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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St Bernard Parish
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.
Note: No consolidated permit-exempt work list is published on the main parish permit pages; permits are listed for several major categories and exemptions should be confirmed with staff.
- 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.
Source: St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division ↗
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Open the MyGovernmentOnline portal and choose Customer Portal.
- 02 Select New Account and complete the required account form.
- 03 Submit the account form and return to the customer portal homepage.
- 04 Use the parish permit checklist and permit forms for paper and technical submittals.
- 05 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 ↗
Fee schedule
St Bernard Parish building permit fees
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 504-278-4310 (phone)
Typical 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.
Source: St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated St Bernard Parish permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St Bernard Parish, LA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated St Bernard Parish, LA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated St Bernard Parish, LA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated St Bernard Parish, LA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development, Safety and Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.