Chauvin, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Chauvin is an unincorporated community in Terrebonne Parish. Building permit administration is handled by the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Permits Division, which oversees all development permits within the parish.

Department

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division

Address

Government Tower, 8026 Main Street, Suite 100, Houma, LA 70360

Phone

(985) 873-6567

Email

lisaledet@tpcg.org

Website

https://tpcg.org/Permits/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain or confirm the 911 address and legal property description, then prepare the application package with site plan, drawings, valuation, and any required supporting approvals.
2. If the property is in a flood hazard area, assemble elevation certificates and any FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreement required by TPCG. If coastal or wetland impacts are involved, coordinate coastal use permit requirements before filing.
3. Submit the application in person at the Houma permit office during permit counter hours or submit online through MGO Connect.
4. Pay all fees in full at the time of application. TPCG states only complete applications with all required information will be accepted.
5. TPCG reviews the application and issues the permit if compliant, or rejects it in writing if it does not conform to the code or applicable laws.
6. After issuance, request inspections by phone or through the online permit account and complete the project through final inspection and certificate issuance where applicable.

Typical processing time: Generally 5 to 7 business days from the date of application if complete.

Source: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division

General Requirements

The same TPCG permit triggers apply to Chauvin. Permits are required for new buildings, additions, mobile home placement, solar panels, demolition, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work unless a specific exemption applies.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Site address and ownership information
• Legal description
• Site plan
• Plans and specifications
• Valuation or contract value
• All triggered supporting materials (floodplain documents, coastal use review materials, elevation certificates, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreement, etc.)

Permit validity

Applications are abandoned after 180 days if not pursued in good faith. Issued permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement, unless a written extension is granted.

Building code

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Building Code, 2018 Edition, updated to reference the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code framework based on the 2015 International Code Series and 2014 National Electrical Code.

Owner-builder

The owner may perform residential work if the homeowner signs the TPCG homeowner affidavit claiming exemption from licensure and meets the state owner-builder conditions stated in the form.

Contractor requirements

Residential contractors performing work from $7,500 to $75,000 need Home Improvement Registration. Contractors exceeding $75,000 need a Residential Contractor License. Commercial contractors at or above $50,000 need a Commercial Contractor License.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential new construction or addition $200 minimum; residential renovation up to $5,000: $25; detached residential accessory structures: $75; commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $200 minimum.

Permit fee formula

TPCG uses square-foot formulas, valuation formulas, and flat-fee categories depending on permit type. Residential new construction or addition: 45 cents per square foot. Commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $3 per $1,000 of contractual value or 60 cents per square foot without a valid contract.

Trade permit fee

Base fee plus inspection charges where not included in the building permit.

Reinspection fee

$75 for additional inspection or reinspection.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance doubles permit fees.

Payment note

TPCG says fees are due in full at application. The parish refund policy says 30 percent is refundable before issuance and no refund is available after issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2018).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached residential accessory structures not over 200 square feet, if outside a floodplain and otherwise meeting code conditions
• Detached decks not over 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit
• Certain low-cost finish work not affecting structure or envelope and not involving electrical or gas changes, up to $2,500
• Certain retaining walls, water tanks, playground equipment, temporary stage sets, and agricultural shade cloth structures listed in TPCG Section 105.2
• Listed minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs identified in TPCG Section 105.2

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from floodplain, coastal, wetlands, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with TPCG before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (985) 873-6567 (phone)
• MGO Connect portal (logged-in accounts) (online)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24-hour notice may be required.

Inspection hours

Permit office public hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: TPCG's code lists footing and foundation with plumbing rough-in, slab and under-floor, lowest floor elevation, framing and masonry, other required trade inspections, and final inspection, with elevation documentation required before final in flood hazard areas.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Building Code, 2018 Edition, updated to reference the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code framework based on the 2015 International Code Series and 2014 National Electrical Code.
• Verify contractor license: Louisiana State Licensing Board Verify Licensure
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Planning Commission
• Coastal Restoration
• Building Code 2018 Edition
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Chauvin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Chauvin, LA?

The same TPCG permit triggers apply to Chauvin. Permits are required for new buildings, additions, mobile home placement, solar panels, demolition, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work unless a specific exemption applies.

How much does a building permit cost in Chauvin, LA?

The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction or addition $200 minimum; residential renovation up to $5,000: $25; detached residential accessory structures: $75; commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $200 minimum.. Fees are calculated as: TPCG uses square-foot formulas, valuation formulas, and flat-fee categories depending on permit type. Residential new construction or addition: 45 cents per square foot. Commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $3 per $1,000 of contractual value or 60 cents per square foot without a valid contract..

How do I apply for a building permit in Chauvin, LA?

1. Obtain or confirm the 911 address and legal property description, then prepare the application package with site plan, drawings, valuation, and any required supporting approvals. 2. If the property is in a flood hazard area, assemble elevation certificates and any FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreement required by TPCG. If coastal or wetland impacts are involved, coordinate coastal use permit requirements before filing. 3. Submit the application in person at the Houma permit office during permit counter hours or submit online through MGO Connect. 4. Pay all fees in full at the time of application. TPCG states only complete applications with all required information will be accepted. 5. TPCG reviews the application and issues the permit if compliant, or rejects it in writing if it does not conform to the code or applicable laws. 6. After issuance, request inspections by phone or through the online permit account and complete the project through final inspection and certificate issuance where applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Chauvin, LA?

Typical processing time is Generally 5 to 7 business days from the date of application if complete..

What work is exempt from building permits in Chauvin, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached residential accessory structures not over 200 square feet, if outside a floodplain and otherwise meeting code conditions; Detached decks not over 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit; Certain low-cost finish work not affecting structure or envelope and not involving electrical or gas changes, up to $2,500; Certain retaining walls, water tanks, playground equipment, temporary stage sets, and agricultural shade cloth structures listed in TPCG Section 105.2; Listed minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs identified in TPCG Section 105.2. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from floodplain, coastal, wetlands, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with TPCG before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Chauvin, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (985) 873-6567, MGO Connect portal (logged-in accounts). At least 24-hour notice may be required..

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