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HomePermits & ZoningLouisiana
Louisiana (LA) Permit Guide

Building a Steel Structure in Louisiana: Permits, Zoning & What You Need to Know

Louisiana adopts the Uniform Construction Code statewide, and local jurisdictions cannot adopt separate building regulations. Hurricane wind loads along the Gulf Coast drive engineering requirements. Rural parishes are generally barndominium-friendly.

Permit Difficulty
Moderate
Avg Permit Cost
$300 – $3,000
Typical Timeline
2–6 weeks
Barndominium-Friendly
Yes - Barndo-Friendly

Barndominiums are widely accepted across most counties.

State Building Code Overview

Louisiana is unique in that local jurisdictions are NOT permitted to adopt their own building codes. The Uniform Construction Code Council adopts the state code. All parishes must follow it.

Primary Code

Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code

Code Version

2021 IBC / 2021 IRC with LA amendments

Adoption Level

Statewide

Statewide Enforcement

Yes

Permit Requirements

All metal buildings require stamped engineered plans including wind load certification. Parishes handle permitting but must follow state code.

Residential

Required

Commercial

Required

Agricultural

Not Required

Required Documents

  • Stamped engineered plans
  • Site plan
  • Foundation plan
  • Wind load certification
  • Flood zone determination

Exemptions & Exceptions

Agricultural Exemption
Available

Agricultural buildings may be exempt from certain code requirements when on agricultural land and used exclusively for farming. Specific exemptions vary by parish.

Size Exemption
Available

Limited size exemptions. Structures under 120 sq ft may be exempt in some parishes. Enforcement varies by parish.

Environmental & Structural Loads

Hurricane wind loads are the primary concern, especially along the Gulf Coast. Wind speeds up to 160 mph in coastal parishes. All steel buildings must have wind load certification.

Wind Load

115–160 mph

hurricane zone

Snow Load

0 psf

Seismic

A–B

Category

Flood

FEMA Regulated

Energy Code

Energy Code

IECC

Version

2021 IECC

Enforced statewide as part of the Uniform Construction Code.

Contractor Licensing

State License Required

License Type

State Licensing Board for Contractors license

Project Threshold

$50,000

Louisiana requires contractor licensing for projects over $50,000. License categories include residential, commercial, and specialty.

Typical Setback Requirements

Front

25–35 ft

Side

5–15 ft

Rear

15–25 ft

Varies by parish.

Foundation Requirements

Engineered Foundation Required

Common Foundation Types

Elevated slabPier and beamSlab-on-grade (inland)

Soft soils and high water tables are common. Coastal areas require elevated foundations. Pile foundations may be needed in very soft soil areas.

Building Type Considerations

Shops & Workshops

Full permits required. Wind load certification needed.

Barns

Agricultural exemptions available in some parishes.

Barndominiums

Well-accepted in rural parishes. Must meet full residential code and wind load requirements.

Garages & Storage

Full permits and wind certification required.

Commercial

Full state uniform code compliance required.

HOA & Deed Restrictions

HOAs present in Baton Rouge and New Orleans suburbs. Most rural parishes have no HOA restrictions.

Flood Zone Considerations

FEMA Flood Regulations Apply

Extensive flood zones throughout Louisiana, especially in coastal parishes and along the Mississippi River. Flood elevation requirements are critical. Flood insurance is commonly required.

County-Level Details

Key counties with specific permit information for Louisiana.

East Baton Rouge ParishPermit Required

Full code enforcement. Active building department.

Typical fees: $400 – $3,000

Caddo Parish (Shreveport)Permit Required

Full enforcement. More inland, lower wind loads.

Typical fees: $300 – $2,500

Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles)Permit Required

High wind zone. 150+ mph wind requirements.

Typical fees: $400 – $3,000

Livingston ParishPermit Required

Growing area. Standard enforcement. Flood zone considerations.

Typical fees: $250 – $2,000

Ag Exemption Available
Beauregard ParishPermit Required

Rural parish. More streamlined process.

Typical fees: $200 – $1,500

Ag Exemption Available

Official Sources & Resources

Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.

LA State Uniform Construction Code CouncilState building code administration
LA State Licensing Board for ContractorsContractor licensing
Louisiana — ICCICC code adoption details for Louisiana

In This Guide

In This Guide

State Building Code OverviewPermit RequirementsExemptions & ExceptionsEnvironmental & Structural LoadsEnergy CodeContractor LicensingTypical Setback RequirementsFoundation RequirementsBuilding Type ConsiderationsHOA & Deed RestrictionsFlood Zone ConsiderationsCounty-Level DetailsOfficial Sources & Resources

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.

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