Bolthole Index

East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

67Index Score / 100
#31 of 64 in Louisiana

Unincorporated East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit for a new home; the permit becomes valid only after plan review is complete1. Parish zoning approval precedes plan review, while Jackson has town zoning rules23. Individual sewerage systems require a state health officer permit, administered through Louisiana Department of Health and the local Parish Health Unit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new residential construction in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
Parish zoning approval is required before plan review; setbacks vary by district (R-1: 20 ft front, 5 ft sides and rear)26
Septic
A state health officer permit is required for an individual sewerage system7
Owner-builder
Personal-residence licensing exemption requires an affidavit and generally allows 1 residence per year8
Farm construction
A contractor-licensing exemption is available for qualifying farm construction9
RV or tiny-home living
Single-lot RV or tiny-home living not confirmed; RV parks need their own district. Ask the parish Building Department1011
Private well
Use a licensed driller and confirm state notification requirements12

Who to call

Building permits

East Feliciana Parish Building Department

Residential building permits, plan review, inspections and parish floodplain determinations

225.683.8577

12064 Marston Street, Post Office Box 427, Clinton, LA 70722

Online permits →

Septic permits

Louisiana Department of Health - East Feliciana Parish Health Unit

Local Environmental Health contact for questions about individual sewerage permits

225.683.4148

12080 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana?

New residential construction in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish requires a building permit, and the permit does not become valid until plan review is complete.1 The Building Code Department permits residential and commercial structures, reviews plans, performs field inspections and enforces the adopted building code.13

Before plan review begins, the parish requires approved property division and zoning, an obtained or verified emergency address, and a completed floodplain determination.14 The published fee for new site-built construction is $0.48 per square foot, with a $704 minimum; confirm the current total and any additional charges with the Building Department before filing.15 A farmer doing construction for agricultural purposes on owned or leased land may qualify for a contractor-licensing exemption, but local and state health and life-safety requirements still apply.9

Who issues building permits in East Feliciana Parish?

The East Feliciana Parish Building Department handles residential building permits, plan review, inspections and parish floodplain determinations; call 225.683.8577.11 The parish building rules below apply to unincorporated land; inside Jackson, the town issues building permits for historic-district buildings and manufactured-home parks under its own requirements.116 Individual sewerage permits remain with the state health officer and local Parish Health Unit.5

Parish inspections cover pre-pour work, open walls, insulation, final and occupancy stages; inspections are performed within 48 hours of request, and each required inspection must pass before work proceeds.17 An owner building a primary residence to live in, rather than rent or sell, may use the contractor-licensing exemption.18 The exemption requires an affidavit and generally limits construction to 1 residence per year, measured from issuance of the certificate of occupancy; qualifying relocation exceptions apply.8 Local permits and health and life-safety requirements still apply.8

Does East Feliciana Parish have zoning, and what are the setbacks?

East Feliciana Parish uses zoning approval in its residential permit process for unincorporated property19. Ask the Building Department to identify the parcel's zoning district and permitted use before closing11. Inside Jackson, the town enforces its own zoning regulations; individual sewerage permits still come from the state health officer through the Parish Health Unit35.

Setbacks depend on the district. In R-1 (single-family, low population), the minimum yards are 20 feet in front, 5 feet on each side and 5 feet in the rear, and 40 percent of the lot must stay free of structures6. In R-2, the front yard is 20 feet, there is no side-yard minimum, the rear yard is 5 feet, and 20 percent of the lot must stay free of structures20. In R-4, the district for mobile homes and RV parks, the front yard is 20 feet, the side and rear yards are 5 feet, and maximum coverage is 80 percent21.

Subdivision approval is required outside incorporated municipal limits before any part of a proposed subdivision is contracted for sale or a structure permit is granted22. For lots created after June 2, 2025, the parish states a 2-acre density; older or differently processed lots may be subject to other standards, so verify the recorded plat and approval history23. We could not confirm minimum dwelling size or building height for every district; ask the Building Department11.

How do septic permits work in East Feliciana Parish?

