Bolthole Index

St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

60Index Score / 100
#45 of 64 in Louisiana

St. Landry Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit outside incorporated municipalities and within Arnaudville, Palmetto and Melville1. Unincorporated St. Landry Parish has no parishwide zoning, apart from limited I-49 areas and Mildred's subdivision2. The Louisiana Department of Health handles individual sewage systems, and parish permits require sewerage and sanitation approval before construction begins1,3.

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

St. Landry Parish requires a permit before construction, placement, moving, replacement, remodeling or an addition outside incorporated municipalities; the parish office also serves Arnaudville, Palmetto and Melville.

St. Landry Parish requires a permit before construction, placement, moving, replacement, remodeling or an addition outside incorporated municipalities; the parish office also serves Arnaudville, Palmetto and Melville1. The parish reviews plans, conducts required inspections and charges permit, plan-review and inspection fees4. Residential permit fees range from $250 to $1,550 by structure value, and a nonrefundable 8% parish administrative fee applies to plan review, inspections and related permits or affidavits4. St. Landry Parish must enforce the construction codes in the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code framework; the absence of parishwide zoning does not remove building-code requirements2,5. A qualifying farm structure can be exempt from part of Louisiana's uniform construction code, but a residence or a structure attached to one is not a farm structure, and the parish may still require a permit6.

Who issues building permits in St. Landry Parish, and how do you reach the office?

The St. Landry Parish Permits Office is at 118 South Court Street in Opelousas and can be reached at 337-948-3688.

The St. Landry Parish Permits Office is at 118 South Court Street in Opelousas and can be reached at 337-948-36887. The office handles residential and commercial applications, plan review and building-permit issuance1. Arnaudville, a town mainly in St. Martin Parish that reaches into St. Landry Parish, directs building-permit applicants to the parish office; the parish health unit approves proposed sewerage and sanitation facilities8. Applicants also need a 911 address, available by calling 337-948-90797. St. Landry Parish Code Enforcement can be reached at the same main number, extension 1710, for zoning compliance, property-maintenance standards and unsafe-structure questions9. Required inspections are performed through a building-code enforcement officer or certified third-party provider5. For access work, call 337-407-0950 for a parish-road culvert permit or 337-948-0253 for a state-highway culvert permit1.

Does St. Landry Parish have zoning?

Unincorporated St. Landry Parish does not have parishwide zoning; the identified exceptions are selective I-49 areas and Mildred's subdivision.

Unincorporated St. Landry Parish does not have parishwide zoning; the identified exceptions are selective I-49 areas and Mildred's subdivision2. Outside those limited areas, unincorporated St. Landry Parish has no parish zoning rules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping2,10. Incorporated municipalities may have their own zoning, so the unincorporated-parish answer does not carry into every town2. Parish Code Enforcement handles zoning-compliance questions as well as property-maintenance and unsafe-structure enforcement9. Before relying on the no-parishwide-zoning rule, ask Code Enforcement whether the parcel lies in an I-49 area, Mildred's subdivision or an incorporated municipality2,9. Building, sanitation, floodplain and access permits still apply independently of zoning1,3.

How do septic permits work in St. Landry Parish?

Individual sewage systems in St. Landry Parish require approval from the state health officer, with the local parish health unit participating in installation and approval workflows.

Individual sewage systems in St. Landry Parish require approval from the state health officer, with the local parish health unit participating in installation and approval workflows3. The parish directs applicants to call the Louisiana Department of Health at 337-948-0266 for sewer and water requirements before the building-permit process is completed1,7. For commercial development in the parish permit office's jurisdiction, applicants must obtain an LDH sewer permit; the parish process says movable structures skip that step1. Where community sewerage is infeasible, an approved individual system may be used if it will not create a nuisance or public-health hazard3. Final electrical service requires the applicable health-department installer identification or certification1. Only about 14.8% of St. Landry Parish soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work11.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in St. Landry Parish?

For an RV or tiny home in St. Landry Parish, first establish whether the parcel is in an incorporated municipality, a selective I-49 zoned area or Mildred's subdivision; the absence of parishwide zoning does not establish the rules in those locations.

For an RV or tiny home in St. Landry Parish, first establish whether the parcel is in an incorporated municipality, a selective I-49 zoned area or Mildred's subdivision; the absence of parishwide zoning does not establish the rules in those locations2. Placement of a movable structure still falls within the parish building-permit rule, so contact the Permits Office before bringing an RV, park model, manufactured home or movable tiny home onto the site1. St. Landry Parish must enforce Louisiana's uniform construction-code framework, so a tiny-home project must also be reviewed for applicable building-code requirements5. Full-time occupancy also needs lawful sanitation: an individual sewage system is allowed where community sewerage is infeasible only with state health approval and when it will not create a nuisance or public-health hazard3. Ask Code Enforcement to confirm the parcel's location before relying on the no-parishwide-zoning answer9.

