Building Codes

The Codes Division deals with the following functions:

• Commercial Building Information
• Residential Building Information
• Unsafe Structures
• Condemnations

Residential Building Information

This type of permit is required for a single-family dwelling, a duplex, or almost any structure associated with a home, such as: a carport, shed, gazebo, RV cover, or a fence that is over 7 feet high. There are exemptions for permitting certain structures associated with a home, such as: a playhouse or shed which is detached from a house that is no larger than 200 square feet and that is on a movable foundation (piers or skids).  Please note that setback regulations must be in compliance according to the Development Division guidance. Furthermore, cosmetic work does not require a permit.

A structure that is built such as a metal building (with steel columns, beams, girts, and purlins), a pre-engineered building or a pole barn requires a permit, floorplan, and an engineered stamped set of plans which includes the wind load certification. A structure that is built to the prescriptive code does not require a wind load certification.

Commercial Building Information

This type of permit is required for almost every structure other than a single family dwelling, duplex, or structure associated with a single family dwelling. There are exemptions for permitting certain structures, such as: fences not over 7 feet high, a one story detached accessory building used as a shed 120 square feet or less that is on a movable foundation (piers or skids), retaining walls not over 4 feet and cosmetic work. Please note, this building must comply with all Development setback requirements & any other department that may have concerns like Drainage & Traffic, etc.

Persons moving into an existing space where no construction is required need not apply for a building permit. A certificate of occupancy can be applied for through the Permitting Division.

Any questions concerning the permitting of commercial structures can be answered by contacting the Permit Manager at (337) 291-8491 or the Chief Building Inspector at (337) 291-8485.

More information pertaining to the building code regulations can be found at the following websites:

• Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (lusccc.dps.louisiana.gov)
• Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council-State Code Amendments- (Codes & Standards) (lsuccc.louisiana.gov/codes.html)
• Building Officials Association of Louisiana (lma.org/boal)
• International Code Council (iccsafe.org)
• Louisiana State Fire Marshal (lasfm.louisiana.gov)
• National Electric Code (NEC)-(NFPA.org)

General Information-Current adopted codes by the State of Louisiana: 

• Commercial Code
• International Building Code (IBC), 2021 Edition without chapters: 11, 27, & 29
• Residential Code
  • International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Edition without chapters: 25 thru 32
• Plumbing Codes
  • International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 Edition - with State Amendments
  • International Building Code (IBC), 2021 Edition - with State Amendments
  • International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Edition - with State Amendments
• Electrical Code
  • National Electric Code (NEC), 2020 Edition
• Gas Code
  • International Fuel/Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 Edition
• Mechanical Code
  • International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Edition
• Existing Building Code
  • International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 Edition

Loads:

• Wind – ASCE 7-16 Wind Charts
• Seismic – negligible
• Snow – negligible