An individual sewerage system in East Feliciana Parish needs a state health officer permit before installation, alteration or operation.4 Call the East Feliciana Parish Health Unit Environmental Health office at 225.683.4148 before choosing a system.24 Temporary installation approval depends on approved plans, community sewer connection being infeasible, and acceptable soil, drainage and lot conditions.4 The installer must notify the Parish Health Unit before installation; final approval requires verification through inspection, installer certification or both, with signed certification submitted within 15 days of completion.4

Only about 11% of parish soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make wastewater feasibility part of the purchase contingency.25 Parish residential final inspection also requires sewage-disposal and water approvals.26 For the parish Certificate of Use Over 6 Months process, the checklist calls for health-unit sewer permit approval or town approval; related meter-release paperwork also identifies health-unit sewer approval and town approval.2728 Those town approvals do not replace the state permit for an individual sewerage system.4 We could not confirm alternative off-grid sanitation options; ask Environmental Health.24

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in East Feliciana Parish?

We could not confirm a current East Feliciana Parish rule authorizing long-term RV occupancy on a single private lot, private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy. Ask the Building Department for a written answer tied to the parcel, zoning district and proposed use before buying or moving a unit11. Parish residential permitting requires zoning approval before plan review, so an unconventional dwelling should not be treated as exempt merely because it is small or movable2.

The parish does regulate RV parks: they are campgrounds that must be zoned R-4, and a planning and zoning commission public hearing is required before a permit is issued10. R-4 also covers mobile homes and mobile home subdivisions21. A tiny home that falls within covered residential construction remains subject to Louisiana's building-code enforcement framework29. Wastewater remains a separate hurdle: sanitation or environmental approval for sewage disposal must be in hand before the residential final inspection is scheduled26.

Building a home in East Feliciana Parish: what are the steps?

Follow the parish sequence before putting a crew on site:

  1. Confirm ownership, parcel boundaries, property-division status and the correct zoning authority.14
  2. If land will be divided, obtain subdivision approval before contracting to sell a proposed lot or seeking a structure permit.22
  3. Obtain or verify the emergency address and secure any required zoning or town approval.14
  4. Have the parish complete its floodplain determination; a flood-zone building needs elevation certification by a land surveyor, engineer or architect.30
  5. Submit ownership proof, the survey, house-plan sets, a plot plan and the contractor license or owner-builder affidavit to the Building Department, then confirm and pay the applicable fee.311415
  6. Obtain the state health officer permit before installing an individual sewerage system and notify the local Parish Health Unit before installation.75
  7. Wait until plan review is complete and the building permit is valid before construction begins.1
  8. Schedule required inspections, obtain sewage-disposal and water approvals, and complete the occupancy inspection.172632

What should you check before buying land in East Feliciana Parish?

Start with buildability rather than the listing description. Ask the Building Department to confirm the parcel's legal division, zoning authority, permitted use and flood status because those approvals precede residential plan review.14 Check the recorded plat and creation date too: subdivision rules exclude incorporated municipalities, and lots created after June 2, 2025 carry a stated 2-acre density in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.2223 If the site is in a flood zone, budget for elevation certification by a licensed surveyor, engineer or architect.30

Make the purchase contingent on a workable wastewater plan because only about 11% of parish soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field.25 Confirm water service or well feasibility separately; Louisiana requires new water wells to be installed by a licensed driller and registered after completion, while notification timing depends on the well type.12 We could not confirm a general parish driveway-permit rule; ask the Building Department which road authority to contact for the parcel.11

Watch-outs

  • Do not start work when the permit is merely purchased; East Feliciana Parish says the permit becomes valid only after plan review is complete.1
  • A flood-zone building needs elevation certification by a land surveyor, engineer or architect.30
  • A homeowner or agricultural contractor-licensing exemption does not by itself waive parish zoning, permitting or inspections.1891
  • We could not confirm single-lot RV or tiny-home rules or a minimum home size; ask the parish Building Department before purchase.11

