Bolthole Index

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

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

69Index Score / 100
#26 of 64 in Louisiana

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit for construction, major changes, demolition, occupancy changes and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work1. Permitted construction must pass inspections before permanent electricity is released23. Unincorporated St. Helena Parish has no county zoning rule for uses such as RV or tiny-home occupancy, though incorporated municipalities may set their own rules4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction and the other work listed by the parish1
Building code
The parish administers an adopted building and residential code5
Inspections
Required before permanent electricity is released2
Septic
State permit required; start with the parish Environmental Health office67
County zoning / RV living
No county zoning rule in unincorporated areas; confirm municipal and private restrictions4
Owner-builder
Available under conditions; it does not waive health or life-safety rules8
Agricultural construction
A contractor-license exemption may apply, but building and safety rules remain9

Who to call

Building permits

St. Helena Parish Police Jury Building Department

Building, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing permits, flood elevation certificates and certificates of occupancy for St. Helena Parish, including unincorporated areas

(225) 222-4549

17911 Highway 43, Greensburg, LA 70441

Septic permits

St. Helena Parish Environmental Health Office (Parish Health Unit)

Site evaluations and individual sewage system (septic) permits for St. Helena Parish under the state Sanitary Code

225-222-4412

53 North Second Street, St. Helena Health Unit, Greensburg, LA 70441

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Helena 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 St. Helena Parish, Louisiana?

Yes. St. Helena Parish requires an owner or authorized agent to obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a building, changing its occupancy, or performing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work1. The parish administers an adopted building and residential code, and commercial structures need State Fire Marshal approval before the parish permitting process begins51. Permitted construction must pass all required inspections before St. Helena Parish releases permanent electricity, and the environmental confirmation form must also be received23. A certificate of occupancy can be issued after all requirements are met, but the parish page does not say that every project requires one10.

Who issues building permits in St. Helena Parish?

The St. Helena Parish Police Jury Building Department is the first stop for building permits and plan review11. Call (225) 222-4549 or visit 17911 Highway 43 in Greensburg12. The published process includes building, sewer and flood-elevation documentation, and commercial applicants must obtain State Fire Marshal approval before parish permitting11. Permit and plan-review fees are due, but we could not confirm their current amounts; ask the Building Department for a fee schedule before budgeting. Owner-builders can qualify for a Louisiana contractor-license exemption under stated conditions, including an affidavit, but that exemption does not remove health or life-safety requirements8. Farmers have a contractor-license exemption for agricultural construction on owned or leased land, not a blanket exemption from building permits or safety codes9.

Does St. Helena Parish have zoning?

Unincorporated St. Helena Parish has no county zoning ordinance, so county zoning does not set minimum dwelling size, general minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, or occupancy rules for RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes and accessory dwellings4. That answer does not settle municipal zoning or private deed restrictions; confirm whether the parcel lies inside an incorporated municipality and review its title before relying on a proposed use. Subdivision rules remain a separate issue: a narrow state-law category limits planning jurisdiction over qualifying unincorporated single-family divisions while preserving controls over utilities, drainage, sewage disposal and street design13. The qualifying subdivision rule is not a general lot-size requirement for every parcel13.

How do septic permits work in St. Helena Parish?

The State Health Officer issues permits for individual sewage systems in St. Helena Parish, while the St. Helena Parish Environmental Health office handles local processing assistance6. Call 225-222-4412 or visit 53 North Second Street in Greensburg14. Before permit issuance or a site evaluation, the parish process calls for ownership and contact information, a legal survey, proposed use and occupancy details, a valid 911 address, water-service type, the required signature or agent authorization, and parish-issued permits7. Only about 23% of parish soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency15. A homeowner may install an aerobic treatment system only after satisfying the applicable state education, certification or licensing conditions16.

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

Unincorporated St. Helena Parish has no county zoning rule restricting RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping4. A tiny home that involves regulated construction or building systems still needs the applicable parish building permit1. Wastewater is a separate constraint: installing, altering or operating an individual sewage system requires a State Health Officer permit7. We could not confirm whether composting toilets or other off-grid alternatives can replace an approved sewage system, so ask Environmental Health how wastewater must be handled before committing to the plan. Parcels inside incorporated municipalities may face municipal rules, and private deed restrictions can also limit a use even where county zoning does not.

