Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Permit Office - Permit FAQs
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State laws and local ordinances require you to have a permit for any construction project.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
These laws are designed to protect public safety and welfare by ensuring a project does not endanger you or the public. -
There is a strong possibility that utility companies will refuse to provide electric or gas service to your structure.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
Also, we will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance for your structure. Both of these documents are important when acquiring proper insurance coverage. -
A permit provides proof to a buyer, insurance company, or anyone that your structure is building code compliant by way of an independent inspection process.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
If someone does not know your reputation or simply does not want to take your word for it, you have a way to prove you have followed all building codes in your construction projects.
In addition to this, it is required by law. -
Our Inspectors, along with other parish inspectors, cover every inch of their jurisdiction at some point in a typical week.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
Inspectors are generally assigned to specific areas, and are familiar with construction in their area. They will notice your structure and become suspicious when they are not called to your construction project for an inspection.
We also work on citizen’s complaints. -
If a builder refuses to work with an inspector, a cease and desist order can be put on the building to stop the construction completely. This is an option of last resort. You will not receive a cease and desist order because you failed an inspection.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
By cooperating with our inspectors to make the necessary corrections your project can continue. If the builder refuses to fix the problems listed on the cease and desist order and continues to build the job anyway, the owner may be required to attend a court hearing.
The end result of the hearing will be that the owner is in violation of the law and additional fees and penalties could be imposed by the court. -
State law requires jurisdictions to conduct all inspections and plan reviews with certified staff. Permit fees cover the costs to administer building code policies and house knowledgeable, certified staff.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
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If your construction project is built incorrectly, it could damage surrounding structures and property.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
The only exception to this is the construction of a farm structure. Because there is often enough space between a farm structure and its surroundings, it is unlikely to cause damage to surrounding structures and property, so these restrictions are relaxed.
In addition to this, it is required by law. -
Most jurisdictions also require the permit holder to post a placard or copy of the permit on the job site for the duration of construction.Permit Office - Permit FAQs
If you do not see this document, contact the Parish Permit Office at 985-369-7386 and inquire if the address has been issued a permit.
Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
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Your approved set of plans will have an attached cover letter. That cover letter is customized for your job site and lists, in detail, exactly when you should call for inspections. It also lists helpful phone numbers to call if you have any questions.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
Keep in mind it is required that you keep a copy of the cover letter and approved set of plans on the job site at all times.
If you have misplaced your plans and cover letter, you can download a copy from the customer portal at the -
You will receive a failed inspection report with a list of items not in compliance. You job is not stopped or halted in anyway, simply fix the necessary items not in compliance and have it re-inspected.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
Do not just “cover up” the items that need to be corrected until they are re-inspected. Any portion of your project not affected by the failed report can continue. -
Please have your permit number, the address of your construction project, and a contact name and number for our inspector to reach you. You can find it on your permit or you can search for it using the customer portal on thePermit Office - Inspection FAQs
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You should call as soon as you know when the work will be completed. Schedule your inspection and an inspector will be sent to your construction project at the earliest convenience.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
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No. Please notify your jurisdiction of the actual date the work will be completed and when you are ready for the inspection. If you say you are ready now, they will come now.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
Often if an inspector visits your construction project site for a scheduled inspection and the work is not complete, the inspection will be marked as failed.
A failed inspection may result in additional re-inspection fees. -
Honesty is the best policy, so call right away. An inspector will see what stage your construction project is at and try to find an innovative way to find the information needed to determine if it is built to code.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
Jurisdictions are not out to hurt your construction project and will do everything they can to help you gather this information without costing you additional money or time.
Do not make it worse or impossible to come up with a solution by ignoring the problem or hoping an inspector will not notice. -
In this example, you could run into a financial problem since this may require an engineer to verify that the slab is code compliant or a plumber to snake cameras down your plumbing. All of which can become expensive.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
However, if you simply follow the guidelines provided on the cover letter on your approved set of plans, you will not have any of these problems.
It cannot be stressed enough to read your review letter and approved plans. -
If you disagree with an inspection, you can request to speak to the building official about the matter. If you do not agree with the building official's explanation, you may be able to have your appeal heard by a local, regional or state code enforcement authority.Permit Office - Inspection FAQs
General
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General
Today 41 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana are governed by a Police Jury. Parishes may choose to operate under what’s known as home rule authority, which gives them the right to choose other forms of government to operate with such as a consolidated government where the parish government is consolidated with another city government. Currently, 23 parishes operate under home rule charters.
Under the Police Jury System, the Police Jury is required to establish the size of its body. Police juries in parish populations having more than 10,000 must have no less than five members and no more than 15 members. In parish populations of less than 10,000, police juries must have at least three members. To qualify for Police Juror, a person must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the State for the past two years, and have a residence for a period of one year in the same police jury district they would like to represent. Once these qualifications are met, a vote by the majority of residents in their respective police jury district would be needed to secure the elected office. The term of a Police Juror is four years.
The general responsibility of the Police Jury is to perform and maintain duties associated with the executive and legislative branches of parish government. The authority of the Police Jury extends to all territory in the Parish which lies outside of an incorporated city, town, or village. Some responsibilities of the Police Jury apply to citizens within incorporated areas of the Parish as well.
Other duties:
- Enacts ordinances and sets policies.
- Oversees the parish budget and improvements programs.
- Holds twice monthly meetings to address issues and concerns in the community.
- Responds to constituents' concerns at neighborhood meetings, through written correspondence, and telephone communication, and staff assistance.
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General
Roads
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Call 985-369-7742 for more informationRoads