Bolthole Index

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

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

55Index Score / 100
#49 of 64 in Louisiana

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit to build a house1. Parish zoning controls land uses and structure placement, and flood-zone projects require foundation drawings with the permit application23. The parish Sanitarian section permits and inspects private individual wastewater systems4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required to build a new house1
Zoning
Yes; uses and dimensional rules depend on the parcel's zoning classification52
Septic permit
Required through the parish Sanitarian section, which also inspects systems67
Temporary RV
Limited by a parish permit process, site standards and inspections8
Tiny home
No parish-wide occupancy answer confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning for the parcel29
Owner-builder
Available for a primary residence with a notarized state affidavit10
Private well
A licensed driller and state registration are required; domestic wells follow post-installation notice rules11
Septic soil suitability
0% of mapped soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field12

Who to call

Building permits

Plaquemines Parish Permits Department

Residential renovations and repairs, new residential and commercial construction, trade permits, recreational vehicle permits and temporary RV parks

504-934-6195

333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., Building 300, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Zoning

Plaquemines Parish Planning & Zoning

Zoning inquiries and parcel zoning classifications

504-934-6130

zoning@ppgov.net

333 F Edward Hebert Boulevard, Building 300, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Septic permits

Plaquemines Parish Health Department — Sanitarian Services

Permits and inspections for individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises

504-934-6690

Health@ppgov.net

3706 Main Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Building permits

Plaquemines Parish Permits Department — Building Procedure

Published application, plan, elevation-document and job-site procedures for building permits

(504) 934-6195

333 F. Edward Hebert, Suite 300, Belle Chasse, LA

Zoning

Plaquemines Parish Planning & Zoning — Zoning Information

Parcel zoning classifications, permitted uses and conditional uses

(504)934-6130

zoning@ppgov.net

Septic permits

Plaquemines Parish Sanitarian Services — Wastewater

Individual wastewater treatment system permitting and inspection

504-934-6690

Building permits

Plaquemines Parish Permits Department — Temporary RV Permits

Temporary recreational vehicle permits and temporary RV park procedures

(504)934-6195

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 5, 2026.

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

Yes. Plaquemines Parish requires a building permit to build a house, and applicants should check the zoning district and flood elevation before applying1. Louisiana's residential-code mandate covers new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations13. Regulated residential and commercial structures also require inspections by a building-code enforcement officer or certified third-party provider14. An owner may act as contractor for a new primary residence, but the building-permit application must include a notarized state affidavit10. The exemption is from contractor licensure, not from the permit, inspection, health or life-safety rules15.

Who is the Plaquemines Parish building department, and how do you reach it?

The Plaquemines Parish Permits Department handles residential repairs and renovations, new residential and commercial construction, trade permits, RV permits and temporary RV parks16. Applications can be submitted and tracked through the parish's PPG Geaux online portal17. The Belle Chasse office is at 333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., Building 300, Belle Chasse, and its main number is 504-934-619516. For a new house, ask Permits for the current document checklist after checking zoning and flood elevation1. Detailed review timelines and a complete current building-permit fee schedule were not confirmed; ask the department for the price and expected review time for the specific project18.

Does Plaquemines Parish have zoning?

Yes. Plaquemines Parish zoning is regulated under Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 142 and addresses land and building uses, structure placement, building size and height, parking, landscaping and signs52. Zoning classifications and their permitted or conditional uses are published in Appendix B, but the parish's online zoning maps were unavailable19. Contact Planning & Zoning with the property name, address or parcel number to identify the district20. A written zoning verification letter costs $50 per property21. We could not confirm one parish-wide minimum home size, residential minimum lot size or residential setback schedule; ask Planning & Zoning for the standards attached to the parcel's district9.

How do septic permits work in Plaquemines Parish?

Plaquemines Parish's Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises47. Treatment-plant installations must be completed by a Louisiana state-licensed installer22. A conventional septic tank system may be used only where community sewer is unavailable, while a mechanical plant may be considered when a conventional system would not work properly2324. Plaquemines Parish operates public water and sewer systems, but the available parish information does not establish that every parcel must connect25. Site evaluation matters because 0% of mapped soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. Contact Sanitarian Services at 504-934-6690 before choosing the house location or wastewater design26.