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

  1. Obtain a valid 911 address before Environmental Health processes the application11.
  2. Submit two plan sets and a site plan to the Building Department for review11.
  3. File the permit application with the legal description, survey, site plan and required payment11.
  4. After plan review, obtain the building and sewer permits and required flood-elevation documentation1117.
  5. Complete the state septic-permit process through the parish Environmental Health office67.
  6. Complete required inspections and submit the environmental confirmation and utility-connection paperwork; permanent electricity is withheld until both conditions are satisfied23. After all requirements are met, the parish can issue a certificate of occupancy, although its page does not say every project requires one10.

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

Start with buildability, wastewater, flood documentation and legal access. Only about 23% of St. Helena Parish soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making septic feasibility a meaningful purchase contingency15. The parish permit process requires flood-elevation documentation after plan review, but the available rule does not supply flood-zone standards or exemptions for a particular tract17. If access depends on a private, non-through driveway servitude, the route must be large enough for service and emergency vehicles18. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires a state highway access permit, so identify who maintains the road frontage19. For a private well, Louisiana generally requires a licensed driller and post-completion registration, while domestic wells follow an exception to the ordinary advance-notice rule20. Finally, obtain current zoning, subdivision and deed-restriction answers for the exact parcel rather than assuming rural land is unrestricted.

Watch-outs

  • St. Helena Parish does not release permanent electricity until required inspections are approved and the environmental confirmation form is received23.
  • The parish requires flood-elevation documentation in its permit process, but the available material does not state parcel-specific flood standards or exemptions17.
  • The owner-builder and agricultural provisions are contractor-license exemptions, not blanket waivers of permits, health rules or life-safety codes89.

Sources

  1. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  4. Louisiana law on county zoning and building authority
  5. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  6. Sewage Requirements & Standards - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sewage Requirements & Standards - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  8. Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:2157 - Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  9. Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:2157 - Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  12. St. Helena Parish Police Jury Building Department (sthelenaparish.la.gov)
  13. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 33:106.1, quoted and re-checked
  14. St. Helena Parish Environmental Health Office (Parish Health Unit) (sthelenaparish.la.gov)
  15. 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
  16. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 40:1281.25, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Department - St. Helena Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  18. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

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

RuleSt. Helena ParishTangipahoa ParishEast Feliciana ParishLivingston ParishEast Baton Rouge ParishWashington ParishWest Feliciana Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNot publishedYesYesYesYesYes
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

St. Helena Parish in Louisiana

69
County map
St. Helena Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How St. Helena Parish scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness60100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost8696% 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 →

$177kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$4,232Land / acre
63.9"Annual rain
6.2% of yrsSevere drought
9.6 / yr (+8.9)Mid-century 100°F days
15.7 daysMid-century dry spell
3.16" (+4.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,471Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
25,032People within 30 min
3,553,606People within 2 hr
28,427Radius comparison (15 mi)
26.4People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
23%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
59,446 acWorkable land screen
77.7%Wooded land
34.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in St. Helena 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.

Town of Greensburg · Village of Montpelier

Answers from the rulebook for St. Helena Parish

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

St. Helena Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy change, and specified electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work subject to the parish building department.

    • Commercial structures require state fire marshal approval prior to the permitting process.
    • A 911 address, plan review, property legal description, survey, site plan, and payment of fees are listed in the process.
    “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the 2009 building and residential code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtained the required permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work administered by the St. Helena Parish Building Department.
      “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the 2009 building and residential code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtained the required permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building, residential, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work regulated by the parish building department.

    • The page identifies the applicable code as the 2009 building and residential code.
    • Commercial structures require state fire marshal approval before the permitting process.

    code edition: 2009 building and residential code

    “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the 2009 building and residential code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtained the required permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building and residential-code requirements administered by the St. Helena Parish Building Department.
      “the installation of which is regulated by the 2009 building and residential code”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects seeking permanent electricity through the parish's published building-permit process.

    • No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received.
    “Utility Connection Form No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received. A certification of occupancy can be issued after all requirements are met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction requiring approval before permanent electricity is issued.
      “No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects completing the parish's published permit process.

    • A certification of occupancy can be issued only after all requirements are met.
    “Utility Connection Form No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received. A certification of occupancy can be issued after all requirements are met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

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

    Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes.
    • The grant covers regulation of structure height, number of stories, structure size, lot occupancy, courts and open spaces, population density, and building, structure, and land location and use.
    “the governing authorities of parishes, other than the parishes of Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster, or their duly created boards of adjustment are hereby authorized”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Permanent electricity connection for permitted construction in St. Helena Parish.

