Terrebonne Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This page covers permits for unincorporated Terrebonne Parish only. Houma is the only incorporated municipality in Terrebonne Parish. The Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Permits Division administers building permits for all development 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. Contact TPCG Permits Division to verify permit triggers and identify whether the project also needs floodplain, coastal, drainage, driveway, sewer, historic, subdivision, or planning commission approvals.
2. Confirm the site address through the Terrebonne Parish Communications District if needed, gather ownership and legal description information, and prepare the site plan and detailed construction drawings.
3. Collect all required supporting documents, such as elevation certificates in floodplain areas, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreements for certain elevated or floodplain structures, coastal use permit materials, health approvals for private treatment systems, and State Fire Marshal review for applicable commercial work.
4. Submit the completed application package to the Permit Office in person during counter hours or file online through MGO Connect.
5. Pay all permit fees in full at application. TPCG says incomplete applications are not accepted.
6. TPCG reviews the submission and, if the work conforms to the code and other applicable laws, issues the permit as soon as practicable. Nonconforming applications are rejected in writing with reasons.
7. After issuance, keep the permit active by starting work timely, request inspections at each required stage, correct any deficiencies, and obtain the appropriate final inspection and certificate.

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

Under TPCG Section 105.1, any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, enlarge, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first apply for and obtain the required permit.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Owner and applicant details
• Project description
• Address and land description
• Valuation
• Site plan
• Construction documents
• Project-specific approvals (coastal use review, floodplain elevation certificates, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreement, sewer and health approvals, state driveway permits, planning commission approvals, drainage or impervious-surface information)

Permit validity

Permit applications lapse after 180 days if abandoned. Issued permits become invalid if work does not begin within 180 days or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after starting. Written extensions may be granted.

Building code

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Building Code, 2018 Edition, administers the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code rule that adopted the 2015 I-Codes and 2014 NEC effective February 1, 2018.

Owner-builder

TPCG publishes a homeowner affidavit for exemption from licensure. The form says the owner assumes direct legal and financial responsibility, must supervise onsite construction, and remains subject to all code, zoning, and subcontractor licensure requirements.

Contractor requirements

Residential contractors need home improvement registration from $7,500 to $75,000 and residential contractor licensure over $75,000. 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 or renovation: $200 minimum; trade permits: $125 minimum.

Permit fee formula

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 permits: $50 base fee plus one inspection for $125 minimum. Many permit categories use flat fees.

Trade permit fee

Trade permits use a $50 base fee plus one inspection for a $125 minimum.

Reinspection fee

$75 for additional inspection or reinspection.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance doubles permit fees.

Payment note

All payments are due in full at application. Permits are not valid until fees are paid. TPCG's posted refund policy provides a 30 percent refund before issuance, no refund after issuance, and a full refund for a duplicate permit paid in error.

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 exceeding 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain
• Nonresidential farm-use structures constructed on a farm and not attached to a residence
• Certain fishing camps or outdoor recreational structures meeting the code's detailed location and use conditions
• 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 in height unless supporting a surcharge or specified liquids
• Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with the required ratio limits
• Limited finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and vinyl siding not affecting structural integrity or building envelope, not involving electrical or gas changes
• 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
• Minor listed electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work exempted by TPCG Section 105.2

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from floodplain, zoning, coastal, 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: Preliminary review if needed, then footing and foundation with plumbing rough-in, slab and under-floor, lowest floor elevation, framing and masonry, required trade and specialty inspections, and final inspection. In flood hazard areas, final elevation documentation must be submitted before the final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Building Code, 2018 Edition, administers the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code rule that adopted the 2015 I-Codes and 2014 NEC effective February 1, 2018.
• 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
• State Uniform Construction Code
• Permits Refund Policy
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Terrebonne Parish Building Permit FAQ

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

Under TPCG Section 105.1, any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, enlarge, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first apply for and obtain the required permit.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Terrebonne Parish, 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 or renovation: $200 minimum; trade permits: $125 minimum.. Fees are calculated as: 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 permits: $50 base fee plus one inspection for $125 minimum. Many permit categories use flat fees..

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

1. Contact TPCG Permits Division to verify permit triggers and identify whether the project also needs floodplain, coastal, drainage, driveway, sewer, historic, subdivision, or planning commission approvals. 2. Confirm the site address through the Terrebonne Parish Communications District if needed, gather ownership and legal description information, and prepare the site plan and detailed construction drawings. 3. Collect all required supporting documents, such as elevation certificates in floodplain areas, FEMA/NFIP nonconversion agreements for certain elevated or floodplain structures, coastal use permit materials, health approvals for private treatment systems, and State Fire Marshal review for applicable commercial work. 4. Submit the completed application package to the Permit Office in person during counter hours or file online through MGO Connect. 5. Pay all permit fees in full at application. TPCG says incomplete applications are not accepted. 6. TPCG reviews the submission and, if the work conforms to the code and other applicable laws, issues the permit as soon as practicable. Nonconforming applications are rejected in writing with reasons. 7. After issuance, keep the permit active by starting work timely, request inspections at each required stage, correct any deficiencies, and obtain the appropriate final inspection and certificate.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Terrebonne Parish, 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 unincorporated Terrebonne Parish, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached residential accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain; Nonresidential farm-use structures constructed on a farm and not attached to a residence; Certain fishing camps or outdoor recreational structures meeting the code's detailed location and use conditions; 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 in height unless supporting a surcharge or specified liquids; Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with the required ratio limits; Limited finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and vinyl siding not affecting structural integrity or building envelope, not involving electrical or gas changes; 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; Minor listed electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work exempted by TPCG Section 105.2. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from floodplain, zoning, coastal, and other regulatory requirements. Confirm with TPCG before proceeding.

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

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