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

Plaquemines Parish limits RV occupancy through its temporary-RV permit process; the process is not permission to bypass permanent-housing rules8. For two or fewer temporary RV sites, a lot must have at least 5,000 square feet and meet front, side, rear and unit-separation setbacks2728. The application also requires ownership or lease documentation, a notarized affidavit, a plot plan, code compliance, inspection and recurring reporting8. Larger temporary RV parks face additional review, utilities and approval requirements298. We could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy rule or parish-wide minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Zoning whether the proposed unit qualifies as a dwelling in the parcel's district9.

Building a home in Plaquemines Parish: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's zoning classification and permitted or conditional uses199.
  2. Confirm the flood elevation; a flood-zone permit application requires engineered foundation drawings3.
  3. Ask Sanitarian Services to approve the wastewater plan before installation if community sewer is unavailable623.
  4. Get the current house checklist from Permits, then submit and track the application through PPG Geaux117.
  5. If the project changes a tract, parcel or lot boundary, complete the parish subdivision process before relying on the new layout30.
  6. Keep the permit placard and reviewed plans on site, schedule required building and septic inspections, and submit the final occupancy documents31147.

What should you check before buying land in Plaquemines Parish?

Check zoning, wastewater, flood elevation, legal boundaries and access before closing. Planning & Zoning can identify the district because the parish says its zoning maps are unavailable online20. Any change to a tract, parcel or lot boundary must go through parish subdivision approval, with some listed divisions eligible for a certified exemption from the full process30. Conventional septic is a difficult assumption here: 0% of mapped soils rate without severe drain-field limitations12. Flood-zone construction requires engineered foundation drawings with the permit application3. We could not confirm a general parish driveway rule; the verified DOTD access requirement is limited to temporary RV parks along Louisiana Highway 2332. Typical home insurance is about $4,353 a year33.

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat a temporary RV permit as permission for permanent RV occupancy; the parish says the process cannot circumvent permanent-housing rules8.
  • Plaquemines Parish's online zoning maps are unavailable, so obtain the parcel's classification from Planning & Zoning before relying on a listing or neighboring use20.
  • Flood-zone projects require engineered foundation drawings with the building-permit application, so settle flood elevation and foundation design before finalizing plans3.

Sources

  1. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. plaqueminesparish.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Sanitarian Services, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sanitarian Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. Temporary Recreational Vehicle (RV) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  9. Plaquemines Parish Planning & Zoning (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  10. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  11. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 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
  13. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  14. Louisiana Revised Statutes §1730.23, quoted and re-checked
  15. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. Plaquemines Parish Permits Department (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  17. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  20. Plaquemines Parish Planning & Zoning — Zoning Information (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  21. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  22. Plaquemines Parish Sanitarian Services — Wastewater (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  23. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Public Service, quoted and re-checked
  26. Plaquemines Parish Health Department — Sanitarian Services (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  27. Temporary Recreational Vehicle (RV) Permits | Plaquemines Parish, LA, quoted and re-checked
  28. Temporary Recreational Vehicle (RV) Permits | Plaquemines Parish, LA, quoted and re-checked
  29. Temporary Recreational Vehicle (RV) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  30. Subdivision, quoted and re-checked
  31. Plaquemines Parish Permits Department — Building Procedure (plaqueminesparish.gov)
  32. Temporary Recreational Vehicle (RV) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  33. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 5, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RulePlaquemines ParishJefferson ParishLafourche ParishSt. Bernard ParishOrleans ParishSt. Charles ParishTerrebonne Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLDHLA Dept. of HealthParish Health UnitLA Dept. of Health

County locator

Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana

55
County map
Plaquemines Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How Plaquemines Parish scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency3494% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost8796% ev.

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

$278kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,130Land / acre
61"Annual rain
9.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.7 / yr (+0.7)Mid-century 100°F days
16.1 daysMid-century dry spell
3.66" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$4,353Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.68%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
282People within 30 min
706,151People within 2 hr
3,551Radius comparison (15 mi)
28.7People / sq mi
10.9%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
11.4%Wooded land
34 tonsBiomass / forest ac
69.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Plaquemines Parish

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

Plaquemines Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building a new house in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish FAQ directs applicants to check zoning district and flood elevation before applying.
    • A checklist of required documents is available from the permits office.
    “You will need to apply for a building permit to build a house.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner acting as contractor for a new house that will be the owner's primary residence.

