Unincorporated Terrebonne Parish

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.

• Exempt One-story detached residential accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet, if not in a floodplain
• Exempt Nonresidential farm-use structures constructed on a farm and not attached to a residence
• Exempt Certain fishing camps or outdoor recreational structures meeting the code's detailed location and use conditions
• 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 in height unless supporting a surcharge or specified liquids
• Exempt Ground-supported water tanks not over 5,000 gallons with the required ratio limits
• Exempt 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
• 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 03
   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. 04
   Submit the completed application package to the Permit Office in person during counter hours or file online through MGO Connect.
5. 05
   Pay all permit fees in full at application. TPCG says incomplete applications are not accepted.
6. 06
   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. 07
   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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2018) before budgeting.

• (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 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.

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