Sources

  1. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  2. Louisiana Revised Statutes §4780.61, quoted and re-checked
  3. Town of Jackson: Jackson Code of Ordinances, Sec. 2-40. Code enforcement officer (East Feliciana Parish), quoted and re-checked
  4. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  5. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 12-103. Single-family residential low population district (R-1) purpose/use, quoted and re-checked
  7. ldh.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  10. Sec. 3B-72. Recreational vehicle park regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. East Feliciana Parish Building Department (efparish.org)
  12. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. East Feliciana Parish 2021 Annual Operating Budget, quoted and re-checked
  14. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  15. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  16. Town of Jackson: Sec. 18-103. Notification and building permit (East Feliciana Parish), quoted and re-checked
  17. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  18. FAQ – Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, quoted and re-checked
  19. East Feliciana Parish Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda, quoted and re-checked
  20. Sec. 12-104. Single-family residential medium to high population district (R-2) purpose/use, quoted and re-checked
  21. Sec. 12-106. Single-family non-conventional residential district (R-4) purpose/use, quoted and re-checked
  22. Appendix A. Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. East Feliciana Parish Police Jury June 2, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, quoted and re-checked
  24. Louisiana Department of Health - East Feliciana Parish Health Unit (ldh.la.gov)
  25. 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
  26. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  27. Certificate of Use Over 6 Months, quoted and re-checked
  28. Certificate of Use Over 6 Months, quoted and re-checked
  29. R.S. 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes by municipalities, parishes, and the fire marshal (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  31. Required Inspections for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  32. Required Inspections for Residential Construction / Residential Construction Checklist, quoted and re-checked

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

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, East Feliciana Parish requires a building permit for a home.

RuleEast Feliciana ParishEast Baton Rouge ParishWest Feliciana ParishSt. Helena ParishWest Baton Rouge ParishLivingston ParishPointe Coupee Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of Health

County locator

East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana

67
County map
East Feliciana Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How East Feliciana Parish scores

Seclusion57100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$222kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$4,244Land / acre
63"Annual rain
7.3% of yrsSevere drought
7.4 / yr (+6.9)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
3.19" (+2.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,494Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.68%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
12,217People within 30 min
2,292,295People within 2 hr
24,630Radius comparison (15 mi)
42.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
93.3%Land at 15% slope or less
11.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
32,536 acWorkable land screen
72%Wooded land
49.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in East Feliciana 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 researched: Town of Clinton · Village of Norwood · Town of Slaughter · Village of Wilson

Answers from the rulebook for East Feliciana Parish

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

East Feliciana Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential and other construction handled through the East Feliciana Parish Building Department.

    • The parish application distinguishes residential, commercial, mobile-home, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas-test, generator, accessory-building, addition/remodel, and other permits.
    • Commercial permits require Fire Marshal approval before issuance.
    • Town approval may be required.
    “Although a builder purchases the permit in advance of the plan review, the permit does not become valid until plan review has been completed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential construction in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.
      “A building permit is an umbrella permit that encompasses all aspects of the review and building process. Although a builder purchases the permit in advance of the plan review, the permit does not become valid until plan review has been completed.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial structures regulated by the East Feliciana Parish Building Code Department.

    • The source describes enforcement of the adopted Building Code but does not identify every code edition.
    “Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Code Department is responsible for permitting residential and commercial structures, plan review and approval, field inspections, tower inspections, and enforcement of the adopted Building Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — East Feliciana Parish Building Code Department operations.
      “Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Code Department is responsible for permitting residential and commercial structures, plan review and approval, field inspections, tower inspections, and enforcement of the adopted Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction inspected by the East Feliciana Parish Building Department.

    • Required stages include pre-pour plumbing; pre-pour footings and foundation; open-wall framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in; insulation; TCI/final; and occupancy.
    • Inspections are performed within 48 hours of request.
    • The contractor must ensure an inspection is passed before proceeding.
    • Subsequent inspections may incur an additional inspection charge.
    “Inspections will be performed within 48 hours of request. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that an inspection is “passed” before proceeding with work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction inspections administered by the parish Building Department.
      “Inspections will be performed within 48 hours of request. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that an inspection is “passed” before proceeding with work.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate of Occupancy after completion of residential construction in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.

    • The occupancy inspection must be completed before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
    • The home must be ready for occupancy and all items pertaining to the building permit must be completed.
    • Lenders or insurance companies may require the certificate.
    “When all items pertaining to the building permit have been completed and the home is ready for occupancy (but before you move in), this inspection among other things is to insure that GFI outlets and Arc Fault breakers are operating properly. This inspection will also include a Final Grade Inspection which means that fill and grading shall meet appropriate standards and that final ditch grade, swales, and any culvert(s) are in place. You must have this inspection completed in order to receive a Certificate of Occupancy which lenders or insurance companies may require at this time or in the future.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Planning and development zoning regulation in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.