    • The parish FAQ requires a notarized affidavit for the state when applying for the building permit.
    • The parish says it can supply the affidavit form.
    “Yes, if the new house is going to be your primary residence. You will need to submit a notarized affidavit for the state when you apply for the building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Temporary RV permits in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The official page states current building, electrical, and plumbing codes apply to temporary RV permits; it does not establish the complete code-adoption history for all construction.
    “No temporary R/V permits will be issued without first meeting all the current building, electrical and plumbing codes per Louisiana law and must pass inspection (3^{rd} party accepted).”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Temporary RV permits and temporary RV parks.

    • Inspection is required before temporary RV permits issue; the page accepts third-party inspection.
    • This claim does not establish inspection requirements for every building type.
    “The final set of reviews will be for Final Approval; this will give the applicant the approval to start operating the Temporary RV Park (remember you as the owner/developer of the park must call permits to initiate inspections)”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Plaquemines Parish zoning regulation under Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 142.

    • Property-specific zoning classification and permitted or conditional uses must be determined through the Planning and Zoning Department.
    • Zoning maps were unavailable online; a zoning verification letter may be requested.
    “Plaquemines Parish zoning laws are regulated under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 142”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Plaquemines Parish zoning regulation.
      “Plaquemines Parish zoning laws are regulated”
    • Present (with conditions) — Parish zoning regulation under Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 142.
      “Plaquemines Parish zoning laws are regulated under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 142”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Parish-administered zoning affecting land use and structures in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish page states that zoning regulates land/building uses, placement, building height or size, parking, landscaping, and signage.
    • Specific district rules and uses must be checked in Appendix B or by property-specific determination.
    “Zoning laws are the laws that regulate the use of land and structures built upon it.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Local land-use zoning administered through Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning.
      “What the land or buildings can be used for;”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning classifications and permitted or conditional uses in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish page directs users to Government, Code of Ordinances, Appendix B for zoning classifications and permitted and conditional uses.
    • Online zoning maps were unavailable when the page was retrieved.
    • Property-specific zoning verification may be requested and costs $50 per property.
    “You may view the zoning regulations online visit the Plaquemines Parish Government webpage, click on Government, click on Code of Ordinance, click on Appendix B you will find a list of zoning classifications and permitted uses and conditional uses or contact the Planning and Zoning Department via phone (504)934-6130 or email zoning@ppgov.net.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Plaquemines Parish zoning classifications and permitted or conditional uses.
      “At this current time Plaquemines Parish Zoning Maps are unavailable to view on line. You can contact the Planning and Zoning Department (504)934-6130 or email zoning@ppgov.net with the name, address and or parcel number of the property.”
    • Partial — Plaquemines Parish zoning classifications and permitted or conditional uses.
      “You may view the zoning regulations online visit the Plaquemines Parish Government webpage, click on Government, click on Code of Ordinance, click on Appendix B you will find a list of zoning classifications and permitted uses and conditional uses”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Temporary RV permits for two or fewer RV sites or spaces per lot or parcel in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The 5,000-square-foot minimum is stated for the temporary RV permit category and is not established here as a general residential-dwelling minimum lot size.
    • The applicant must provide proof of ownership or a lease agreement, a notarized Temporary RV Permit Affidavit, a plot plan with property dimensions, an occupational license after approval, and a reporting form every six months.
    • No temporary RV permits will be issued without meeting current building, electrical, and plumbing codes under Louisiana law and passing inspection.

    minimum property area: >= 5000 square feet (for two or fewer temporary RV sites or spaces per lot or parcel) · standard RV size: 12' x 40'

    “Obtaining 2 or less RV sites/spaces per lot/parcel need at least 5000 square feet of property standard RV size is 12' x 40'”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Temporary RV permits for two or fewer RV sites or spaces per lot or parcel in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The temporary RV permit process requires proof of ownership; a lease agreement if the applicant is not the property owner; a notarized Temporary RV Permit Affidavit; a plot plan with property dimensions; an occupational license after approval and before operating the Temporary RV Park; and a Temporary RV Permit Reporting Form every six months, with failure to comply resulting in a lost permit.
    • The page separately provides a process for three or more RV sites or spaces per lot or parcel and states that ten or more sites or spaces per lot or parcel must be approved by the Plaquemines Parish Council.
    • No temporary RV permits will be issued without meeting current building, electrical, and plumbing codes under Louisiana law and passing inspection.
    • This claim concerns temporary RV sites and is not a general residential-dwelling setback rule.

