Shed Permits in Louisiana: A Complete Guide

Let’s be honest. Shed permits are probably the last thing you want to think about when considering a new shed. Most of us already deal with so much paperwork on a regular basis that its rather overwhelming. But even though it’s a hassle we’d probably rather not deal with, it is important to do things legally, or a bit of extra paperwork will be the least of your worries.

In this article, we want to bring some clarity the sometimes confusing and frustrating topic of shed permits in Louisiana. We’ll break down of some of the factors to consider, and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic. We also provide a list of resources to help you do your own research, and get your questions answered.

What is a Shed Permit?

A shed permit, also referred to as a building permit in some places, is essentially permission from your local government to build or place a shed on your land. Depending on your location, you’ll need this permit for various changes and additions to any structure on your property, including accessory buildings such as sheds.

You can often apply for these permits online by filling out a form on the government website or by downloading a form and sending it by mail. Your form will then be reviewed and accepted, if approved.

Do I Need A Shed Permit in Louisiana?

This will vary depending on your specific area in Louisiana. Often, a shed permit is required only if your shed is larger than 120 square feet and only 1 story high. However, some locations may require a permit for smaller sheds as well. Some areas will not require a permit if you are rebuilding an existing shed, even if it’s larger than 120 square feet.

According to the Louisiana State Contractors’ Licensing Law, the owner of the shed can legally build a shed on their property as long as they live in the home on the property and are using the shed for personal use and not for business. As always, the local rules around shed permits are often different than this law and should be complied with.

Other Rules for Shed Permits in Louisiana

Here are some factors that may determine whether or not you need a shed permit.

Size and Height – There is some variation here, but often if a shed is over 120 square feet or over 1 story high, you probably need a permit.

Location – The location of your shed can play a big role in determining if you can get a shed permit or not. For example, some places will require your shed to be at least 5 feet from a property line. Another factor to consider is the neighborhood you live in. If it’s a historical area, there will likely be stricter regulations about what you can build in your backyard.

Electrical and Plumbing – Adding electrical or plumbing to a shed will likely mean you need to get a permit. This may be a separate permit from your shed or building permit, or it may be included with your shed permit.

Intended Use – In some places, you will only need to get a permit if you plan on using it for something other than personal use. For example, if you plan on using your shed as a rental or for business purposes, you’ll need a permit in some places.

In recent years, it has become popular to convert sheds into living spaces like home offices or even tiny houses. If you plan on using your shed as a permanent living space, like a tiny house, you’ll likely need a permit to do so. In this case, you will probably need a permit other than a shed permit, like a tiny house or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permit. This can be a grey area in permitting, so check with your local permitting office for your specific requirements.

How Do I Get a Shed Permit in Louisiana?

Many government websites have online applications for shed permits or forms you can download, print, and mail in to the permit office. If there are no resources available online, call the office or visit in person. Below is a list of government building permit web pages.

Local Shed Permit Resources

Chart of the largest cities in Louisiana

New Orleans – https://nola.gov/accessory-structure-permit/

Baton Rouge – https://www.brla.gov/2691/Residential

Shreveport – https://www.shreveportla.gov/473/Permits-Inspections

Lafayette – https://www.lafayettela.gov/DP/PermitsCodes/building-codes

Lake Charles – https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/department/index.php?structureid=16

Kenner – https://www.kenner.la.us/249/Permits-Licensing

Bossier City – https://www.bossiercity.org/157/Permits-Inspections-Division

Monroe- https://monroela.us/government/departments-divisions/planning-urban-development/inspections

Alexandria – https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/building-permits-and-other-licenses

Houma –https://www.tpcg.org/index.php?f=permits

New Iberia – https://www.cityofnewiberia.com/permits

Slidell – https://myslidell.com/departments/engineering/building-safety-permits-and-code-enforcement/

Central – https://www.centralgov.com/permits

Ruston – https://www.ruston.org/permits-inspections

Sulphur –https://www.sulphur.org/department/index.php?structureid=10

Hammond – https://hammond.org/departments/building/

Natchitoches – https://www.natchitochesla.gov/services/permits-applications

Gretna – https://www.gretnala.com/departments/building/

Opelousas – https://www.cityofopelousas.com/business/permits-licenses-inspections/

Zachary –https://www.cityofzachary.org/city-services/inspections/

Chart of the Largest Counties in Louisiana

Jefferson Parish – https://www.jeffparish.net/departments/Building-Permits

Lafayette Parish – https://www.lafayettela.gov/DP/PermitsCodes/construction-permits

Calcasieu Parish – https://www.calcasieu.gov/services/planning-development/building-permits

Ouachita Parish – https://www.oppj.org/departments/permit_office/index.php

Rapides Parish- https://www.rapc.info/building-code-enforcement

Terrebonne Parish- https://www.tpcg.org/index.php?f=permits

Livingston Parish- https://www.livingstonparishla.gov/building-permits

Bossier Parish – https://www.bossierparishla.gov/residents/parish-building-permits

Lafourche Parish – https://www.lafourchegov.org/permits

St. Landry Parish – https://stlandrypg.org/departments/permits-office/

Tangipahoa Parish – https://tangipahoa.org/permits

St. Martin Parish – https://www.stmartinparish.net/government_services/building_permits/index.php

St. Charles Parish –    https://www.stcharlesparish.gov/residents/planning-and-zoning/permits-and-applications

St. Mary Parish – https://www.stmaryparishla.gov/planning-zoning-department

Other FAQ’s

Do I need a shed permit in New Orleans?

To build a shed in New Orleans, you’ll need to obtain an Accessory Structure Permit. Often this permit will take 2-5 days to obtain and cost $60 plus $5 per $1,000 dollars of work performed. You can find out more information and apply for your permit here.

Do I need a shed permit in Baton Rouge?

In Baton Rouge, you only need a shed permit if your shed is over 200 square feet. Any electrical work done to your shed will also require a permit. You can find out more information and apply for your permit here.

Do I need a shed permit in Shreveport?

The Caddo Parish area, including Shreveport, requires you to get a permit if your structure is larger than 20×30 feet. For more information and contact info for the permit office, visit this website.

How long does it take to get a shed permit in Louisiana?

There is a bit variation in the amount of time it takes to get a permit in Louisiana, depending on the time of year and the simplicity of your project. However, you can expect to get your application approved in 1-2 weeks.

How much do shed permits in Louisiana cost?

The cost of a shed permit in Louisiana will vary by location, but it can be around $.50 per 5 square feet of work performed or $5 per $1,000 dollars of work, often with a minimum cost of $60-$80.

Is it legal to live in a shed in Louisiana?

If you plan to convert a shed into a tiny home, you’re shed may be classified as a tiny home and will be subject to the local requirements for tiny houses. The permitting around tiny homes can be a gray area, as some localities don’t actually have specific regulations for these structures. It’s best to check with your local permitting office for the best information.

If you’re intent is to use your shed as a man cave or home gym, you most likely can do it without extra permits, unless you’re adding electric and/or plumbing.