City Building Permits

Opelousas, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Opelousas, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Louisiana St. Landry Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within the corporate limits of the City of Opelousas.

Department
City of Opelousas Code Enforcement Office / Permits, Licenses & Inspections
Address
105 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70571-0712
Phone
(337) 948-2533

Online Permit Portal

Platform: MGO Connect / MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine the permit type from the city permit page. An Application for Permit is required for electrical tags, new construction, additions, renovations, moved buildings, and similar work before service changes or work begin.
  2. Apply online through MGO Connect or obtain and submit the permit application through the Code Enforcement Office.
  3. Submit the required project and applicant information. The city page lists owner and tenant names and addresses, contractor license documentation, insurance, and occupational license documentation for electrical-tag related permits.
  4. For newly constructed or renovated commercial buildings, provide a copy of the State Fire Marshal certificate of approval when applying.
  5. Pay the applicable permit fee. The city states the fee depends on the service or work performed.
  6. Permit application processing and issuance are handled through the Code Enforcement Office.

Source: City of Opelousas Code Enforcement Office / Permits, Licenses & Inspections

General Requirements

A permit application is required prior to new construction, additions or renovations requiring electrical-service alterations, moving a building onto property, signs on buildings or grounds, and for occupancy permits for new businesses.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Owner and tenant names and addresses
  • Contractor license copy
  • Certificate of insurance
  • Occupational license
  • State Fire Marshal approval for newly constructed or renovated commercial buildings
  • Historic district appropriateness application where applicable
Building code
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. Local zoning review governed by the city zoning ordinance.
Owner-builder
No city-specific owner-builder rule located on the public permit page
Contractor requirements
Contractor must be state licensed or licensed by the City of Opelousas. Copy of state or city license required. Certificate of insurance and occupational license documentation required. City publishes a city contractor license application with first-year contractor license fee of $75 and renewal fee of $25.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Public page says fee depends on service or work done
Payment note
Fees handled through Code Enforcement Office or MGO portal depending on application path. Contractor license fees: $75 first year, $25 renewal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Opelousas Code Enforcement Office / Permits, Licenses & Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch

Typical inspection sequence: Application, city review, permit issuance, and electrical-tag related approval steps; detailed inspection sequence not published

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Opelousas Code Enforcement Office / Permits, Licenses & Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opelousas Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Opelousas, LA?
A permit application is required prior to new construction, additions or renovations requiring electrical-service alterations, moving a building onto property, signs on buildings or grounds, and for occupancy permits for new businesses.
How much does a building permit cost in Opelousas, LA?
Fees are calculated as: Public page says fee depends on service or work done.
How do I apply for a building permit in Opelousas, LA?
1. Determine the permit type from the city permit page. An Application for Permit is required for electrical tags, new construction, additions, renovations, moved buildings, and similar work before service changes or work begin. 2. Apply online through MGO Connect or obtain and submit the permit application through the Code Enforcement Office. 3. Submit the required project and applicant information. The city page lists owner and tenant names and addresses, contractor license documentation, insurance, and occupational license documentation for electrical-tag related permits. 4. For newly constructed or renovated commercial buildings, provide a copy of the State Fire Marshal certificate of approval when applying. 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. The city states the fee depends on the service or work performed. 6. Permit application processing and issuance are handled through the Code Enforcement Office.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Opelousas, LA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, (337) 948-2533.

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Navigating permits in Opelousas can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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