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 construction12. The parish also has zoning, while individual sewerage systems require a Louisiana Department of Health permit before installation, alteration or operation34. Start with the parish Department of Community Development for building and zoning, and involve state health officials early if public sewer is unavailable56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new residential construction12
Zoning
Yes; confirm the parcel's district and proposed use with Planning & Zoning37
Septic permit
Required from the Louisiana Department of Health before installation, alteration or operation46
Owner-builder
Conditional contractor-licensing exemption for an owner's personal residence; permits and safety rules still apply8
RV or tiny home
Occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel and use7
Private well
A licensed driller and state registration are required; notification timing depends on well type9
Conventional septic soils
No mapped parish soil is rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field10

Who to call

Building permits

St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development

Parish permitting, building and code-enforcement assistance; its Safety & Permits Division handles building-code inspections and permitting

504-278-4310

8201 W Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division

Zoning changes, zoning compliance letters, conditional uses, variances and new subdivisions

504-278-4297

Septic permits

Louisiana Department of Health — Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater rules and permitting through sanitarians in parish health units

225-342-9500

628 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Floodplain permits

St. Bernard Parish Flood Risk Information

Parcel flood-zone, base-flood-elevation, floodway, drainage-history and related flood-risk questions through the local building official

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. St. Bernard Parish requires a building permit for new residential construction, and the application goes to the Department of Community Development12. The parish administers building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes11. Louisiana's statewide residential code applies to regulated new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to that code, and extensive alterations12.

A Louisiana owner-builder exemption can remove the contractor-licensing requirement for an owner supervising construction of a personal residence, subject to an affidavit and the exemption's conditions8. The exemption does not waive the St. Bernard Parish building permit, zoning, health or life-safety rules, and licensable subcontractors remain subject to their licensing requirements8. Ask Safety & Permits which trade permits and plan documents apply to the exact scope before work begins5.

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 permitting5. The office is at 8201 W Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043, and its phone number is 504-278-43105. Parish applications and payments can be started online through MyGovernmentOnline5.

For zoning questions, contact the St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division at 504-278-42977. That division processes zoning changes, zoning-compliance letters, conditional uses, variances and new subdivisions7. Starting with zoning before final design helps establish whether the intended house or land use fits the parcel's district. Safety & Permits processes residential and commercial construction applications and issues permits, but the exact checklist can differ with the project type13.

Does St. Bernard Parish have zoning?

Yes. St. Bernard Parish has an adopted zoning ordinance and a Planning & Zoning Division that processes zoning compliance, changes, variances and conditional uses37. The published residential schedule includes single-family, two-family, multifamily, mobile-home and mobile-home-trailer-park districts, so the zoning label matters even when two parcels look similar on the ground14.

We could not confirm one parishwide minimum dwelling size, setback or lot-coverage number. Those questions should be checked against the parcel's district and any overlay with Planning & Zoning7. We also could not confirm whether any incorporated place applies separate controls, so buyers should give the office the parcel address rather than assume one rule covers every location. If a tract will be split, Planning & Zoning also processes new-subdivision applications7.

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 operation154. Louisiana Department of Health sanitarians in parish health units operate the onsite-treatment permitting system, so use the state program to identify the current local sanitarian contact6. A septic system may be used only where community sewer is unavailable and the applicable code requirements are met16.

Final approval requires verification that the installation complies with the sanitary code, through an onsite inspection, installer certification or both17. No mapped St. Bernard Parish soil is rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field10. 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 option16.

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. 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 needed7. The parish's residential zoning schedule includes distinct mobile-home and mobile-home-trailer-park districts, but that fact alone does not establish that an RV or tiny home can be occupied on any residential parcel14.

