St Bernard Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Safety and Permits Division serves all residential and commercial construction permit and inspection requests for St. Bernard Parish.

Department

St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division

Address

St. Bernard Parish Government Complex, 8201 W Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043

Phone

504-278-4200

Website

https://www.sbpg.net/207/Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Open the MyGovernmentOnline portal and choose Customer Portal.
2. Select New Account and complete the required account form.
3. Submit the account form and return to the customer portal homepage.
4. Use the parish permit checklist and permit forms for paper and technical submittals.
5. Submit project application and required documents through the required process before permit review.

Source: St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division

General Requirements

Permits are listed as required for new residential construction, residential renovation, residential additions and accessory structures, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, commercial construction, commercial dumpsters, manufactured homes, signs, short-term rentals, solicitor permits, and zoning actions.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Recorded property title or title documents when required
• Site plan showing lot size, structure location, setbacks, driveway or parking area, and accessory buildings for renovation work
• Survey or, if unavailable, recorded title documents with stamped site plan where required
• Contractor estimate for residential renovation projects
• Two sets of dated site-specific stamped plans for larger residential additions or new construction
• Material specifications
• Floor plan, elevations, foundation plan, square footage, and structural detail information
• Original elevation benchmark from a Louisiana licensed surveyor for new residential construction
• State health department letter in areas using private sewerage
• Contractor licensing and insurance information when required

Building code

St. Bernard Parish Code of Ordinances, St. Bernard Parish Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and Louisiana Uniform Building Code (referenced as ICC International Code Congress).

Owner-builder

For new residential construction, homeowners must submit an affidavit claiming exemption from licensure if building without a licensed contractor.

Contractor requirements

Electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work must be filed by licensed St. Bernard Parish electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, and mechanical contractors. Contractor applications require state license numbers, insurance, state tax clearance, and occupational license information.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20 processing fee for all building permits

Permit fee formula

$6.00 per $1,000 from $0-$10,000; $5.00 per $1,000 from $10,001-$30,000; $4.00 per $1,000 from $30,001-$300,000; $3.00 per $1,000 above $300,000

Reinspection fee

$50 residential; $100 commercial

Payment note

Mobile home fee: $60; demolition fee: $250; signs: $25 temporary / $100 permanent; coastal permits: $160; board of building standards and appeals fee: $25.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 504-278-4310 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: For residential work, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work is inspected and approved before final approvals; larger projects proceed through required construction inspections before final/occupancy documentation is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: St. Bernard Parish Code of Ordinances, St. Bernard Parish Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and Louisiana Uniform Building Code (referenced as ICC International Code Congress).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning map
• Address viewer
• How to get a zoning letter
• Coastal use permit portal
• Lake Borgne Levee District permit portal
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

St Bernard Parish Building Permit FAQ

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

Permits are listed as required for new residential construction, residential renovation, residential additions and accessory structures, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, commercial construction, commercial dumpsters, manufactured homes, signs, short-term rentals, solicitor permits, and zoning actions.

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

The minimum permit fee is $20 processing fee for all building permits. Fees are calculated as: $6.00 per $1,000 from $0-$10,000; $5.00 per $1,000 from $10,001-$30,000; $4.00 per $1,000 from $30,001-$300,000; $3.00 per $1,000 above $300,000.

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

1. Open the MyGovernmentOnline portal and choose Customer Portal. 2. Select New Account and complete the required account form. 3. Submit the account form and return to the customer portal homepage. 4. Use the parish permit checklist and permit forms for paper and technical submittals. 5. Submit project application and required documents through the required process before permit review.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 504-278-4310.