Building a home in St. Landry Parish: the steps, in order

Ask Code Enforcement whether the parcel is unincorporated and outside the limited zoned areas.

  1. Ask Code Enforcement whether the parcel is unincorporated and outside the limited zoned areas2,9.
  2. Call the Louisiana Department of Health at 337-948-0266 for sewer and water requirements, and obtain the required sanitation approval3,7.
  3. Get a 911 address by calling 337-948-90797.
  4. For new construction, submit two plan copies with site and floor plans; pay review and inspection fees when submitting, then pay building-permit fees after approval1.
  5. Provide the contractor information required for new construction, or identify the work as self-contracted and accept responsibility for state and local compliance4.
  6. Obtain a culvert permit when needed from the parish-road or state-highway contact1.
  7. For an A/AE flood-zone site, have a licensed surveyor or engineer complete the elevation certificate before final approval1.
  8. Complete required inspections and return the applicable elevation, sanitation and address documents before final electrical service; projects that require a certificate of occupancy receive it through the parish closeout process1,4,5.

What to check before you buy land in St. Landry Parish

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated, inside one of the limited zoned areas, or within a municipality before treating it as free of parishwide zoning.

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated, inside one of the limited zoned areas, or within a municipality before treating it as free of parishwide zoning2. Check the flood map early: in an A/AE zone, the lowest floor and service equipment must meet base-flood-elevation requirements, and a surveyor- or engineer-completed elevation certificate is due before final approval1. Budget for a septic site evaluation because only about 14.8% of parish soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field11. Confirm whether community sewer is feasible and obtain state health approval before choosing an individual system3. Identify whether access is from a parish road or state highway because the culvert contacts differ1. For a private well, Louisiana requires a licensed driller and post-installation registration, while domestic wells follow the state's post-installation notification route12.

Watch-outs

  • St. Landry Parish's own Permits Office page lists two different suite numbers for the same courthouse address (Suite 118 in its contact block, Suite 133 in its FAQ text), so call 337-948-3688 to confirm the current suite before a visit7.
  • Starting covered work before St. Landry Parish issues the permit doubles the normal permit fee1.
  • No parishwide zoning does not waive building, sanitation, floodplain or culvert requirements1,2,3.

Sources

12 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 11, 2026

  1. Permits
  2. St. Landry Parish Council Regular Meeting Minutes
  3. Onsite Wastewater Installer Workshop Study Material
  4. stlandrypg.org
  5. RS 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes
  6. legis.la.gov
  7. St. Landry Parish Permits Office (stlandrypg.org)
  8. Town of Arnaudville: Arnaudville Code of Ordinances, § 8-4—Permit required; affidavit; exemption (St. Landry Parish)
  9. St. Landry Parish Code Enforcement Division (stlandrypg.org)
  10. Louisiana law on county zoning and building authority
  11. 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
  12. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule)

Written October 11, 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

Unlike 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, St. Landry Parish has no countywide zoning.

RuleSt. Landry ParishPointe Coupee ParishEvangeline ParishSt. Martin ParishLafayette ParishAvoyelles ParishAcadia Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesNoYesYesNoNot published
Septic permitsLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLDHLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of Health

County locator

St. Landry Parish in Louisiana

60
County map
St. Landry Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How St. Landry Parish scores

60 / 100 · #45 of 64 in Louisiana · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability60100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$133kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,540Land / acre
61.2"Annual rain
9.7% of yrsSevere drought
7.8 / yr (+7.2)Mid-century 100°F days
15.9 daysMid-century dry spell
3.19" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,224Home insurance / yr
2% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
78,372People within 30 min
2,258,122People within 2 hr
39,964Radius comparison (15 mi)
88.2People / sq mi
2.9%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
14.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
85,423 acWorkable land screen
39.8%Wooded land
43.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
67.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in St. Landry Parish

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Village of Cankton · Eunice · Town of Grand Coteau · Town of Krotz Springs · Town of Leonville · Town of Melville · Village of Palmetto · Town of Sunset

Answers from the rulebook for St. Landry Parish

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

St. Landry Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, placement, moving, replacement, remodeling, or addition of structures outside incorporated municipalities, plus Arnaudville, Palmetto, and Melville city limits.