    • The official parish materials identify a Planning and Zoning Commission and a Chapter 12 Planning and Development revision.
    • Incorporated municipalities are excluded from the parish subdivision ordinance and may administer separate local rules.
    “shall be rezoned as residential lots (R-1).”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Parish zoning authority and regulations for unincorporated East Feliciana Parish; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.

    • Louisiana law authorizes the parish governing authority to regulate height, structure size, lot coverage, density, and building and land uses.
    • The official parish residential checklist requires property divisions and zoning to be complete and approved by the Police Jury before permitting.
    • Municipal limits are excluded from the parish subdivision ordinance.
    “All property divisions and zoning must be completed and approved by the Police Jury”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots created in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish under Chapter 12 and the parish subdivision process.

    • The source states 12,500 square feet with 100 feet of frontage as a minimum lot requirement.
    • For lots created after 2 June 2025, the source states a 2-acre density.
    • Lots less than 3 acres approved through the specified partition/final-plat process are rezoned R-1.
    • The subdivision ordinance excludes incorporated municipal corporate limits.

    minimum lot area: 12500 sq ft (The source separately states 2 acres density for lots created after 2 June 2025.) · minimum frontage: 100 ft · minimum density for lots created after 2025-06-02: 2 acres

    “The minimum lot size for lots created after 2 June 2025 shall be 2 acres density.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential development in the R-1 single-family residential low population district.

    • The R-1 district permits conventional single-family detached homes.
    • A mobile home may be located on a lot only after the requirements of the East Feliciana Parish Mobile Home Ordinance have been complied with.
    • The minimum lot size for lots created after June 2, 2025, is two acres density.
    • Forty percent of the lot must be left free of structures.

    front yard: 20 feet · side yard: 5 feet · rear yard: 5 feet

    “Minimum yard requirements. Front. Twenty (20) feet. Side yards. Five (5) feet. Rear yard. Five (5) feet. Forty (40) percent of lot must be left free of structures. See figure 2.3.106.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicle parks in East Feliciana Parish.

    • RV parks shall be zoned R-4.
    • The developer must obtain Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals approval of sewage treatment and public water supply before development.
    • A planning and zoning commission public hearing is required before issuance of a permit.
    • A minimum five-acre site, minimum 100-foot frontage, maximum density of 18 RV sites per acre, minimum 30-by-50-foot RV sites, and required yard buffers and spacing apply.
    • A sewer collection and treatment system and public water supply must comply with Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals standards.
    • The planning commission may grant variances.
    • If conditions are violated, the police jury can rescind the zoning designation and the RV park must cease operations.

    minimum site area: >= 5 acres · maximum density: <= 18 RV sites per acre · minimum RV site width: >= 30 feet · minimum RV site length: >= 50 feet · minimum side and rear yard buffer: >= 20 feet (where an RV park is developed) · minimum spacing between recreational vehicles or between recreational vehicles and other structures: >= 10 feet

    “Recreational vehicle parks. RV parks are campgrounds for recreational vehicles and shall be zoned R-4. These parks are designed specifically to provide parking spaces with electricity, water, sanitation, and health facilities required by campers, motor homes and travel trailers.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Sewer permit approval for the parish’s Certificate of Use Over 6 Months process.

    • The official parish Building Department document identifies either the health unit or town hall as the approving authority, depending on the applicable location or process.
    • The source does not identify a single exclusive administering authority for all parish locations.
    “the sewer must be approved by the Health Unit before a meter can be released). [...] Town Approval is received.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Sewer or onsite wastewater approval associated with an East Feliciana Parish Certificate of Use Over 6 Months.

    • The parish Building Department document requires sewer permit approval from the health unit or town approval from town hall.
    • The document does not specify whether additional state or parish exceptions apply.
    “SEWER PERMIT APPROVAL FROM HEALTH UNIT OR TOWN APPROVAL FROM TOWN HALL”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential construction requiring parish TCI/final inspection.

