Caddo Parish, LA Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Caddo Parish, Louisiana requires permits for most construction and remodeling, except projects within Greenwood and Oil City; the City of Shreveport's Division of Permits and Inspections administers the parish process¹². Homeowners may apply for their own residential building permit, but licensed contractors must perform the electrical, plumbing and HVAC work³. Septic permits come through the Caddo Parish Health Unit⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for most construction and remodeling, except projects within Greenwood and Oil City¹
Parish development permit: Required to build in the parish; elevation certificate required in a flood hazard area⁶
Zoning: Caddo Parish Unified Development Code applies inside the parish planning area; confirm coverage for land farther out⁷⁸⁹
Septic: Louisiana Department of Health permit through the Caddo Parish Health Unit⁴¹⁰⁵
RV living: Not allowed in any zoning district within the parish planning area⁹
Second home on a small lot: Lots under five acres must be subdivided to add another residence¹¹
Owner-builder: Homeowner may apply; licensed contractors must do electrical, plumbing and HVAC work³
Property tax: About 0.6% effective rate; median bill about $1,081 a year¹²¹³

Who to call

Building permits

City of Shreveport Division of Permits & Inspections

Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, plan review and inspections for Shreveport and unincorporated Caddo Parish

318-673-6100

505 Travis St. Government Plaza, Suite 130, Shreveport, LA 71101

Online permits →

Building permits

Parish of Caddo Public Works, parish building permit policy (letter to Shreveport, 2021)

Sets which work needs a parish building permit and routes every parish permit to the parish for 911 address and floodplain checks

318.226.6931

Building permits

Caddo Parish Public Works, Engineering Division

Development permits, subdivision plat review, parish roads and drainage; residential inspections are contracted to Shreveport

318-226-6931

Roads & driveways

Caddo Parish Public Works, Permits Department

911 addresses, culvert permits, right-of-way and road-crossing permits, subdivision development permits

318-226-6949

Floodplain permits

Caddo Parish Public Works, Flood Control

Parish development permits, flood damage prevention ordinance, flood-zone determinations and elevation certificates

(318) 226-6934

505 Travis Street, Suite 820, Shreveport, Louisiana

Planning & zoning

Caddo Parish Public Works FAQ: adding a residence on under five acres

Whether a second house on a small tract requires subdividing

Zoning

Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission (staff to the Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission)

Zoning, rezoning, special exceptions and site plans for unincorporated Caddo Parish inside the planning area

318.673.6480

505 Travis St Suite 440, Shreveport, LA 71101

Zoning

Caddo Parish Unified Development Code (published by the Metropolitan Planning Commission)

Zoning districts, RV rules, accessory dwelling units and manufactured home standards inside the parish planning area

Septic permits

Caddo Parish Health Unit (Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health)

Local office for state onsite sewage (septic) permits in Caddo Parish

(318) 676-5222

1035 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101

Septic permits

Louisiana Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater rules, installer licensing, and the parish sanitarians who issue permits

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Caddo Parish, LA?

Yes. Caddo Parish, Louisiana requires a permit for most construction and remodeling, including most electrical, plumbing and HVAC work; painting, flooring and listed code exemptions may not require one¹. This parish process excludes projects within Greenwood and Oil City¹. The City of Shreveport's Division of Permits and Inspections issues parish building and trade permits².

Permitted work may need one or several inspections, depending on the project and applicable code¹⁴. Caddo Parish Public Works also requires a development permit to build in the parish, and a structure built or moved onto land needs one when it is larger than 20 feet by 30 feet⁶¹⁵. Building in a flood hazard area requires an elevation certificate⁶.

A homeowner may apply for a residential building permit, but registered and licensed contractors must perform all electrical, plumbing and HVAC work³. Residential work valued over $7,500 also requires a Louisiana Homeowner’s Exemption from Licensure³.

Who is the Caddo Parish building department, and how do you reach them?

The City of Shreveport Division of Permits and Inspections handles building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits for Caddo Parish². The division is at 505 Travis St. Government Plaza, Suite 130, Shreveport, LA 71101, phone 318-673-6100². Apply, pay and request inspections through My Government Online². Permit applications generally need a site plan, construction plans, a statement of work and, when a contractor applies, a copy of the contract; approval waits until requested documents are attached¹⁶. Permits issue after the plans and specifications are reviewed and approved and payment is made¹⁶.

Permit fees vary with project scale, and starting work without a permit doubles the permit fee and can bring other penalties¹⁷. Caddo Parish Public Works' Permits Department at 318-226-6949 handles 911 addresses, culvert permits and right-of-way permits through online-only submissions¹⁸. Flood-zone questions go to Public Works at (318) 226-6934⁶.

Does Caddo Parish have zoning?

Yes, in part. The Caddo Parish Unified Development Code applies to land within the Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission's planning area, and the Metropolitan Planning Commission keeps the official planning-area boundary⁷⁹. Parish Public Works describes the MPC area as five miles outside Shreveport's city limits⁶. The Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission, created by ordinance in 2022, hears planning and zoning matters in that area and makes recommendations to the Caddo Parish Commission⁸. Louisiana law lets parish governments zone their territory¹⁹²⁰.

For land beyond the planning area, we could not confirm what zoning applies; ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission (318.673.6480) whether your parcel is inside the planning limits before you buy⁸.

Inside the planning area, zoning decides where manufactured homes go: they may only be placed in districts the Use Matrix allows, and a district marked "E" needs a special exception approved by the Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission⁹. Adding a second house is also regulated parishwide: a tract under five acres must be subdivided first, so call the Caddo permits department to see whether you have enough land¹¹.

How do septic permits work in Caddo Parish?

Septic systems in Caddo Parish are permitted by the Louisiana Department of Health, not the parish: no one may install, alter or operate an individual sewerage system without a permit from the state health officer⁴²¹. Sanitarians in each parish health unit run that permit system; in Caddo Parish, that is the Caddo Parish Health Unit at 1035 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, (318) 676-5222²²⁵.

Louisiana allows a septic system only where community sewer is not available, and the state must decide that a sewer connection is not feasible before issuing a permit²³¹⁰. A mechanical treatment plant is allowed only when a conventional system would not work²⁴. That matters here: only 13.6% of Caddo Parish's soils avoid NRCS's "very limited" rating for a conventional drain field, so expect a careful site review and possibly an individual mechanical treatment plant²⁵²⁴. Final approval comes after an inspection or the licensed installer's certification, which is due within 15 days of completion²⁶. Lots in a formal subdivision need a recorded plat approved by the Office of Public Health for individual sewerage¹⁰.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Caddo Parish?

Not in an RV, inside the planning area: the Caddo Parish Unified Development Code says no recreational vehicle may be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping in any district, or be hooked up to public utilities⁹. For land outside the planning area, we could not confirm the rule, so ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission and Caddo Parish Public Works before buying land to live on in an RV⁸¹⁵.

A tiny home built as a real dwelling needs the same permits as any house, including the Shreveport building permit and the parish development permit²⁶. As a second unit, the UDC allows no more than one accessory dwelling unit per lot; a detached ADU can be a prefabricated or shipping-container structure if it meets the International Residential Code, and it cannot exceed 60% of the main house's floor area or 1,800 square feet, whichever is less⁹. On a tract under five acres, a second residence also means subdividing¹¹.

A manufactured home placed outside a park must sit on a concrete slab or runway and meet the code's design standards⁹.

Building a home in Caddo Parish: what are the steps, in order?

Ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission whether the parcel is inside the planning area and what its zoning is⁸⁹.
Check the flood zone with Caddo Parish Public Works at (318) 226-6934; get an elevation certificate if the site is in a flood hazard area⁶.
Get a 911 address and any culvert or right-of-way permit for the driveway from the Public Works Permits Department, online only¹⁸.
Without community sewer, apply for a septic permit at the Caddo Parish Health Unit⁵¹⁰.
Submit the site plan, construction plans, statement of work and any required contract copy with the building-permit application through My Government Online¹⁶².
Pay the variable permit fee after the plans and specifications are approved; do not begin early, because the fee doubles when work starts without a permit¹⁶¹⁷.
Schedule every required inspection through the same system¹⁴².
Obtain a full or temporary certificate of occupancy before occupying the completed building or structure²⁷.

What should you check before you buy land in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

Flooding: Caddo Parish Public Works says flooding can occur anywhere in the parish, and it will check whether a parcel outside the MPC area is in a flood zone⁶. Because the parish is in the National Flood Insurance Program, unincorporated residents can buy rate-restricted flood insurance⁶. Development in a regulatory floodway needs a no-rise certification before a permit can issue²⁸.

Soils and sewer: with only 13.6% of soils suited to a conventional drain field, ask the Caddo Parish Health Unit about the lot before you close²⁵⁵.

Zoning and lot size: confirm whether the land is in the planning area, and remember that a second house on under five acres requires subdividing⁸¹¹.

Costs and climate: farmland averages about $4,525 an acre and typical homes about $153,000²⁹³⁰. Property taxes are low, about 0.6% effective, a median of $1,081 a year¹²¹³. Caddo Parish gets about 52 inches of rain a year yet was in severe drought in 17.7% of years, and mid-century projections show about 28 days a year at or above 100°F³¹³²³³. The parish is about 65% wooded and nearly flat, with 99.2% of land at 15% slope or less³⁴³⁵.

Watch-outs

Caddo Parish permits run through two governments: Shreveport issues and inspects the building permit, while the parish reviews every permit for its 911 address and floodplain status³⁶².
A parish development permit is required to build in Caddo Parish, including for structures larger than 20 by 30 feet that are moved onto a lot⁶¹⁵.
Living in an RV is prohibited in every zoning district inside the Caddo Parish planning area, and an RV there may not be hooked up to public utilities⁹.
Putting a second house on a Caddo Parish tract under five acres requires subdividing first¹¹.
A homeowner may pull a residential building permit, but licensed contractors must perform the electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, and work over $7,500 requires a Louisiana Homeowner’s Exemption from Licensure³.

Sources

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Caddo Parish scores

Seclusion33100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.

Admin Boringness4290% ev.

Durability60100% ev.

Property Autonomy44100% ev.

Carry Cost87100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$153kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$4,525Land / acre

52.2"Annual rain

17.7% of yrsSevere drought

27.9 / yr (+21.5)Mid-century 100°F days

19.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.39" (+4.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.4×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,838Home insurance / yr

3.2% / yrInsurance growth

0.81%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

357,011People within 30 min

1,919,639People within 2 hr

138,089Radius comparison (15 mi)

257.4People / sq mi

0.3%Federal land

99.2%Land at 15% slope or less

13.6%Septic soil without severe limits

64,744 acWorkable land screen

65.2%Wooded land

41.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

65.6°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Caddo Parish

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Caddo Parish rules

Building permitRequired
Construction in Caddo Parish, except projects within Greenwood and Oil City municipal limits.
- A permit is required for most construction and remodeling projects.
- Painting, flooring, and listed code exemptions may not require permits.
- Greenwood and Oil City projects are excluded from the parish-wide process.
“A permit is required for most construction and remodeling projects. This includes most electrical, plumbing and HVAC work.”
Your Guide to Permits & Inspections MPC ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A homeowner applying for a residential building permit in Caddo Parish.
- The owner may apply for the building permit.
- All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work must be performed by registered and licensed contractors.
- Residential work valued over $7,500 requires a Louisiana Homeowner’s Exemption from Licensure.
- Commercial projects over $50,000 require a licensed contractor.
residential work threshold for homeowner exemption: > 7500 USD (A Homeowner’s Exemption from Licensure is required.) · commercial licensed-contractor threshold: > 50000 USD
“Please note that if you the homeowner pull the permit that all residential work valued over $7,500.00 requires a Homeowner’s Exemption from Licensure as required by the State of Louisiana.”
Your Guide to Permits & Inspections MPC ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Permitted construction and remodeling in Caddo Parish.
- The Division schedules inspection activities and tracks inspection data.
- Specific inspection requirements vary by project and applicable code.
“Depending on the work you are doing, the inspection process could require one inspection or multiple inspections.”
Permits & Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Businesses and occupied buildings or structures in Caddo Parish, including home-based businesses.
- A certificate is required before applying for an occupational/business license.
- The source states a $75 home-based fee and $125 commercial-location fee; outside Shreveport city limits there is no fee.
- The certificate may be applied for after building permits are finalized.
- A full or temporary certificate must be issued before occupancy.
home-based business certificate fee: 75 USD · commercial location certificate fee: 125 USD
“It shall be unlawful to occupy any building or structure unless a full, or temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
Guidelines for Opening a Business ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Building permits administered for Caddo Parish construction.
- Fees are established by city ordinance and vary based on project scale.
- If work begins without a permit, the permit fee will be doubled and other penalties may be imposed.
- A downtown development district fee waiver described in the source applies to qualifying Shreveport buildings and does not exempt permits, approvals, plan reviews, or inspections.
“Permit fees are established by City ordinance and vary based on the scale of the project. If work begins without a permit, the permit fee will be doubled and other penalties may be imposed.”
Building Permits FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building permit applications in Caddo Parish, except Greenwood and Oil City municipal limits.
- Applications may be submitted online through MGO.
- Required documents generally include a site plan, construction plans, statement of work, and contract copy when submitted by a contractor.
- Applications are not approved until requested documents are attached.
- Permits issue after plans and specifications are reviewed, approved, and payment is made.
“Permits are issued as soon as all plans and specifications have been reviewed, approved, and payment is made.”
Your Guide to Permits & Inspections MPC ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
The Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission hears zoning and land-use matters for the unincorporated areas of the parish within the adopted Planning Limits.
Shreveport-Caddo MPC - Parish Planning and Zoning Board ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Louisiana rules that apply here