    • A permit is required before construction or location activity begins.
    • The parish health unit must approve proposed sewerage and sanitation facilities before the temporary construction permit is issued.
    • Starting work before issuance results in double the normal permit fee under the cited ordinance.
    “Anyone outside the incorporated areas of St. Landry Parish or anyone located in the city limits of Arnaudville, Palmetto, Melville, who is planning on any type of construction, placement of a movable structure, moving, replacing, remodeling or adding any type of structure to a piece of property , needs to obtain a permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, placement, moving, replacement, remodeling, or addition of structures outside incorporated areas of St. Landry Parish.
      “Anyone outside the incorporated areas of St. Landry Parish or anyone located in the city limits of Arnaudville, Palmetto, Melville, who is planning on any type of construction, placement of a movable structure, moving, replacing, remodeling or adding any type of structure to a piece of property , needs to obtain a permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Residential new construction in the parish permit-office jurisdiction.

    • For new construction, the permit page requires a contractor letter and state contractor license number when applicable.
    • State law requires a licensed contractor for a home exceeding $50,000.00 in cost when the owner is not self-contracting.

    contractor threshold: > 50000 USD (The page states the licensed-contractor requirement applies when the owner is not self-contracting.)

    “NEW CONSTRUCTION ONLY – letter/bid from contractor stating he is doing the job and his state contractor’s license number. (State Law requires that any home exceeding $50,000.00 in cost and not self-contracting must be done by licensed contractor.)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Residential construction where the owner self-contracts rather than using a contractor.
      “In the event that an applicant elects to self-contract construction of his residence, it will be noted on the application that he assumes the responsibility for complying with all state and/or local laws.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Parish permit work subject to plan review and inspection requirements.

    • Inspection and plan-review fees apply to covered work.
    • The ordinance provides separate inspection fees for residential, commercial, mobile-home, electrical, foundation, plumbing, and swimming-pool work.
    “Plan review, inspection fees and PGAF, including, but not limited to:”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects for which the parish permit and inspection process requires a certificate of occupancy.

    • Third-party vendor payments are made in thirds, with final payment upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
    • If services do not require a certificate of occupancy, plan-review and inspection fees are paid upon completion of required inspections.
    “Payments to third party vendors for completion of service shall be paid in thirds with the final payment being paid upon the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. However, if services provided do not require certificate of occupancy then PRIF shall be paid upon completion of all required inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Parishwide zoning outside the specifically identified I-49 areas and Mildred’s subdivision.

    • The official minutes state that zoning exists in selective I-49 areas and in Mildred’s subdivision.
    • This is not a finding that incorporated municipalities lack their own zoning.
    “There is no zoning in parish other than I-49 and that is only a selective few and not much of that. In Ms. Mildred’s subdivision we did put some zoning there.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Landry Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Landry Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). St. Landry Parish's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “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”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Commercial development requiring the St. Landry Parish commercial permit process outside incorporated areas of St. Landry Parish; the parish page also identifies Arnaudville, Palmetto, and Melville as areas served by this office.

    • The commercial process directs applicants to contact the Louisiana Department of Health to obtain a sewer permit.
    • The parish page says the commercial sewer-permit step is skipped if the structure is movable.
    • Applicants must submit two copies of construction plans and inspection fees; plans are reviewed before necessary permits are issued.
    • The underlying sewer permit is identified as a Louisiana Department of Health permit, while this claim records the parish permit-office process and its geographic scope.

    sewer permit contact telephone: 337-948-0266 · construction plan copies: 2 copies

    “Contact the Louisiana Department of Health to obtain a sewer permit (337) 948-0266.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility service for permitted construction in unincorporated St. Landry Parish.

    • Temporary utility service is limited to construction purposes after issuance of the temporary permit and orange electrical-box tag.
    • Final electrical service requires applicable elevation certification, LDH installer ID tag/certification, and a 911 address.
    • The permit process requires identifying the utility company serving the area.
    “Electrical service for final power will only be issued when all of the following is returned to the Permit Office.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access to construction sites where a culvert permit is needed.

    • A culvert permit is required if needed for the project.
    • For a parish road, contact 337-407-0950; for a state highway, contact 337-948-0253.
    “Apply for culvert permit, if needed, at 337-407-0950 for a parish road or 337-948-0253 for a state highway.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Culvert/access authorization associated with parish or state-road construction sites.
      “Apply for culvert permit, if needed, at 337-407-0950 for a parish road or 337-948-0253 for a state highway.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Permitted development in FEMA flood zones in St. Landry Parish.