    • Sanitation/environmental approval for sewerage disposal and water-department approval must be received before the TCI/final inspection.
    • The TCI/final inspection confirms the house is ready for permanent power.
    • The source does not establish a universal requirement that every parcel connect to both public water and public sewer.
    “Before scheduling this inspection, both the Sanitation/Environmental approval for sewerage disposal and the water department approval must be received.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, resubdivision, sale, and transfer of land outside incorporated municipal corporate limits.

    • Subdivision approval is required before a contract is made for sale of any part of a proposed subdivision and before a permit for erection of a structure in the proposed subdivision is granted.
    • Final authority for subdivision plats and improvements rests with the Police Jury after recommendations from listed parish officials and bodies.
    • The ordinance excludes incorporated municipalities.
    “shall apply and secure approval of such proposed subdivision”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Residential permitting in East Feliciana Parish where floodplain requirements may apply.

    • A floodplain determination must be completed by the parish before permitting.
    • A floodplain elevation is required if applicable.
    • The general permit application requires a separate flood elevation certificate if the property is in a flood zone.
    “Floodplain determination completed by the parish. If in a flood zone, a completed and stamped elevation certificate must be acquired from a licensed surveyor, engineer or architect.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction in a flood zone.
      “BASE FLOOD ELEVATION: If the building is located in a flood zone the elevation must be certified by a land surveyor, engineer or architect.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    East Feliciana Parish building permits.

    • The parish budget states that fees are charged and that the fee structure was adjusted in 2011; no current fee schedule or exact fee amounts were located.
    “New Site-Built Construction ------------------------------------------------------ $0.48 sq. ft. Minimum $704.00 Additions/Remodels to existing Buildings ---------------------------------- $0.42 sq. ft. Minimum $286.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential construction permitting by the East Feliciana Parish Building Department.
      “New Site-Built Construction ------------------------------------------------------ $0.48 sq. ft. Minimum $704.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permitting in East Feliciana Parish.

    • Before permitting, property divisions and zoning must be complete and approved by the Police Jury.
    • The applicant must present a 911 address, town approval if required, floodplain elevation if required, proof of ownership, a survey map, contractor license or owner-builder affidavit, two standard sets of house plans, and a plot plan.
    • During construction, compaction, termite, elevation, duct, sanitation/environmental, water-department, and blower-door documentation may be required.
    “PRESENTED AT PERMITTING: ________ 911 Address ________ Town approval, if required ________ Floodplain Elevation, if required ________ Proof of ownership - copy of cash sale, act of donation or tax statement ________ Survey Map of the property”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner construction of a primary residence in East Feliciana Parish.
      “Louisiana State Contractors’ licensing law allows an owner to build their primary residence without a license. You must live in this home. You cannot build a home to rent or sell without a license.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Owners constructing, altering, repairing, improving, moving, demolishing, or maintaining their personal residences.
      “Owners of property who supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or maintenance of their personal residences, if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year. The one-year period shall commence on the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Louisiana's statutory zoning framework: parish governing authorities may create zoning districts, while local authority over land-use and zoning requirements is reserved to parishes or municipalities.

    • The statute does not publish a statewide map or a complete list of actual district boundaries.
    • District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of land and structure within a district, but may differ between districts.
    • Actual zoning districts and ordinances must be obtained from the applicable parish or municipality.
    “the governing authority of a parish may divide the parish into districts of such number, shape, and area as may be deemed best suited”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Campground & park staysProhibited

    Overnight camping on Louisiana public property that is not a designated campground.

    • The prohibition applies to public property owned or controlled by the state or any local or political subdivision.
    • Designated campgrounds are excluded from the prohibition.
    • Violation may result in a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
    • The statute states an effective date of June 9, 2026.

    maximum fine: <= 500 USD · maximum imprisonment: <= 6 months

    “Unauthorized camping on public property is the intentional use of any tent [...] to permit overnight use on public property that is not a designated campground.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Louisiana parish governing authorities' zoning authority over parish land, including unincorporated areas, under the statewide parish zoning enabling subpart.