Do not use Louisiana's state-park camping limits to answer a private-land question; those limits apply to state-park facilities, not private parcels18. An owner-builder exemption also does not create permission to occupy an RV, tiny home or unpermitted structure; it is a conditional contractor-licensing exemption for an owner's personal residence8.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed residential use, dimensional rules and any subdivision or variance issue37.
  2. Confirm public water and sewer availability; if community sewer is unavailable, contact the Louisiana Department of Health about onsite-system permitting and site review166.
  3. Ask the local building official for the parcel's flood zone, base flood elevation and floodway information before finalizing elevations19.
  4. Submit the new-residential building-permit materials to Community Development through the parish's online process25.
  5. Obtain the applicable trade permits and arrange required code inspections with Safety & Permits115.
  6. If access connects to a Louisiana state highway, obtain a signed and numbered state access permit before driveway construction20.
  7. Complete required inspections before occupancy; confirm the parish's certificate-of-occupancy process directly because we could not confirm its complete local requirements215.

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

Start with zoning, sewer service and flood exposure. Planning & Zoning can confirm the parcel's district, zoning compliance and whether a proposed subdivision or conditional use needs review7. 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 field1610.

Flood review deserves equal weight: 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 official19. For a private well, Louisiana requires a licensed driller and state registration after completion; notification timing varies by well type9. A driveway onto a state highway needs a state access permit before construction20. Finally, obtain parcel-specific tax, flood-insurance and homeowners-insurance quotes before closing.

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 buying1016.
  • 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 information19.
  • Long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping and tiny-home occupancy were not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and proposed use7.

Sources

  1. New Residential Construction Checklist (2026 county census)
  2. New Residential Construction Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  3. St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division (2026 county census)
  4. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development (sbpg.net)
  6. Louisiana Department of Health — Onsite Wastewater Program (ldh.la.gov)
  7. St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division (sbpg.net)
  8. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 37:2157 — Exemptions (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  11. Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  12. RS 40:1730.28. Mandatory adoption of nationally recognized codes and standards as the state uniform construction code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Safety & Permits Division, quoted and re-checked
  14. Public Notice - St. Bernard Parish Council Meeting; Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Louisiana Office of State Parks Policy and Procedure Memorandum #6 — Reservation Changes and Refunds (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. St. Bernard Parish Flood Risk Information (sbpg.net)
  20. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. R.S. 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes by municipalities, parishes, and the fire marshal (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 27, 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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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

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%Septic soil without severe limits
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 in St. Bernard Parish.

    • The checklist requires submission to the Department of Community Development; other construction categories may have separate requirements.
    “obtain a building permit for NEW residential construction:”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes administered by the Parish Department of Community Development.

    • The cited page describes adoption, implementation, and enforcement generally; it does not identify the edition or every amendment.
    “adoption, implementation and enforcement of building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts identified in the opened Chapter 22 schedule.

    • The opened schedule identifies R-1 Single-Family, R-2 Two-Family, R-3 (MD) Multiple-Family Medium Density, R-3 Multifamily, R-1(MS) Mobile Home, R-1(M) Mobile Home Single-Family, and R-4 Mobile Home Trailer Parks.
    “ZONE R-1 Single-Family(5) R-2 Two-Family”
  • Permit processPartial

    Parish permit applications for residential and commercial construction.

    • The Parish directs applicants to apply and pay online; the opened page does not provide the complete procedural checklist for every permit type.
    “processes applications and issues permits”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The parish has an adopted zoning ordinance (Chapter 22) and a Planning & Zoning Division processing zoning compliance, changes, variances and conditional uses.

    St. Bernard Parish Planning & Zoning Division ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owners of property supervising or assuming charge of construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, erection, or maintenance of their personal residence in Louisiana under the contractor-licensing exemption in La. R.S. 37:2157(A)(13).