    • All inspections must be approved.
    • An environmental confirmation form must be received.
    • The page does not establish countywide water or sewer availability.
    “No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Permanent electricity connection for permitted construction in St. Helena Parish.
      “No permanent electricity will be issued until all inspections have been approved and the environmental confirmation form has been received.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development requiring a parish building permit and flood-elevation documentation.

    • The building process lists a flood elevation certificate among the permits obtained after plan review.
    • The page does not define flood-zone boundaries, thresholds, or exceptions.
    “Obtain Permits- Building, Sewer, and Flood Elevation Certificate You will obtain permits at the building department located in the Police Jury Building after plan review is complete.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications in St. Helena Parish.

    • The six published steps are: obtain a 911 address; submit plans and site plan for review; file the permit application with legal description, survey, site plan, and payment; obtain building, sewer, and flood-elevation-certificate permits after plan review; satisfy environmental-health requirements; and submit the utility-connection form.
    • Environmental Health requires a valid 911 address before processing the application.
    • Commercial structures require state fire marshal approval before permitting.

    plan sets: 2 sets

    “There are 6 steps to obtaining a building permit:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — St. Helena Parish building-permit applications.
      “There are 6 steps to obtaining a building permit: 1. Obtain 911 Address Your address may be obtained from the 911 Office located in the Police Jury Building at 17911 highway 43, Greensburg, and La. 70441. Please note that the environmental health department will require a valid 911 address before processing your application.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The parish code of ordinances contains building and subdivision regulations but no adopted comprehensive zoning ordinance; the police jury holds statutory zoning authority (La. R.S. 33:1236.3) that does not appear to be exercised parish-wide.

    St. Helena Parish Police Jury - Building Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “Owners of property who [...] assume charge of the construction [...] of their personal residences, if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-supervised construction of personal residences and owner-controlled property in Louisiana, including St. Helena Parish.
      “if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year”
    • Conditional — A homeowner installing an individual aerobic sewage treatment system in the homeowner's own home.
      “may do so only after satisfying any installation education requirements, certification or licensure requirements”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Individual sewage systems in St. Helena Parish under Louisiana State Sanitary Code Title 51, Part XIII, Chapter 7, §701 A.

    • The St. Helena Environmental Office at the Health Unit processes local materials and contacts for the state permit process.
    • The cited rule applies to installation, alteration, and operation.
    “A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the State Health Officer. No person shall install, cause to be installed, or alter subsequent to installation an individual sewerage system of any kind except in accordance with the plans and specifications for the installation which have been approved as a part of a permit issued by the State Health Officer.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Individual sewage systems in St. Helena Parish.
      “A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the State Health Officer.”
    • State — Statewide regulation of individual sewerage systems in Louisiana.
      “A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewerage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, alteration, or operation of any individual sewerage system in Louisiana, including septic tank systems.

    • A permit from the state health officer is required before installation, alteration, or operation.
    • Plans and specifications must be approved as part of the permit.
    • A temporary installation permit may issue only after the state health officer determines connection to a community-type sewerage system is not feasible and the soil, drainage, lot size/dimensions, and related factors are unlikely to create a nuisance or public health hazard.
    • Permits for lots in formal subdivisions require an official recorded plat/property survey filed with and approved by the Office of Public Health for individual sewerage use.

    permit stages: two-stage process

    “A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewerage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation, alteration, or operation of an individual sewage system in St. Helena Parish.
      “No person shall install, cause to be installed, or alter subsequent to installation an individual sewerage system of any kind except in accordance with the plans and specifications for the installation which have been approved as a part of a permit issued by the State Health Officer.”
    • Required — Individual sewage systems in St. Helena Parish.
      “Before a site evaluation can be done on existing sewage systems or new installations, the following items must be completed before a permit can be issued: Land owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number. Proof of ownership of property such as a Deed, Recorded Cash Sale, Act of Donation, Succession, or Bond for Deed, etc ( Clerk of Court office) Survey of legal description of property (Clerk of Court office) Proposed use of property (new construction, mobile home, etc.) If single family residence or mobile home - the number of bedrooms If office or Commercial use - the number of employees 911 address for the property Type of water service – Private - Community - Non Community Property owner will be required to sign sewer permit unless a notarized designated agent form or power of attorney form is provided. Bring all permits issued from the St. Helena Permitting Office”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Final approval of individual sewerage system installations in Louisiana.