    front property-line setback: 20 feet · side property-line setback: 7 feet (10 feet from the side property line on the corner side) · rear property-line setback: 10 feet · separation between two units: 15 feet

    “Obtaining 2 or less RV sites/spaces per lot/parcel [...] Setbacks are 20' from front property lines, 7' from side property lines (10' from side property line on corner side) 10' from rear property line, 15' between the two units”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Temporary RV sites and temporary RV parks on a lot or parcel.

    • Two or fewer RV sites/spaces per lot or parcel require at least 5,000 square feet, proof of ownership, a notarized temporary RV permit affidavit, a plot plan, an occupational license before operation, and reporting every six months.
    • Setbacks for two or fewer sites are 20 feet front, 7 feet side, 10 feet rear, and 15 feet between units.
    • Three or more sites require development plans and conditional and final reviews.
    • Ten or more sites/spaces require Plaquemines Parish Council approval.
    • The temporary RV process is not meant to circumvent permanent housing rules.

    minimum property area for two or fewer RV sites: >= 5000 square feet · maximum sites without temporary RV park classification: <= 2 sites/spaces

    “No temporary R/V permits will be issued without first meeting all the current building, electrical and plumbing codes per Louisiana law and must pass inspection (3rd party accepted). Ten (10) or more sites/spaces per lot/parcel must be approved by the Plaquemines Parish Council.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary RV camping sites and parks governed by the parish temporary RV permit process.

    • Temporary RV permits, inspections, utility and setback requirements, and site-number limits apply.
    • This claim does not establish rules for all forms of camping outside temporary RV permits.
    “No temporary R/V permits will be issued without first meeting all the current building, electrical and plumbing codes per Louisiana law and must pass inspection (3^{rd} party accepted).”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish Sanitarian section permits and inspects the systems.
    • Installations must be performed by a Louisiana state-licensed installer.
    “the Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises in Plaquemines Parish.
      “On private premises, the Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Wastewater treatment plants and individual wastewater treatment systems in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The official page says a permit application may be required for a wastewater treatment plant; individual systems are described as permitted by the Sanitarian section.
    “If you need to install a wastewater treatment plant, contact a Sanitarian at 504-934-6690 or email the Health Department. You can also view the Troubleshooting a Treatment Plan document (PDF) . You may have to complete a permit application.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises.

    • The page states the Sanitarian section inspects individual systems; it does not specify every inspection stage or exemption.
    “On private premises, the Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises.
      “the Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems.”
    • Required — Individual wastewater treatment systems on private premises.
      “On private premises, the Sanitarian section permits and inspects individual wastewater treatment systems.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Public utility service in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish Utilities Division operates and maintains water and sewer systems.
    • The source does not establish that every parcel must connect.
    “Our Utilities Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water and sewer”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Temporary RV parks with three or more sites/spaces per lot or parcel.
      “Final inspections would consist of making sure any installations as per ordinance have been installed-roads, turn a road, street lights, hydrants, sewer lines/treatment plant, water lines meter poles etc.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and boundary changes in Plaquemines Parish.

    • Applications require a certified accurate survey, proof of ownership, an ordinance or resolution, and applicable variance requests.
    • Fees vary by subdivision type.
    • A complete application must undergo advertisement and departmental review.
    • At least forty-five days must pass after complete submittal before Parish Council consideration.
    • Specified divisions may be exempt from the full process but must be certified by Planning and Zoning.

    minimum time before Parish Council consideration: >= 45 days (after complete application submittal) · administrative fee for qualifying exempt division: 100 USD · recordation fee for qualifying exempt division: 125 USD

    “Any change to the boundary of a tract, parcel, or lot must be approved”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Changes to boundaries of tracts, parcels, or lots and creation of subdivisions.
      “Any change to the boundary of a tract, parcel, or lot must be approved by Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning and/or Plaquemines Parish Council through the subdivision process.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Changes to tract, parcel, or lot boundaries and creation of subdivisions in Plaquemines Parish.
      “Any change to the boundary of a tract, parcel, or lot must be approved by Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning and/or Plaquemines Parish Council through the subdivision process.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Temporary RV parks constructed along Louisiana Highway 23.