    • The residence must be the homeowner's personal residence and the homeowner may not build more than one residence per year.
    • The one-year period commences on the date the certificate of occupancy is issued.
    • An owner may build more than one single-family dwelling during a one-year period only when an additional residence results from a change in the owner's legal marital status or employment status requiring relocation to another employment location more than fifty miles from the owner's personal residence.
    • An affidavit of exemption on a form provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors must be provided to obtain the building permit.
    • The owner-builder affidavit states that the house must be maintained as the owner's primary residence after issuance of the certificate of occupancy or completion of construction.
    • The exemption does not exempt licensable subcontractors from applicable licensure requirements.
    • Local and state health and life-safety code requirements continue to apply.
    • The official sources do not state a fee for the exemption or affidavit.

    maximum residences: 1 residence per one-year period (Additional single-family dwelling allowed when a change in legal marital status or employment status requires relocation more than 50 miles from the owner's personal residence.) · relocation distance: > 50 miles (Applies to the employment-relocation exception.) · one-year period start: date of issuance of certificate of occupancy

    “Owners of property who [...] assume charge of the construction [...] of their personal residences, if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Commercial and residential structures subject to Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code enforcement.

    • Inspections are conducted by a building code enforcement officer or certified third-party provider.
    • Except for roofing inspections, the inspector or provider must be present on site.
    • A certified third-party provider may accept location-verified geotagged photographs or videos for required roofing and reroofing inspections.
    • The parish, municipality, regional planning commission, or third-party provider administering the inspection may prescribe lawful fees.
    “For purposes of code enforcement pursuant to this Section, a building code enforcement officer or a certified third-party provider shall conduct all inspections of any commercial or residential structure and for all inspections, other than roofing inspections, shall be present on site for such inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    New residential construction in a parish or municipality enforcing the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, particularly where a residential mortgage lender is involved.

    • The statute expressly addresses a certificate of occupancy issued by a local building official or third-party provider for new residential construction.
    • Upon receipt of that certificate, a lender providing a residential mortgage loan must file a copy in the parish conveyance records.
    • The homeowner must provide the lender a copy.
    • The lender may assess only a reasonable filing charge not exceeding the amount charged by the parish for filing the document.
    • If the construction-code provisions cease to be enforced in a parish, the statutory filing provisions become null and void there.
    • In areas where windblown-debris storm shutters are required, occupancy may be allowed upon an affidavit that the owner ordered the shutters; installation must occur within ninety days, followed by notification and final inspection.

    storm-shutter installation deadline: 90 days (Applies when occupancy is allowed under the storm-shutter affidavit provision.)

    “Upon receipt of the certificate of occupancy issued by a local building official or third-party provider for a new residential construction, a lender who provides a residential mortgage loan for the purchase of such new residential construction shall file a copy of the certificate of occupancy in the conveyance records of the parish where the new residential construction is located.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State Fire Marshal plan-review or document fees for projects whose plans and specifications are submitted to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement and Building Safety.

    • A $5 postage and handling fee applies in addition to the plan-review or document fee.
    • Fees vary by occupancy classification, project area, number of sprinkler heads or other devices, appeal type, and review type.
    • The statute provides a first-submission exemption from all other charges for state and local political subdivisions; subsequent submissions require the fees.
    • Performance-based reviews cost twice the applicable review fee plus an additional $100, with a stated $50 resubmission amount for smoke-control and timed-egress reviews.

    postage and handling fee: 5 USD (Does not apply to exemption requests and facsimile transmissions.) · assembly occupancy plan review fee for area 0-2500 square feet: 30 USD · educational occupancy plan review fee for area 0-5000 square feet: 30 USD · hotels, dormitories, apartments, lodgings, rooming houses, and residential or board care facilities plan review fee for area 0-2500 square feet: 30 USD · mercantile/business plan review fee for area 0-3000 square feet: 30 USD · industrial, storage, and special structures plan review fee for area 0-10000 square feet: 30 USD

    “In addition to a postage and handling fee of five dollars, the owner of the project who submits the plans and specifications shall pay to the office of state fire marshal, code enforcement and building safety a plan review or document fee based on the following schedule:”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Whether incorporated municipalities or other subordinate local authorities impose separate zoning controls within St. Bernard Parish.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in St. Bernard Parish.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in St. Bernard Parish.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in St. Bernard Parish.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in St. Bernard 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 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.

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

St. Bernard Parish generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Onsite Wastewater - St. Bernard Parish Health Unit / Sanitarian Services. 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 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.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Bernard Parish means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How St. Bernard compares in Louisiana

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