    • Final approval requires verification that the system was installed in compliance with the code.
    • Verification may be by an on-site inspection by a representative of the state health officer and/or a completed Certification by Installer from the licensed installer.
    • The installer must notify the appropriate local Parish Health Unit before installation.
    • The certification must be submitted within 15 days after completion.

    certification submission deadline: 15 days after completion

    “A final permit approving the installation, shall be issued only upon verification that the individual sewerage system has been installed in compliance with this code. The verification of such installation shall be determined by means of an on-site inspection conducted by a representative of the state health officer and/or in the form of a completed "Certification by Installer" form submitted to the state health officer by the licensed installer.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Use of individual or alternative onsite sewage systems instead of a community-type sewerage system in Louisiana.

    • Individual sanitation is allowed only when community-type sewerage is unavailable or connection is not feasible.
    • The system requires state-health-officer permitting and approved plans.
    • A conventional septic tank system may be used where community sewer is unavailable; an individual mechanical plant may be used only where community sewer is unavailable and the state health officer determines a conventional system would not function properly.
    • Innovative systems are limited to no more than three experimental or developmental installations statewide and require specifically approved plans, specifications, testing procedures, and a prior permit.

    experimental/developmental installations: <= 3 statewide maximum

    “The total number of such installations shall not exceed three throughout the state and shall be approved under the following conditions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Tracts exempted from planning-commission regulation by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 33:106.1.
      “utilization of individual sewage disposal systems shall be permitted”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction for agricultural purposes by a farmer on leased or owned land in St. Helena Parish.
      “Any farmer doing construction for agricultural purposes on leased or owned land.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision regulation under Louisiana's statutory framework, administered through parish and municipal planning commissions.

    • A parish planning commission must adopt subdivision regulations before exercising its statutory powers; parish regulations apply to subdivision of land in unincorporated territory for purposes other than agricultural.
    • A municipal planning commission must adopt regulations before exercising its statutory powers, and municipal regulations apply within the municipality.
    • A planning commission generally must approve or disapprove a plat within 60 days, unless the applicant waives the requirement and consents to an extension.
    • The statutory framework allows local regulations concerning street arrangement, lot dimensions, utilities, drainage-related utility and sewerage requirements, improvements, and bonds or surety.
    • R.S. 33:106.1 limits planning-commission jurisdiction over specified qualifying subdivisions, while preserving requirements for utilities, drainage including sewerage disposal, and street planning dimensions, composition, and alignment.

    plat decision period: 60 days (Applicant may waive the requirement and consent to an extension.) · hearing notice: >= 5 days (Notice by certified mail and publication requirements apply; certain public-hearing waivers may be authorized by official subdivision regulations.)

    “Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110, a parish planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within unincorporated territory within its jurisdiction for purposes other than agricultural. Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110 a municipal planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — The § 33:106.1 statutory category of unincorporated parcels divided into qualifying single-family lots; St. Helena Parish is not among the expressly named parish exceptions in the statute.
      “minimum square footage of twenty-two thousand five hundred square feet”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — A non-through servitude of passage used exclusively as a driveway.
      “Any parcel of land, wherever located, upon which a servitude of passage is created for ingress or egress which does not create a through passage and is used exclusively as a driveway need not meet any street planning dimensions, except said servitude must be adequate in dimensions to provide for ingress and egress by service and emergency vehicles.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning regulation across the Town of Greensburg and Village of Montpelier, the incorporated municipalities identified in official Louisiana and parish-government pages.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in St. Helena Parish.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

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

St. Helena Parish scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 63.9″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

St. Helena Parish generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health (St. Helena 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in St. Helena Parish is allowed: Unincorporated St. Helena Parish: no county rule sets this, because St. Helena Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing sthelenaparish.la.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. The general parish zoning grant excludes Rapides, Jefferson, Sabine, and Webster parishes. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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

Land in St. Helena Parish runs about $4,232 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Helena Parish?

St. Helena Parish gets about 63.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.2% of years.

How remote is St. Helena Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 25,032 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,553,606 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How St. Helena compares in Louisiana

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