    • A DOTD permit is required for access connection to ingress and egress on the state highway; the requirement applies to new and existing access.
    • This is not a general driveway-access rule for all parish properties.
    “When constructing park along Highway 23 you must apply obtain a DOTD permit for access connection to ingress and egress on State Highway this applies to new and existing access.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Access connections for temporary RV parks constructed along Louisiana Highway 23 in Plaquemines Parish.
      “Only upon possession of a signed and numbered Access Connection Permit Certificate may the applicant begin construction of an access connection.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New or existing trailers and residences in flood zones, and related construction or renovation activity.

    • Flood elevation certificates or benchmarks are required almost anytime, including houses, sheds, new trailers, renovations, repairs, and foundation shoring.
    • If a property is in a flood zone, engineer drawings of the foundation must be provided when applying for the building permit.
    • The parish directs applicants to contact the office with an address or parcel number to determine flood-zone status.
    “If you’re in a flood zone, you will need to provide engineer drawing of the foundation when you apply for the building permit.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published zoning-verification and subdivision-related fees in Plaquemines Parish.

    • A zoning verification letter requires a $50 check; more than one property requires a separate check for each property.
    • Subdivision fees vary by subdivision type; listed exempt divisions require separate $100 administrative and $125 recordation payments.

    zoning verification letter fee: 50 USD (Separate check for each property when requesting more than one property.) · exempt-division administrative fee: 100 USD (Plus $125 recordation fee.) · exempt-division recordation fee: 125 USD (Plus $100 administrative fee.)

    “Payment 2 separate checks/money or made payable to “Plaquemines Parish Government” $100.00 (administrative fee) and $125.00 (recordation fee)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published fees for selected parish zoning and subdivision services.
      “A check for $50.00, made payable to “Plaquemines Parish Government””
    • Variable (with conditions) — Plaquemines Parish planning, zoning, subdivision, and related permit fees.
      “The application fees consist of administrative, advertisement, lot and recordation fees this varies depending on the type of subdivision.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Residential and commercial permitting in Plaquemines Parish.

    • The parish accepts online applications through PPG Geaux.
    • For new houses, applicants should check zoning and flood elevation and request the permit-office checklist.
    • The parish permits page lists residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, gas, RV, and temporary RV park permits.
    • Detailed review timelines and complete fee schedules were not established from the opened pages.
    “Use our online portal to submit your application and track the progress of your request. You can now apply online using PPG Geaux.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit application and tracking process administered by the Plaquemines Parish Permits Department.
      “Use our online portal to submit your application and track the progress of your request. You can now apply online using PPG Geaux.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Plaquemines Parish residential and commercial permitting, including renovations and repairs, new residential and commercial construction, electrical, mechanical, gas, recreational vehicle, and temporary RV park permits.
      “Use our online portal to submit your application and track the progress of your request.”

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

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

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

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

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

    Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; the state authorizes municipalities to regulate the size of structures, which may include dwelling-size standards, but does not establish one statewide minimum dwelling size in this provision.

    • Any actual minimum dwelling-size requirement must be found in the applicable municipality's zoning ordinance or district regulations.
    • Local zoning ordinances remain subject to the judicial-review standards stated in the statute.
    “size of structures”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Plaquemines Parish.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Plaquemines Parish.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory-dwelling occupancy in Plaquemines Parish.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Plaquemines 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 Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

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

Plaquemines Parish scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 282 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: strong self-sufficiency basics: 61″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

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

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Plaquemines Parish is limited to specific cases: Temporary RV sites and temporary RV parks on a lot or parcel. Two or fewer RV sites/spaces per lot or parcel require at least 5,000 square feet, proof of ownership, a notarized temporary RV permit affidavit, a plot plan, an occupational license before operation, and reporting every six months. Setbacks for two or fewer sites are 20 feet front, 7 feet side, 10 feet rear, and 15 feet between units. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana?

Land in Plaquemines Parish runs about $2,130 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Plaquemines Parish?

Plaquemines Parish gets about 61" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.6% of years.

How remote is Plaquemines Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 282 people within a 30-minute drive and 706,151 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 Plaquemines compares in Louisiana

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