Red River Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Parishwide permit office for Red River Parish. The published brochure is for permitting a structure in Red River Parish, including the unincorporated area.

Department

Red River Parish Permit Department / Building Code Department

Address

615 E Carroll St., Coushatta, LA 71019

Phone

(318) 932-5719 or (318) 932-5970

Email

parish@rrppj.org

Website

https://www.rrppj.org/Permits/Default.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Get the permit application from the permit office or by phone.
2. Assemble the required package.
3. Submit plans and paperwork to the permit office.
4. Plan review is completed by IBTS and other departments as necessary.
5. Any needed corrections are addressed by the applicant.
6. Pay permit fees.
7. Permit is approved and ready for pick-up, then post the permit and approved plans at the job site.

Typical processing time: Typical residential plan review is about 5 business days. Commercial projects may take up to 10 days depending on complexity and required agency reviews.

Source: Red River Parish Permit Department / Building Code Department

General Requirements

Construction of a structure in Red River Parish, new construction, and other work subject to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. The brochure also calls out signs as requiring permits.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Valid address from the local 911 office
• Two sets of plans for review
• For commercial projects, Fire Marshal review must be complete
• Health Department permit or certificate
• Payment of permit fees
• For exempt farm or recreational structures, a notarized exemption affidavit and proof of filing in the parish conveyance records

Permit validity

Permits are valid from the day of issuance. Work must begin within 180 days. If work stops for longer than 180 days, a new permit must be requested. Extensions are allowed and may require a fee.

Building code

Louisiana State Uniform Construction Codes effective January 1, 2007; 2006 International Building Code; 2006 International Residential Code; 2006 International Fuel Gas Code; 2006 International Mechanical Code; 2006 International Plumbing Code; 2006 International Existing Building Code; 2005 National Electrical Code

Owner-builder

The brochure allows a representative for the homeowner, design professional, or contractor representative to apply in person. The brochure requires an affidavit for exempt structures and says the property must not be a primary residence and may not be leased or rented for other purposes if claiming the exemption.

Contractor requirements

Louisiana contractor licensing is state regulated. The permit brochure says applicants must provide code-compliant plans and may need a licensed contractor depending on project scope. Use the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors to verify license status.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Farm structures
• Private outdoor recreational structures
• Hunting and fishing camps

Important: These exemptions require the exemption affidavit process described in the parish brochure.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (318) 747-2454 (phone)
• laibts.inspections@ibts.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review first, then permit issuance, then post the permit and approved plans at the job site, followed by inspections during construction and a final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Codes effective January 1, 2007; 2006 International Building Code; 2006 International Residential Code; 2006 International Fuel Gas Code; 2006 International Mechanical Code; 2006 International Plumbing Code; 2006 International Existing Building Code; 2005 National Electrical Code
• Verify contractor license: LSLBC License Verification
• Parish contact page
• State contractor licensing FAQ
• State contractor resources
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Red River Parish Building Permit FAQ

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

Construction of a structure in Red River Parish, new construction, and other work subject to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. The brochure also calls out signs as requiring permits.

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

1. Get the permit application from the permit office or by phone. 2. Assemble the required package. 3. Submit plans and paperwork to the permit office. 4. Plan review is completed by IBTS and other departments as necessary. 5. Any needed corrections are addressed by the applicant. 6. Pay permit fees. 7. Permit is approved and ready for pick-up, then post the permit and approved plans at the job site.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Red River Parish, LA?

Typical processing time is Typical residential plan review is about 5 business days. Commercial projects may take up to 10 days depending on complexity and required agency reviews..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm structures; Private outdoor recreational structures; Hunting and fishing camps. Note: These exemptions require the exemption affidavit process described in the parish brochure.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (318) 747-2454, laibts.inspections@ibts.org. Inspection requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance..