Bolthole Index

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

41Index Score / 100
#63 of 64 in Louisiana

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit for new residential construction and administers parish zoning1,2. Individual sewerage systems require a Louisiana Department of Health permit before installation, alteration or operation3. Start with the parish Department of Community Development, and involve state health officials early if public sewer is unavailable4,5.

Do you need a building permit in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana?

Yes.

Yes. St. Bernard Parish requires a building permit for new residential construction and elevation construction, and every building permit carries a $20 processing fee in addition to the applicable permit charge1,9. The parish administers building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes, although the available parish material does not identify every current code edition or permit exemption10.

A homeowner building without a licensed contractor must submit an affidavit claiming exemption from contractor licensure; the exemption does not remove the parish building-permit requirement1. Ask Safety & Permits which trade permits and plan documents apply before work begins4.

Who handles St. Bernard Parish building permits?

The St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development assists with permitting, building and code enforcement, while its Safety & Permits Division handles building-code inspections and permitting.

The St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development assists with permitting, building and code enforcement, while its Safety & Permits Division handles building-code inspections and permitting4. The office is at 8201 W Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043, and its phone number is 504-278-43104. Applicants can create a customer-portal account to apply and pay online; the parish publishes separate resources for building, zoning, subdivision, variance, zoning-change, conditional-use, coastal-use and levee-district applications10.

For zoning questions, contact the St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division at 504-278-42976. The division processes zoning changes, zoning-compliance letters, conditional uses, variances and new subdivisions6. St. Bernard Parish regulates new and minor subdivisions through Planning & Zoning11.

Does St. Bernard Parish have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. St. Bernard Parish administers zoning changes, compliance letters, conditional uses, variances and new subdivisions through its Planning & Zoning Division2. The parish address viewer includes zoning, future-land-use, flood-zone, parcel, overlay-district and piling-area layers, making it a useful first check before contacting Planning & Zoning6.

The published residential schedule includes single-family, two-family, multifamily, mobile-home and mobile-home-trailer-park districts, so similar-looking parcels can allow different uses12. Minimum lot sizes and setbacks vary by residential zoning district, and later amendments mean current numbers and exceptions should be confirmed from the enacted ordinance for the parcel12. We could not confirm one parishwide minimum dwelling size or lot-coverage number. Ask Planning & Zoning to check the parcel's district and overlays6.

How do septic permits work in St. Bernard Parish?

An individual sewerage system in St. Bernard Parish requires a permit from the Louisiana state health officer before installation, alteration or operation.

An individual sewerage system in St. Bernard Parish requires a permit from the Louisiana state health officer before installation, alteration or operation3. Louisiana Department of Health sanitarians in parish health units operate the local onsite-treatment permitting system13. A septic system may be used only where community sewer is unavailable and the applicable code requirements are met3.

Final approval requires verification that the installation complies with the sanitary code, through an onsite inspection, installer certification or both3. No mapped St. Bernard Parish soil is rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field8. That rating does not by itself prohibit a system, but it makes early site evaluation and system planning especially important. Confirm sewer availability before assuming an onsite system is an option3.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in St. Bernard Parish?

We could not confirm a general St. Bernard Parish rule allowing long-term RV occupancy on private land, temporary private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy.

We could not confirm a general St. Bernard Parish rule allowing long-term RV occupancy on private land, temporary private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy. Ask the Planning & Zoning Division whether the proposed use is allowed in the parcel's specific district and whether a conditional use, variance or other approval is needed6. The parish's residential schedule includes mobile-home districts, but that does not allow an RV or tiny home on every residential parcel12.

Manufactured homes have a defined parish process: submit the application, recorded titles, site plan, dimensions and wind-zone specifications before placement, then obtain required trade, flood-elevation, sewer or septic, and tie-down approvals before meter release13. A short-term rental also requires a parish application; rentals shorter than 30 consecutive days carry a $500 yearly fee and supporting-document requirements14.

What are the steps to build a home in St. Bernard Parish?

Use the parish address viewer, then ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, overlays, allowed residential use and dimensional rules.

  1. Use the parish address viewer, then ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, overlays, allowed residential use and dimensional rules6.
  2. Confirm public water and sewer availability; if community sewer is unavailable, contact the Louisiana Department of Health about onsite-system permitting and site review3,5.
  3. Ask the local building official for the parcel's flood zone and elevation standards; all new construction must meet standards set by its FEMA flood zone15.
  4. Create a customer-portal account to apply, pay and submit the materials required for the permit type4,10.
  5. Budget the valuation-based permit charge plus the $20 processing fee, then obtain applicable trade permits and inspections4,9.
  6. If access connects to a Louisiana state highway, obtain a signed and numbered state access permit before driveway construction16.
  7. Schedule electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical and final building inspections with Community Development; the work must be approved before finals, and elevation construction receives a certificate of occupancy after all final inspections1,17.

What should you check before buying land in St. Bernard Parish?

Start with zoning, sewer service and flood exposure.

Start with zoning, sewer service and flood exposure. Planning & Zoning can confirm the parcel's district, district-specific lot size and setbacks, and whether a proposed subdivision or conditional use needs review6,12. Louisiana permits an individual sewerage system only when community sewer is unavailable and code requirements are met, while no mapped parish soil is rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field3,8.

St. Bernard Parish says every parish property is vulnerable to flooding and directs parcel-specific flood-zone, base-elevation, floodway and drainage-history questions to the local building official15. For a manufactured home, septic approval or an inspected public-sewer hookup and an approved tie-down inspection are required before meter release; driveways and sidewalks must be installed by the tie-down inspection where required13. For a private well, Louisiana requires a licensed driller and state registration after completion; notification timing varies by well type7. A driveway onto a state highway needs a state access permit before construction16.

Watch-outs

  • No mapped St. Bernard Parish soil is rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm sewer availability and onsite-system feasibility before buying3,8.
  • St. Bernard Parish says every property in the parish is vulnerable to flooding; ask the local building official for parcel-specific flood-zone, elevation, floodway and drainage information15.
  • Long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping and tiny-home occupancy were not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and proposed use6.

Sources

17 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 3, 2026

  1. New Residential Construction Checklist
  2. Planning & Zoning Division
  3. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule)
  4. St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development (sbpg.net)
  5. Louisiana Department of Health — Onsite Wastewater Program (ldh.la.gov)
  6. Planning & Zoning Division
  7. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule)
  8. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  9. Building Permit Fees
  10. sbpg.net
  11. Planning & Zoning Division
  12. Public Notice - St. Bernard Parish Council Meeting; Chapter 22 Zoning
  13. Manufactured Home Permit Checklist
  14. Short-Term Rental Application
  15. St. Bernard Parish Flood Risk Information (sbpg.net)
  16. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule)
  17. Elevation Permit Checklist

Written October 3, 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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, St. Bernard Parish requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSt. Bernard ParishOrleans ParishPlaquemines ParishJefferson ParishSt. Tammany ParishSt. Charles ParishLafourche Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsLDHLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthParish Dept. of Env. ServicesParish Health UnitLA Dept. of Health

County locator

St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana

41
County map
St. Bernard Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How St. Bernard Parish scores

41 / 100 · #63 of 64 in Louisiana · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion57100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1793% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$209kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,086Land / acre
62.6"Annual rain
7.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.6 / yr (+1.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
3.49" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$3,096Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
2.41%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
143Radius comparison (15 mi)
117.8People / sq mi
4.6%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
7.4%Wooded land
6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
69.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for St. Bernard Parish

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

St. Bernard Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New residential construction and elevation construction in St. Bernard Parish.

    • New residential construction requires the listed application materials to obtain a building permit.
    • Elevation construction likewise requires a building permit.
    • Private-sewerage areas require a preliminary letter from the State Health Department.
    • Homeowners building without a licensed contractor must submit an affidavit claiming exemption from licensure.
    “The following must be submitted to the Department of Community Development to obtain a building permit for NEW residential construction:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners constructing new residential buildings without a licensed contractor.

    • The exemption is from contractor licensure, not a blanket exemption from the parish building-permit process.
    • The homeowner must submit an affidavit claiming exemption from licensure.
    “Homeowners building without a licensed contractor must submit an affidavit claiming exemption from licensure.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Parish building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes.

    • The current code editions and the full current Chapter 5 permit exemptions were not established from the opened official material.
    “This is accomplished through adoption, implementation and enforcement of building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes administered by the Parish Department of Community Development.
      “adoption, implementation and enforcement of building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and final building work associated with permitted construction.

    • The work must be inspected and approved before finals are issued.
    • All inspections must be scheduled with the Department of Community Development.
    • Elevation construction requires submission of a finished elevation certificate before scheduling the final building inspection.
    “The work must be inspected and approved before any finals are issued. All inspections must be scheduled with the Department of Community Development (504) 278-4310.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Elevation construction and permitted building work where final approval is required.

    • For elevation construction, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all final inspections are completed.
    • The building-fee schedule states that the fee includes Certificate of Use and Occupancy and Compliance for building permits.
    “Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after all final inspections are completed.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning administration in St. Bernard Parish.

    • Specific zoning districts, dimensional standards, variances, and conditional uses may apply.
    “The Division of Planning and Zoning processes applications for zoning changes, zoning compliance letters, conditional uses, zoning variances, and new subdivisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Parish zoning program and mapped zoning districts.
      “The Safety and Permits Division processes applications and issues permits for both residential and commercial construction. The Division handles and schedules all building code inspections and oversees code compliance for the Parish. [...] St. Bernard Parish Zoning Map”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Parish-level zoning and land-use administration across St. Bernard Parish.

    • This claim concerns the parish government’s own zoning system, not a claim that the parish administers municipal zoning outside its authority.
    • Zoning changes, conditional uses, variances, and compliance letters are processed by the parish Planning and Zoning Division.
    “The Division of Planning and Zoning processes applications for zoning changes, zoning compliance letters, conditional uses, zoning variances, and new subdivisions.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published parish zoning-district information and zoning-map resources.

    • The parish planning page links to a St. Bernard Parish Zoning Map and an address viewer containing zoning layers.
    • The cited sources do not reproduce the complete district schedule or all dimensional standards.
    “St. Bernard Parish Address Viewer: Contains layers that include Zoning, Future Land Use, FEMA Flood Zones 2017, Parcels, Council Districts, Grass Cutting Zones, Overlay Districts, and Piling Areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Primary structures in R-1 or R-2 zoning, or a single- or two-family use regardless of zoning district, in St. Bernard Parish.

    • For regulation-sized lots, minimum living area is 35 percent of allowable building area, capped at a maximum required area of 1,600 square feet.
    • For nonconforming lots, minimum living area is 45 percent of allowable building area, capped at a maximum required area of 1,600 square feet.
    • The ordinance defines living area as under-roof, climate-controlled occupied areas.
    • Allowable building area is total lot square footage minus required yard setbacks.

    minimum living area on regulation-sized lots: 35 percent of allowable building area (Maximum required square footage is 1,600 square feet.) · minimum living area on nonconforming lots: 45 percent of allowable building area (Maximum required square footage is 1,600 square feet.) · maximum required living area: <= 1600 square feet (Applies to the stated 35-percent and 45-percent minimum-living-area requirements.)

    “R-1 and R-2 zoned or single- or two-family use, regardless of zoning district, primary structures on regulation sized lots shall have a minimum living area”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts governed by Chapter 22, Section 22-5-3 of the St. Bernard Parish Code of Ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by residential zoning district.
    • The March 21, 2017 minutes establish adoption of an amendment to the residential bulk-and-area requirements, but do not reproduce the operative numeric schedule.
    • A later official archive identifies a December 2022 amendment to Chapter 22, Section 22-5-2.3, so current numeric requirements and exceptions require checking the enacted ordinance text.
    “Minimum Lot Requirements Frontage 60' 60' 60' 60' (7) 60' 30' Lot area - sq. ft. 6,500 3,000(2) 6,500(3) 6500 6,500 (7) 6,500 3,500”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts governed by Chapter 22, Section 22-5-3 of the St. Bernard Parish Code of Ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by residential zoning district.
    • The March 21, 2017 minutes establish adoption of an amendment to residential bulk-and-area requirements, but do not reproduce the operative setback table.
    • A later official archive identifies a December 2022 amendment to Chapter 22, Section 22-5-2.3, so current numeric setbacks and exceptions require checking the enacted ordinance text.
    “Minimum Yard Requirements Front yard depth 20'(1) 20'(1) 18'(6) 18'(1) (1) 10'(1) (1) Side yard (total) 10' 10' 10' 10' 16' 10' 12' Side yard (per side) 10'/3(4) 3' 5' 5' 8' 3' 6'”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of a recreational vehicle or travel trailer for temporary or permanent residence or recreation in St. Bernard Parish.

    • An RV or travel trailer may not be used for temporary or permanent residence or recreation outside a designated and permitted RV park.
    • Temporary worker housing is a conditional use subject to Parish Council approval under section 22-6-2.1.
    • Temporary worker housing is permitted in an I1 zone pending Parish Council approval, requires an occupational license from the landowner, and is subject to local hotel/motel taxes.
    • For temporary worker housing, an RV may be used only as temporary worker occupancy for work-related living quarters, for no more than 180 days, and only in a temporary worker housing area.
    • The RV must be fully licensed and ready for highway use; this means it is on wheels or a jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and securing devices, and has no permanently attached additions.
    • The adopted ordinance limits a temporary worker housing area to five or fewer RVs, requires a 30-by-60-foot minimum stall, and limits density to five stalls per approved area.

    temporary worker RV occupancy duration: <= 180 days (Only for work-related temporary occupancy in a temporary worker housing area.) · maximum RVs in temporary worker housing: <= 5 RVs (Per approved area.) · minimum temporary-worker RV stall size: 30 feet × 60 feet

    “No use of any recreational vehicle or travel trailer for temporary or permanent residence or recreation shall be permitted outside”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes on property.

    • A completed application, recorded titles, site plan, structure dimensions, and manufacturer wind-zone specifications must be submitted before placement.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and gas work must be inspected and approved before meters are released.
    • A flood elevation certificate, septic approval or sewer hookup approval, and tie-down inspection may be required before meter release.
    “THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO PLACING A MANUFACTURED HOME ON PROPERTY:”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility meter release and sewerage connections for permitted manufactured homes.

    • For septic properties, final State Health Department approval is required before meter release.
    • For public sewerage, a parish-licensed plumber must file the hookup, and the hookup must be inspected and approved before meter release.
    • A tie-down inspection must also be scheduled and approved before meter release.
    “For property utilizing public sewerage, a St. Bernard Parish Licensed Plumber must file for the sewerage hook-up. The hook-up .must be inspected and approved by this Department before any meters are released.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    New subdivisions and minor subdivisions in St. Bernard Parish.

    • Subdivision applications are processed by the parish Planning and Zoning Division.
    • The parish ordinance archive identifies Appendix A subdivision regulations and subdivision-of-land procedures.
    “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX A- SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS; SECTION 2, SUBDIVISION OF LAND PROCEDURE; SUBSECTION 2.7, SUBDIVISION OF LOT NEXT DOOR PROPERTIES OF THE ST. BERNARD PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and sidewalk requirements associated with manufactured-home tie-down inspections.

    • Driveways and sidewalks must be in place at the tie-down inspection where required.
    “Where required, driveway and sidewalks must be in place at the time of the tie-down inspection.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction in St. Bernard Parish, with standards determined by FEMA flood zone.

    • The parish states that all new construction must meet standards set by the FEMA flood zone.
    • The parish has adopted a floodplain management ordinance and maintains floodplain managers.
    “The Parish Government has adopted numerous flood mitigation strategies, including but not limited to: designing an official floodplain management ordinance and hazard mitigation plan, maintaining floodplain managers on staff, and requiring all new construction to meet standards set by the FEMA flood zone.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental primary structures in St. Bernard Parish.

    • The parish application identifies short-term rentals as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
    • The application states they may be subject to hotel tax.
    • The application lists a $500 yearly STR fee.
    • Supplemental requirements include recorded titles, site and floor plans, home inspection, proof of insurance, and occupational license.

    maximum rental duration: < 30 consecutive days · yearly STR fee: 500 USD

    “SHORT-TERM RENTAL PRIMARY STRUCTURES ARE RENTED FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. MAY BE SUBJECT TO HOTEL TAX.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Parish building permits and related permit categories.

    • Building permit fees are calculated by project value: $6.00 per M for $0-$10,000; $5.00 per M for $10,001-$30,000; $4.00 per M for $30,001-$300,000; and $3.00 per M for $300,000+.
    • A $20.00 processing fee applies to all building permits.
    • The schedule includes the cost of Certificate of Use and Occupancy and Compliance for Building Permits.
    • Additional listed fees include $60 mobile-home, $250 demolition, $50 residential re-inspection, $100 commercial re-inspection, and $160 coastal permits.
    • The fee schedule must be made public at least two weeks before enactment and revised at least every twelve months.
    • For Parish Government or another local governmental agency, the building permit must be secured without payment of fee.

    building permit fee, project value $0-$10,000: per 6 USD per thousand dollars · building permit fee, project value $10,001-$30,000: per 5 USD per thousand dollars · building permit fee, project value $30,001-$300,000: per 4 USD per thousand dollars · building permit fee, project value over $300,000: per 3 USD per thousand dollars · building permit processing fee: 20 USD · mobile home fee: 60 USD · demolition fee: 250 USD · residential re-inspection fee: 50 USD · commercial re-inspection fee: 100 USD · coastal permit fee: 160 USD

    “Building Permit Fees $0 to $10,000 - $6.00 per M $10,001 to $30,000 - $5.00 per M $30,001 to $300,000 - $4.00 per M $300,000+ - $3.00 per M”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    St. Bernard Parish building and land-use permit application process.

    • Online application and payment are available through the listed customer portal.
    • The parish page provides account-creation steps: go to the portal, click Customer Portal, click New Account, read the phone-number notes, click Next, complete and submit the form, and click Done.
    • The page lists building permit, zoning, subdivision, variance, zoning-change, conditional-use, coastal-use, and levee-district permit resources.
    “Complete the New Account Form and click Submit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Parish permit applications for residential and commercial construction.
      “processes applications and issues permits”

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater approval affecting St. Bernard Parish properties.
      “For property utilizing a septic tank, a final letter of approval from the State Health Department must be submitted prior to release of any meters.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    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”
  • 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.”
    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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in St. Bernard Parish.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in St. Bernard Parish.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in St. Bernard Parish.

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 St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Is St. Bernard Parish a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

St. Bernard Parish scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: strong self-sufficiency basics: 62.6″/yr rainfall with little drought and more administrative friction around building and land use.

How much does land cost in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana?

Land in St. Bernard Parish runs about $2,086 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Bernard Parish?

St. Bernard Parish gets about 62.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.5% of years.

How remote is St. Bernard Parish?

A typical private-land location has about 143 people within 15 miles and 3,119,693 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How St. Bernard compares in Louisiana

Compare side-by-side →See all 64 Louisiana counties ranked →