    • The general parish zoning authorization excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster Parishes.
    • A parish may divide the parish into zoning districts, and regulations may differ between districts but must be uniform for each class or kind of land and structure within each district.
    • Zoning regulations must comply with the required comprehensive plan.
    • No regulation becomes effective until after a public hearing.
    • Notice must be published once a week in three different weeks in the official parish journal, with at least fifteen days between first publication and hearing.
    • At least ten days before the hearing, the parish must make a good-faith attempt to notify owners of record by certified mail; when more than ten parcels are zoned or rezoned, official-journal advertisement is adequate notice.
    • To use the powers of the subpart, the parish governing authority must appoint a zoning commission, which must hold a public hearing and issue its final report before the governing authority holds its public hearings or acts.

    excluded parishes: Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster · publication interval: 3 different weeks · minimum elapsed time before hearing: >= 15 days · owner notice deadline: >= 10 days before hearing (Good-faith certified-mail notice; official-journal advertisement is adequate when more than ten parcels are zoned or rezoned.)

    “For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the community, the governing authorities of parishes, other than the parishes of Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster, or their duly created boards of adjustment are hereby authorized to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of structures; the percentage of lots that may be occupied; courts and other open spaces; the density of population; and the location and use of the buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Louisiana parish governing authorities adopting zoning regulations affecting parish territory, including unincorporated areas.
      “the governing authorities of parishes, other than the parishes of Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster, or their duly created boards of adjustment are hereby authorized”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Louisiana parishes may enforce the statewide construction codes and administer building-code enforcement, including permits and inspections, in unincorporated areas.

    • Parishes must enforce only the construction codes provided in the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Part.
    • Enforcement includes plan review, inspections, and issuance, denial, or revocation of permits.
    • Each parish must appoint a council-certified building official or contract for those services so the unincorporated area is under the jurisdiction of a certified building official.
    • A parish may use a certified building inspector instead of a certified building official for no more than four years from the date the state uniform construction code becomes effective in the parish.
    • The statute preserves federal manufactured-housing requirements and Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission jurisdiction for manufactured-home construction, installation, service, renovation, repair, and warranty work.
    • The statute page identifies an amendment effective July 1, 2026.

    temporary certified-inspector period: <= 4 years (Measured from the date the state uniform construction code becomes effective in the parish or municipality.)

    “all municipalities and parishes in this state shall enforce only the construction codes provided for in this Part.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Louisiana parishes' authority and duty to enforce the state construction codes, including residential construction codes, through building-code enforcement officers or certified third-party providers.
      “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary relating to the authority of local governments to enforce construction codes, all municipalities and parishes in this state shall enforce only the construction codes provided for in this Part. All municipalities and parishes shall use building code enforcement officers or certified third-party providers contracted by the municipality, parish, or regional planning commission to act in the capacity of a building code enforcement officer to enforce the provisions of this Part.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling occupancy in unincorporated East Feliciana Parish.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated East Feliciana 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.

Water rights & wells in East Feliciana Parish

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Louisiana’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

A riparian landowner has a traditional right to withdraw groundwater for domestic use; domestic wells are exempt from registration and from Area-of-Ground-Water-Concern reporting/metering. No bar on new household wells.

Limit: domestic wells exempt from registration and AGWC reporting

Louisiana Ground Water Resources Commission (La. R.S. 38:3091 et seq.) ↗
  • Southern Hills Aquifer — Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District (Baton Rouge)

    Five-parish district (1974) managing heavy withdrawals from the 1,500-ft and 2,000-ft sands to combat subsidence and saltwater intrusion advancing across the Baton Rouge Fault; registers/meters large pumpers and can levy pumpage fees. Small domestic wells are largely unaffected.

    Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission (La. R.S. 38:3076 et seq.) ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Louisiana state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

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

East Feliciana Parish scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 63″/yr rainfall plus 72% wooded land.

Do you need a building permit in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana?

East Feliciana Parish generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Louisiana Department of Health, East Feliciana Parish Health Unit. 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 East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana?

Land in East Feliciana Parish runs about $4,244 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in East Feliciana Parish?

East Feliciana Parish gets about 63" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.3% of years. On water rights, East Feliciana Parish lies in the Southern Hills Aquifer — Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District (Baton Rouge) — Five-parish district (1974) managing heavy withdrawals from the 1,500-ft and 2,000-ft sands to combat subsidence and saltwater intrusion advancing across the Baton Rouge Fault; registers/meters large pumpers and can levy pumpage fees. Small domestic wells are largely unaffected..

How remote is East Feliciana Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 12,217 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,292,295 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 East Feliciana compares in Louisiana

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