How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?

Fees are calculated as: New residential structures are $0.55 per square foot under beam. Residential additions / renovations are $0.40 per square foot. Detached sheds, carports, and portable buildings over 200 square feet are $0.20 per square foot. New commercial structures are $0.75 per square foot under beam. Commercial additions are $0.60 per square foot. Commercial improvements are $100 plus 1 percent of contract value..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Property owner / occupant / homeowner small jobs, non-commercial, 200 square feet or less; Fences 7 feet tall or less; Painting; Wallpapering; Tiling; Carpeting; Countertops; Playground equipment; Agricultural structures fee exempt when supported by IRS Schedule F or affidavit; Pond digging for agricultural use or NRCS projects; Temporary overburden and certain mining stockpiles described in the development ordinance.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Parish documents indicate the permit office handles scheduling; the contractor registration form and fee schedule refere.

County Building Permits

Washington Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Louisiana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Washington Parish and parish-administered development permits, including floodplain-related development permits

Department: Washington Parish Government, Licensing and Permits / Department of Building and Permitting
Address: 203 11th Avenue, Franklinton, LA 70438
Phone: 985-839-5456
Website: https://www.wpgov.org/242/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Obtain a 911 address from the parish 911 office.
Obtain a sanitation letter from the health unit.
Submit the building permit application to the Washington Parish Permit Office.
Provide required documents, including plans, proof of ownership, septic letter, and elevation certificate when applicable.
Parish staff reviews the application and plans.
Permit is issued when the application is approved and fees are paid.

Source: Washington Parish Government, Licensing and Permits / Department of Building and Permitting

General Requirements

Flood damage prevention ordinance requires a permit before construction, reconstruction, development, major remodeling, manufactured home placement, and flood-related repair work.

Required Documents

Completed permit application, 911 address, septic letter, two sets of plans including site plans, proof of ownership, elevation certificate if in a flood zone or after flooding, and purchase permit where applicable.

Building code: Washington Parish Development Ordinance references construction under the Louisiana Adopted International Building Codes, as amended. The parish ordinance also relies on Louisiana sanitary code requirements for sewerage and septic matters.
Owner-builder: Washington Parish application includes a homeowner claiming exemption from licensure, and the parish requires a notarized affidavit from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for that exemption.
Contractor requirements: Contractors and tradesmen must register with the parish building department; parish registration form requires business details, state license number, proof of liability insurance, and proof of workers compensation insurance.

Fees

Permit fee formula: New residential structures are $0.55 per square foot under beam. Residential additions / renovations are $0.40 per square foot. Detached sheds, carports, and portable buildings over 200 square feet are $0.20 per square foot. New commercial structures are $0.75 per square foot under beam. Commercial additions are $0.60 per square foot. Commercial improvements are $100 plus 1 percent of contract value.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Property owner / occupant / homeowner small jobs, non-commercial, 200 square feet or less
Fences 7 feet tall or less
Painting
Wallpapering
Tiling
Carpeting
Countertops
Playground equipment
Agricultural structures fee exempt when supported by IRS Schedule F or affidavit
Pond digging for agricultural use or NRCS projects
Temporary overburden and certain mining stockpiles described in the development ordinance

Inspections

How to Schedule

Parish documents indicate the permit office handles scheduling; the contractor registration form and fee schedule refere (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, field inspections, final approval. The fee schedule notes each inspection visit includes one inspector visit in the original fee.

Additional re-inspections / re-calls are charged separately at $50 each additional visit.

Additional Resources

Building code: Washington Parish Development Ordinance references construction under the Louisiana Adopted International Building Codes, as amended. The parish ordinance also relies on Louisiana sanitary code requirements for sewerage and septic matters.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building permits page
Contractor registration form
Single-family residence procedure
Louisiana contractor licensing board
License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Washington Parish Government, Licensing and Permits / Department of Building and Permitting before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington Parish Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?: Flood damage prevention ordinance requires a permit before construction, reconstruction, development, major remodeling, manufactured home placement, and flood-related repair work.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?: Fees are calculated as: New residential structures are $0.55 per square foot under beam. Residential additions / renovations are $0.40 per square foot. Detached sheds, carports, and portable buildings over 200 square feet are $0.20 per square foot. New commercial structures are $0.75 per square foot under beam. Commercial additions are $0.60 per square foot. Commercial improvements are $100 plus 1 percent of contract value..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?: 1. Obtain a 911 address from the parish 911 office. 2. Obtain a sanitation letter from the health unit. 3. Submit the building permit application to the Washington Parish Permit Office. 4. Provide required documents, including plans, proof of ownership, septic letter, and elevation certificate when applicable. 5. Parish staff reviews the application and plans. 6. Permit is issued when the application is approved and fees are paid.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?: The following work is generally exempt: Property owner / occupant / homeowner small jobs, non-commercial, 200 square feet or less; Fences 7 feet tall or less; Painting; Wallpapering; Tiling; Carpeting; Countertops; Playground equipment; Agricultural structures fee exempt when supported by IRS Schedule F or affidavit; Pond digging for agricultural use or NRCS projects; Temporary overburden and certain mining stockpiles described in the development ordinance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington Parish, LA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Parish documents indicate the permit office handles scheduling; the contractor registration form and fee schedule refere.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Washington Parish 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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