Building code adoptedAdopted
The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, including the International Residential Code, applies statewide to regulated construction, including new residential construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations.
- The International Residential Code enforcement described by the statute is mandatory only for new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations.
- Appendix J, Existing Buildings and Structures, may be adopted and enforced only at the option of a parish, municipality, or regional planning commission.
- The statute excludes Part I-Administration and VIII-Electrical from the International Residential Code adoption described in the excerpt.
- The council's initial code became effective January 1, 2007.
- The statute page identifies an amendment effective July 1, 2026.
extensive alteration threshold: > >50 percent of dwelling-unit area (The statute defines an extensive alteration as one where the total area of all work areas exceeds fifty percent of the dwelling unit.) · initial code effective date: 2007-01-01 · listed amendment effective date: 2026-07-01
“The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state.”
RS 40:1730.28. Mandatory adoption of nationally recognized codes and standards as the state uniform construction code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Construction regulated by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code statewide.
  “The commission shall evaluate, adopt, and amend only the latest editions of all of the following as the Uniform Construction Code:”
  Louisiana Revised Statutes § 40:1730.28 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Partial — The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code's statewide adoption of the International Building Code and its referenced standards for construction in Louisiana.
  “(1) International Building Code, not including Parts I-Administrative, and Chapter 27-Electrical. The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state. The appendices of that code may be adopted as needed, but the specific appendix or appendices shall be referenced by name or letter designation at the time of adoption.”
  Louisiana Revised Statutes § 40:1730.28 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted — The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, including the International Residential Code, regulates construction statewide and applies to new residential construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the code, and extensive alterations.
  “The International Residential Code, not including Part I-Administration and VIII-Electrical. The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state. The enforcement of such standards shall be mandatory only with respect to new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations; however, a municipality, parish, or regional planning commission may enforce Appendix J of the code at its option.”
  RS 40:1730.28 — Mandatory adoption of nationally recognized codes and standards as the state uniform construction code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
Louisiana's statutory zoning framework: parish governing authorities may create zoning districts, while local authority over land-use and zoning requirements is reserved to parishes or municipalities.
- The statute does not publish a statewide map or a complete list of actual district boundaries.
- District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of land and structure within a district, but may differ between districts.
- Actual zoning districts and ordinances must be obtained from the applicable parish or municipality.
“the governing authority of a parish may divide the parish into districts of such number, shape, and area as may be deemed best suited”
Louisiana Laws — creation of parish zoning districts ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; the state authorizes municipalities to regulate the size of structures, which may include dwelling-size standards, but does not establish one statewide minimum dwelling size in this provision.
- Any actual minimum dwelling-size requirement must be found in the applicable municipality's zoning ordinance or district regulations.
- Local zoning ordinances remain subject to the judicial-review standards stated in the statute.
“size of structures”
RS 33:4721 — Regulation of size and use of buildings ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Certain subdivisions outside incorporated areas consisting of single-family lots owned by one owner or co-owners, subject to the parish and population exclusions in R.S. 33:106.1(A).
- Minimum lot area is 22,500 square feet.
- Minimum frontage is 125 feet.
- For nonrectangular lots with less than 125 feet frontage, average width must be 125 feet and frontage must be at least 60 feet.
- Lots must support sewage-disposal systems and individual water systems meeting Louisiana Department of Health suitability requirements.
- The statutory planning-commission exemption does not apply in the parishes listed in R.S. 33:106.1(A), municipalities within those parishes, or jurisdictions with a population greater than 300,000.
- The exemption preserves planning-commission authority over utilities, drainage, sewerage disposal, and street-planning dimensions, composition, and alignment.
minimum lot area: >= 22500 square feet · minimum frontage: >= 125 feet (Nonrectangular lots may have less than 125 feet frontage only if average width is 125 feet and frontage is at least 60 feet.)
“minimum square footage of twenty-two thousand five hundred square feet, with a minimum width of one hundred twenty-five feet of frontage”
RS 33:106.1 — Planning commissions; exempt subdivisions; septic tanks and field drains permitted ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; municipalities may regulate the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, which can include setbacks.
- The applicable setback is determined by the local zoning ordinance and district.
- No statewide numerical setback is established by the cited statute.
“size of yards, courts, and other open spaces”
RS 33:4721 — Regulation of size and use of buildings ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; municipalities may regulate the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.
- The applicable lot-coverage percentage is determined by the local zoning ordinance and district.
