On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Houma
Permits are required for commercial and residential construction including new construction of primary or additional structures, additions, mobile home placement, solar panels, and any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure, or installation of regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain
Nonresidential farm-use structures on a farm, if not attached to a residence
Fishing camps or other outdoor recreational structures meeting parish code conditions outside municipal corporate limits and approved subdivisions, if not tied to a residence or commercial use
Detached decks not over 200 square feet, less than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids
Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, vinyl siding, and similar finish work not affecting structural integrity or building envelope, not involving electrical or gas changes, and costing no more than $2,500
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Certain window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not more than 5 feet 9 inches high
Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs specifically listed in TPCG Section 105.2
- Exempt One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain
- Exempt Nonresidential farm-use structures on a farm, if not attached to a residence
- Exempt Fishing camps or other outdoor recreational structures meeting parish code conditions outside municipal corporate limits and approved subdivisions, if not tied to a residence or commercial use
- Exempt Detached decks not over 200 square feet, less than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, vinyl siding, and similar finish work not affecting structural integrity or building envelope, not involving electrical or gas changes, and costing no more than $2,500
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Certain window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not more than 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs specifically listed in TPCG Section 105.2
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, coastal, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with the Terrebonne Parish Permits Division before proceeding.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Owner and applicant information
- Site address and legal property description
- Site plan
- Detailed construction drawings
- Valuation or executed contract
- Subcontractor list
- Project-specific items (coastal use permit materials, elevation certificates, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreement, State Fire Marshal stamped plans, sewer or private treatment approvals, state driveway permits, planning commission approvals, historic district certificate of appropriateness)
- Building code
- Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Building Code, 2018 Edition, updated to reference the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code based on the 2015 International Code Series and 2014 National Electrical Code, effective February 1, 2018.
- Permit validity
- Applications are deemed abandoned after 180 days if not pursued in good faith or issued. Issued permits become invalid if work does not start within 180 days after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. Written extensions may be granted.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may apply using the homeowner affidavit for exemption from licensure, subject to state owner-builder conditions. The exemption applies to the owner's primary residence and requires the owner to maintain the house as primary residence after completion.
- 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.
Source: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Generally 5 to 7 business days from the date of application if complete.
- 01 Confirm whether the project needs a permit and determine whether zoning, floodplain, coastal, historic district, sewer, driveway, or planning commission approvals will also be required.
- 02 Obtain or confirm the 911 site address and legal property description, then prepare the site plan, construction drawings, and any required supporting documents such as elevation certificates, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion paperwork, State Fire Marshal approval, and Louisiana Department of Health approvals.
- 03 Submit the permit application in person at the Permit Office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, or submit online through MGO Connect at any time.
- 04 Upload or deliver plans in an accepted format (PDF, email, CD-ROM, or USB drive) after coordinating with permit staff.
- 05 Pay permit fees in full at application. Only completed applications containing all required information will be accepted.
- 06 TPCG reviews the application and, if compliant, issues the building permit as soon as practicable. If incomplete or noncompliant, the application is rejected with reasons stated.
- 07 After permit issuance, post the permit, proceed with work, and request required inspections through final approval and certificate issuance as 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2018
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction or addition: 45 cents per square foot with trade permits included. Residential renovations and repairs: flat fee tiers. Commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $3 per $1,000 of contractual project value, or 60 cents per square foot if project cost is not evidenced by a valid contract, with trade permits included.
03
Trade permit fee
Base fee plus inspection charges where not included in the building permit.
04
Reinspection fee
$75 for additional inspection or reinspection.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work started before permit issuance doubles all permit fees.
All payments are due in full at the time of application. Permit is not valid until fees are paid and an application will not be accepted or amended until required fees are paid. Refund policy: if permit has not been issued, TPCG retains 70 percent of the fee and refunds 30 percent; once issued, no refund is available.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2018) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation, and plumbing rough-in; concrete slab and under-floor; lowest floor elevation; framing and masonry; lath and gypsum board where applicable; fire and smoke-resistant penetrations; other or special inspections as required; final inspection. Final elevation documentation is required before final inspection in flood hazard areas.
Source: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Houma permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Houma, LA? ▸
Permits are required for commercial and residential construction including new construction of primary or additional structures, additions, mobile home placement, solar panels, and any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure, or installation of regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Houma, LA? ▸
Building permit fees in Houma, LA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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: Residential new construction or addition: 45 cents per square foot with trade permits included. Residential renovations and repairs: flat fee tiers. Commercial new construction, addition, or renovation: $3 per $1,000 of contractual project value, or 60 cents per square foot if project cost is not evidenced by a valid contract, with trade permits included..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Houma, LA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Houma, LA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and determine whether zoning, floodplain, coastal, historic district, sewer, driveway, or planning commission approvals will also be required. 2. Obtain or confirm the 911 site address and legal property description, then prepare the site plan, construction drawings, and any required supporting documents such as elevation certificates, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion paperwork, State Fire Marshal approval, and Louisiana Department of Health approvals. 3. Submit the permit application in person at the Permit Office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, or submit online through MGO Connect at any time. 4. Upload or deliver plans in an accepted format (PDF, email, CD-ROM, or USB drive) after coordinating with permit staff. 5. Pay permit fees in full at application. Only completed applications containing all required information will be accepted. 6. TPCG reviews the application and, if compliant, issues the building permit as soon as practicable. If incomplete or noncompliant, the application is rejected with reasons stated. 7. After permit issuance, post the permit, proceed with work, and request required inspections through final approval and certificate issuance as applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Houma, LA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Houma, LA typically run Generally 5 to 7 business days from the date of application if complete.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Houma, LA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Houma, LA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain; Nonresidential farm-use structures on a farm, if not attached to a residence; Fishing camps or other outdoor recreational structures meeting parish code conditions outside municipal corporate limits and approved subdivisions, if not tied to a residence or commercial use; Detached decks not over 200 square feet, less than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids; Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, vinyl siding, and similar finish work not affecting structural integrity or building envelope, not involving electrical or gas changes, and costing no more than $2,500; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not more than 5 feet 9 inches high; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs specifically listed in TPCG Section 105.2. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, coastal, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with the Terrebonne Parish Permits Division before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Houma, LA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Houma, LA via: (985) 873-6567, MGO Connect portal (logged-in accounts). At least 24-hour notice may be required..
last verified April 2026
source Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division ↗
entry id permits/louisiana/terrebonne/houma
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.