    • Flood zone X is described as a 500-year flood zone; FEMA flood insurance is not mandated there, though it is available.
    • In flood zone A/AE, the lowest floor and equipment servicing the home must meet the FEMA/Corps of Engineers base-flood-elevation requirement.
    • When the permit is purchased, an elevation certificate is issued and must be completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer and returned before final approval.
    • The page states flood insurance is mandatory for approval of loans and mortgages within an A flood zone.
    “If the property is located in a flood zone A/AE, the lowest floor of the home and equipment servicing the home must meet a base flood elevation requirement predetermined by FEMA of the Corp of Engineers. When the permit is purchased an elevation certificate will be issued and must be completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer. This form must be returned to the parish permit office before final approval is given.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Permitted development in FEMA flood-zone X and A/AE areas.
      “If the property is located in a flood zone A/AE, the lowest floor of the home and equipment servicing the home must meet a base flood elevation requirement predetermined by FEMA of the Corp of Engineers.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Parish permits and associated plan-review and inspection fees.

    • Residential permit fees range from $250 to $1,550 based on structure value.
    • Commercial fees range from $250 to $3,000 through $600,000, plus $1 per $1,000 above $600,000.
    • An eight-percent parish government administrative fee applies to plan review and inspections and is non-refundable.
    • New residential plan-review/inspection fees are $1,150 for 0–2,000 square feet, $1,350 for 2,001–4,000, and $1,550 for 4,001 square feet and above.

    parish government administrative fee: 8 percent (non-refundable) · residential permit fee: 250-1550 USD (based on structure value)

    “Parish Government Administrative Fee, herein after referred to as "PGAF", of eight percent is hereby established, imposed and adopted against all plan review and inspections and any other permits or affidavits necessary to carry out the intent of said ordinance and chapter.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial construction permit process administered by the parish permit office.

    • Residential new construction requires two copies of construction plans, including site and floor plans.
    • Inspection and review fee is due when plans are submitted; permit fees are due when the permit is issued.
    • Commercial development requires State Fire Marshal plan approval, except the page states movable structures skip the sewer-permit step.
    • A culvert permit may be required for a parish road or state highway.
    “If you are MOVING a structure on property go to step 2, for new construction you need to submit 2 copies of construction plans, which should include: site & floor plan. The inspection and review fee is due when plans are submitted for review. Once the plans have been reviewed you will be called in to obtain your building permit and permits fees are due at the time permit is issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential and commercial permit applications handled by the parish permit office.
      “If you are MOVING a structure on property go to step 2, for new construction you need to submit 2 copies of construction plans, which should include: site & floor plan. The inspection and review fee is due when plans are submitted for review. Once the plans have been reviewed you will be called in to obtain your building permit and permits fees are due at the time permit is issued.”

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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction-code enforcement by Louisiana parishes and municipalities, including St. Landry Parish.
      “shall enforce only the construction codes provided for in this Part.”
    • 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:”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Individual sewage systems serving property in St. Landry Parish.

    • The state health officer issues the individual sewerage-system permit.
    • The local parish health unit participates in installation notification and approval workflows.
    • Local sewerage ordinances require written LDH Office of Public Health approval.
    “Such plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a community sewerage system whenever feasible or to an individual sewerage system which is specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Individual onsite sewage systems where community sewerage is unavailable or infeasible.
      “Such plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a community sewerage system whenever feasible or to an individual sewerage system which is specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer after it is determined that connection to a community sewerage system is unfeasible and that the installation and operation of an individual sewerage system is not likely to create a nuisance or a public health hazard.”
  • 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

    Construction of farm structures on leased or owned agricultural land in St. Landry Parish.

    • The exemption concerns enforcement of the specified portion of the state uniform construction code.
    • A farm structure does not include a residence or a structure attached to a residence.
    • The parish may still issue building permits before construction or improvement.
    “shall not enforce that portion of the state uniform construction code [...] of a farm structure”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural-purpose subdivision regulation by parish planning commissions in Louisiana.
      “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.”
  • 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 zoning varies among incorporated municipalities and other local jurisdictions within St. Landry Parish.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental operation in unincorporated St. Landry 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. Landry Parish, Louisiana

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

St. Landry Parish scores 60/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 61.2″/yr rainfall with little drought. Watch-outs: about 78,372 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Land in St. Landry Parish runs about $3,540 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Landry Parish?

St. Landry Parish gets about 61.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.7% of years.

How remote is St. Landry Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 78,372 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,258,122 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.

How St. Landry compares in Louisiana

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