- No statewide numerical lot-coverage limit is established by the cited statute.
“percentage of lot that may be occupied”
RS 33:4721 — Regulation of size and use of buildings ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; municipalities may regulate building height and number of stories.
- The applicable height limit is determined by the local zoning ordinance and district.
- No statewide numerical building-height limit is established by the cited statute.
“height, number of stories”
RS 33:4721 — Regulation of size and use of buildings ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Who permits septicState
Statewide regulation of individual sewerage systems in Louisiana.
- The Louisiana sanitary code assigns permitting and approval decisions to the state health officer.
- The rule is promulgated under R.S. 40:4(A)(6) and R.S. 40:5(9)(20).
“A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewerage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation, alteration, or operation of any individual sewerage system in Louisiana, including septic tank systems.
- A permit from the state health officer is required before installation, alteration, or operation.
- Plans and specifications must be approved as part of the permit.
- A temporary installation permit may issue only after the state health officer determines connection to a community-type sewerage system is not feasible and the soil, drainage, lot size/dimensions, and related factors are unlikely to create a nuisance or public health hazard.
- Permits for lots in formal subdivisions require an official recorded plat/property survey filed with and approved by the Office of Public Health for individual sewerage use.
permit stages: two-stage process
“A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewerage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Final approval of individual sewerage system installations in Louisiana.
- Final approval requires verification that the system was installed in compliance with the code.
- Verification may be by an on-site inspection by a representative of the state health officer and/or a completed Certification by Installer from the licensed installer.
- The installer must notify the appropriate local Parish Health Unit before installation.
- The certification must be submitted within 15 days after completion.
certification submission deadline: 15 days after completion
“A final permit approving the installation, shall be issued only upon verification that the individual sewerage system has been installed in compliance with this code. The verification of such installation shall be determined by means of an on-site inspection conducted by a representative of the state health officer and/or in the form of a completed "Certification by Installer" form submitted to the state health officer by the licensed installer.”
Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Use of individual or alternative onsite sewage systems instead of a community-type sewerage system in Louisiana.
- Individual sanitation is allowed only when community-type sewerage is unavailable or connection is not feasible.
- The system requires state-health-officer permitting and approved plans.
- A conventional septic tank system may be used where community sewer is unavailable; an individual mechanical plant may be used only where community sewer is unavailable and the state health officer determines a conventional system would not function properly.
- Innovative systems are limited to no more than three experimental or developmental installations statewide and require specifically approved plans, specifications, testing procedures, and a prior permit.
experimental/developmental installations: <= 3 statewide maximum
“The total number of such installations shall not exceed three throughout the state and shall be approved under the following conditions.”
Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Well permitLimited
New water wells statewide in Louisiana, including wells outside critical groundwater areas, except the types specifically subject to post-installation notification or other exemptions.
- All new water wells must be installed by a licensed water-well drilling contractor and registered through the Department of Transportation and Development within 30 days after completion.
- Unless specifically listed in the exemptions, the owner must submit a water well notification form to the commissioner at least 60 days before installation.
- Before construction begins, the drilling contractor must confirm that the Office of Conservation has received and responded to the installation notification.
- Domestic wells, replacement wells, drilling rig supply wells, drought relief wells, and other wells exempted for just cause are subject to post-installation notification rules rather than the ordinary 60-day prior notification.
- The commissioner reviews prior notifications within 30 days and may impose restrictions, request further information, or take no action; an additional 30-day review period may apply if further information is requested.
- For large-volume wells or wells in a critical area of groundwater concern, the commissioner may fix allowable production, spacing, and metering; for other wells outside a critical area, an order may only fix spacing.
- After written confirmation that no restrictions or further information are required, or when the owner accepts imposed restrictions, the owner need not wait the full 60 days and may begin drilling consistently with the notification and restrictions.
prior notification period: 60 days (Does not apply to well types listed in LAC 43:VI §701.C and D.) · registration deadline after completion: 30 days (The applicable state registration requirement applies to all new water wells.) · additional review period if information requested: 30 days (Additional period begins when the requested information is received.)
“require a water well notification form be submitted to the commissioner by the owner of the well at least 60 days prior to installation.”
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Residential or other individual sewerage-system sites governed by Louisiana Title 51 Part XIII.
- A temporary individual-system permit may not issue until connection to a community-type sewerage system is determined not feasible.
- A septic tank system may be used only where a community-type sewerage system is not available and the applicable code requirements are met.
