Enforcement / Development Permitting ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Rapides Parish building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150
02
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.
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
$75 reinspection fee after the 2nd failed inspection. After-the-fact permits and falsification may be doubled.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- online portal (online)
- 318-487-5401 (phone)
Typical sequence: Construction begins after permit approval; inspections are requested during construction; final inspection completes the process.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Rapides Parish permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rapides Parish, LA via: online portal, 318-487-5401.
last verified April 2026
source Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), Building Code Enforcement / Development Permitting ↗
entry id permits/louisiana/rapides/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), Building Code Enforcement / Development Permitting before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.