“Where a community-type sewerage system is not available, a septic tank system may be used provided that the requirements of §§511.B, 701, 703.A, and 705 are complied with.”
Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural-purpose subdivision regulation by parish planning commissions in Louisiana.
- The statutory exclusion applies to parish planning regulations governing subdivision of land in unincorporated territory for purposes other than agricultural.
- Municipal planning commissions are separately authorized to regulate subdivision within their jurisdictions; this claim does not establish a municipal agricultural exemption.
- Other statutory rules may still apply, including utility, drainage, sewerage-disposal, and street-planning requirements for qualifying subdivisions under R.S. 33:106.1.
“Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110, a parish planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within unincorporated territory within its jurisdiction for purposes other than agricultural.”
RS 33:112. Subdivision regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision regulation under Louisiana's statutory framework, administered through parish and municipal planning commissions.
- A parish planning commission must adopt subdivision regulations before exercising its statutory powers; parish regulations apply to subdivision of land in unincorporated territory for purposes other than agricultural.
- A municipal planning commission must adopt regulations before exercising its statutory powers, and municipal regulations apply within the municipality.
- A planning commission generally must approve or disapprove a plat within 60 days, unless the applicant waives the requirement and consents to an extension.
- The statutory framework allows local regulations concerning street arrangement, lot dimensions, utilities, drainage-related utility and sewerage requirements, improvements, and bonds or surety.
- R.S. 33:106.1 limits planning-commission jurisdiction over specified qualifying subdivisions, while preserving requirements for utilities, drainage including sewerage disposal, and street planning dimensions, composition, and alignment.
plat decision period: 60 days (Applicant may waive the requirement and consent to an extension.) · hearing notice: >= 5 days (Notice by certified mail and publication requirements apply; certain public-hearing waivers may be authorized by official subdivision regulations.)
“Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110, a parish planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within unincorporated territory within its jurisdiction for purposes other than agricultural. Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110 a municipal planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
RS 33:112. Subdivision regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Access connections or driveways connecting property to a Louisiana state highway and involving work in LaDOTD right-of-way.
- The requirement applies to state-highway access connections; access to non-state local roads may instead be governed by the local government.
- The permit certificate must be signed and numbered before construction begins.
- Additional design, drainage, traffic-study, inspection, bonding, and restoration conditions may apply.
“Only upon possession of a signed and numbered Access Connection Permit Certificate may the applicant begin construction of an access connection.”
LaDOTD Access Connections Policy ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Proposed development in a regulatory floodway in Louisiana communities using the State of Louisiana no-rise certification guidance.
- A no-rise certification with supporting technical data may be submitted when modeling shows 0.00 feet rise.
- If the project causes a rise, it must be modified, compensated for, or proceed through a floodway revision.
- Floodway revision requests must come from the community and be obtained before permit issuance and development.
- The community official must review and approve the supporting data and engineering certification before issuing a permit.
permitted modeled rise for no-rise certification: 0 feet
“Requests for floodway revisions must come from the community and be obtained prior to the issuance of a permit and proceeding with the development.”
State of Louisiana No Rise Certification Guidance ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Campground & park staysProhibited
Overnight camping on Louisiana public property that is not a designated campground.
- The prohibition applies to public property owned or controlled by the state or any local or political subdivision.
- Designated campgrounds are excluded from the prohibition.
- Violation may result in a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
- The statute states an effective date of June 9, 2026.
maximum fine: <= 500 USD · maximum imprisonment: <= 6 months
“Unauthorized camping on public property is the intentional use of any tent [...] to permit overnight use on public property that is not a designated campground.”
RS 14:107.6. Unauthorized camping on public property ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Temporary stays at facilities operated or reserved through the Louisiana Office of State Parks.
  “Reservations are required in advance of a visit to a park area if a visitor expects the Office of State Parks to hold a facility for their use. If a facility is not reserved, it can be rented at any time, for up to 14 consecutive nights or 15 consecutive days.”
  Louisiana Office of State Parks Policy and Procedure Memorandum #6 — Reservation Changes and Refunds ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Louisiana parish governing authorities' zoning authority over parish land, including unincorporated areas, under the statewide parish zoning enabling subpart.
- The general parish zoning authorization excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster Parishes.
- A parish may divide the parish into zoning districts, and regulations may differ between districts but must be uniform for each class or kind of land and structure within each district.
- Zoning regulations must comply with the required comprehensive plan.
- No regulation becomes effective until after a public hearing.
- Notice must be published once a week in three different weeks in the official parish journal, with at least fifteen days between first publication and hearing.
- At least ten days before the hearing, the parish must make a good-faith attempt to notify owners of record by certified mail; when more than ten parcels are zoned or rezoned, official-journal advertisement is adequate notice.
- To use the powers of the subpart, the parish governing authority must appoint a zoning commission, which must hold a public hearing and issue its final report before the governing authority holds its public hearings or acts.
excluded parishes: Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster · publication interval: 3 different weeks · minimum elapsed time before hearing: >= 15 days · owner notice deadline: >= 10 days before hearing (Good-faith certified-mail notice; official-journal advertisement is adequate when more than ten parcels are zoned or rezoned.)
“For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the community, the governing authorities of parishes, other than the parishes of Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster, or their duly created boards of adjustment are hereby authorized to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of structures; the percentage of lots that may be occupied; courts and other open spaces; the density of population; and the location and use of the buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
RS 33:4780.40 — Regulation authorized ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Louisiana parish governing authorities adopting zoning regulations affecting parish territory, including unincorporated areas.
  “the governing authorities of parishes, other than the parishes of Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster, or their duly created boards of adjustment are hereby authorized”
  La. R.S. 33:4780.40 — Regulation authorized ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Louisiana parishes may enforce the statewide construction codes and administer building-code enforcement, including permits and inspections, in unincorporated areas.
- Parishes must enforce only the construction codes provided in the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Part.
- Enforcement includes plan review, inspections, and issuance, denial, or revocation of permits.
- Each parish must appoint a council-certified building official or contract for those services so the unincorporated area is under the jurisdiction of a certified building official.
- A parish may use a certified building inspector instead of a certified building official for no more than four years from the date the state uniform construction code becomes effective in the parish.
- The statute preserves federal manufactured-housing requirements and Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission jurisdiction for manufactured-home construction, installation, service, renovation, repair, and warranty work.
- The statute page identifies an amendment effective July 1, 2026.
temporary certified-inspector period: <= 4 years (Measured from the date the state uniform construction code becomes effective in the parish or municipality.)
“all municipalities and parishes in this state shall enforce only the construction codes provided for in this Part.”
RS 40:1730.23. Enforcement of building codes by municipalities and parishes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Louisiana parishes' authority and duty to enforce the state construction codes, including residential construction codes, through building-code enforcement officers or certified third-party providers.
  “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary relating to the authority of local governments to enforce construction codes, all municipalities and parishes in this state shall enforce only the construction codes provided for in this Part. All municipalities and parishes shall use building code enforcement officers or certified third-party providers contracted by the municipality, parish, or regional planning commission to act in the capacity of a building code enforcement officer to enforce the provisions of this Part.”
  RS 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes by municipalities, parishes, and the fire marshal ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Local zoning — Local zoning in Caddo Parish, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Caddo Parish.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Caddo Parish.
Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Caddo Parish.
Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Caddo Parish.

2 more unanswered

Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Is Caddo Parish a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Caddo Parish scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics: 52.2″/yr rainfall and 65.2% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 357,011 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

Caddo Parish generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Louisiana Department of Health - Office of Public Health (Onsite Wastewater / Sanitarian Services), Caddo Parish office. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

Land in Caddo Parish runs about $4,525 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Caddo Parish?

Caddo Parish gets about 52.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.7% of years.

How remote is Caddo Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 357,011 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,919,639 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Caddo Parish, Louisiana

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Caddo Parish, LA?

Who is the Caddo Parish building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Caddo Parish have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Caddo Parish?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Caddo Parish?

Building a home in Caddo Parish: what are the steps, in order?

What should you check before you buy land in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

Watch-outs

Sources

Caddo Parish in Louisiana

How Caddo Parish scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Caddo Parish

Caddo Parish rules

Louisiana rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Is Caddo Parish a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

How much does land cost in Caddo Parish, Louisiana?

What is the water situation in Caddo Parish?

How remote is Caddo Parish?

How Caddo compares in Louisiana