Bolthole Index

St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

63Index Score / 100
#39 of 64 in Louisiana

Unincorporated St. Martin Parish, Louisiana requires building permits for new construction, repairs and electrical work through the parish Building Permits Department12. The parish has adopted a Uniform Construction Code ordinance and publishes zoning districts for land in its jurisdiction34. Onsite wastewater permits come from the state health officer through the local parish health-unit system56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; plans or specifications must state total square footage1
Zoning
Yes; local district rules and dimensional standards vary by district74
Septic
State health officer permit; handled through the local parish health-unit system58
Owner-builder exemption
Contractor-license exemption for a personal residence; ordinarily 1 residence per year from occupancy approval, with an affidavit; building permits still apply910
Permit fees
$100 minimum for residential renovation, addition or demolition; starting without a permit doubles the fee1112
Driveway on a state highway
LaDOTD Access Connection Permit required before construction13
Lot size & setbacks
Set district by district: R-1 needs 20,000 sq ft and a 30-foot front yard; A-2 needs 1 acre and a 50-foot front yard14151617

Who to call

Building permits

St. Martin Parish Building Permits Department

Building, electrical and repair permits for new construction in unincorporated St. Martin Parish, under the parish's Uniform Construction Code ordinance

(337) 394-9816

303 West Port Street, St. Martinville, LA

Zoning

St. Martin Parish Planning and Zoning Department

Subdivision plan review and approval, property-standards violations, zoning, and enforcement of the parish zoning ordinance

(337) 394-9816

303 West Port Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582

Septic permits

St. Martin Parish Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems

New or updated septic/sewer system permits for St. Martin Parish

(337) 394-6134

303 Port Street, St. Martinville, LA

Also useful

St. Martin Parish 911 Center

Assigns the official property address needed before any building, electrical or septic permit can be issued

(337) 394-2800

4870 Main Highway, St. Martinville, LA

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

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

Unincorporated St. Martin Parish requires building permits for new construction and repairs, plus electrical permits for electrical work; applications need plans, specifications or blueprints stating total square footage1. The parish has adopted a Uniform Construction Code ordinance and uses a contracted provider for construction inspections318. Residential renovation, addition and demolition fees are $3.50 per $1,000 of applicable valuation, with a $100 minimum; starting required work before obtaining the building permit and paying the fee doubles the charge12. Louisiana’s owner-builder contractor-license exemption ordinarily allows 1 personal residence per year, measured from certificate-of-occupancy issuance, and requires an affidavit with the building permit application; building permits and health and life-safety requirements still apply10. Inside Breaux Bridge, apply to the mayor for a building permit for covered work exceeding $1,00019. Arnaudville directs building-permit applications to the parish police jury office, with parish health-unit and permit-officer approvals20. Morgan City, mainly in St. Mary Parish but reaching into St. Martin Parish, directs building-permit applications to city Planning and Zoning21. Individual sewerage approval remains with state health officials and the parish health unit5.

Who is the St. Martin Parish building department, and how do you reach them?

The St. Martin Parish Building Permits Department, at 303 West Port Street, St. Martinville, handles new construction, repair and electrical permits; call (337) 394-98162. The Planning and Zoning Department handles zoning, subdivision review and property-standards enforcement at the same West Port Street location and phone number22. The state health officer controls onsite-wastewater permitting, with administration through Louisiana Department of Health Sanitarian Services and the parish health-unit system86. The parish directs new or updated sewer-system matters to the Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems at 303 Port Street, St. Martinville, (337) 394-613423. The parish's published process directs applicants to obtain a new address through the 911 Center before following the building-permit, electrical-permit or sewer-permit steps; the page also links an online permit portal24.

Does St. Martin Parish have zoning?

Unincorporated St. Martin Parish has zoning, and district standards govern land uses, lot sizes and setbacks74. A parcel’s district is generally established by its nearest public road, extending 500 feet from the road centerline unless Appendix C says otherwise25. The Planning and Development director issues development permits only after approval of an application for a certificate of zoning compliance7. R-1 requires at least 20,000 square feet and a 30-foot front yard; R-2 requires 12,000 square feet and a 25-foot front yard; A-2 requires 1 acre and a 50-foot front yard142616152717. Breaux Bridge and St. Martinville set municipal zoning inside their city limits2829. Morgan City, mainly in St. Mary Parish but reaching into this parish, also has municipal zoning districts30. Individual sewerage approval remains with state health officials and the parish health unit5. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, height or lot-coverage standard; ask parish Planning and Zoning for the standards governing your proposed house22.

How do septic permits work in St. Martin Parish?

A state health officer permit is required before installing, altering or operating an individual sewerage system in St. Martin Parish6. Louisiana Department of Health Sanitarian Services administers onsite-wastewater regulation through the parish health-unit system58. An individual system is allowed only when community sewer is unavailable or infeasible, its plans are approved, and soil, drainage, lot size and related site conditions show that it is unlikely to create a nuisance or public-health hazard31. The installer must notify the local parish health unit before installation, and for a lot in a formal subdivision a recorded plat or approved survey must be on file before the septic permit issues32. Start with the parish Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems for a new or updated system2423. Only about 2.9% of parish soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so resolve system feasibility and likely design cost before relying on a parcel for a homesite33.

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

St. Martin Parish’s R-4 Mobile Home Park Residential district allows travel trailer rental spaces, limited to one per lot34. R-4 minimum lot areas are 3,000 square feet for a travel trailer park and 5,000 square feet for a mobile home park, subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 1335. R-4 requires a 20-foot front yard, at least 10 feet on the side, and a rear yard of 20% of lot depth, not required to exceed 25 feet36. These park provisions do not establish permission to live long-term in an RV on a private parcel elsewhere; we could not confirm that rule, so ask parish Planning and Zoning about the proposed use and district3422. We also could not confirm a distinct tiny-home or accessory-dwelling occupancy rule; ask Planning and Zoning how the proposed unit is classified22. Individual sewerage must separately qualify for state approval where community sewer is infeasible31.

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

  1. Obtain the official property address from the St. Martin Parish 911 Center before applying for a building, electrical or sewer permit2437.
  2. Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's district and applicable use and dimensional standards, and obtain zoning compliance approval before the development permit; discuss any proposed land division with the parish coordinator before submitting preliminary plans743822.
  3. Determine whether community sewer is feasible; if not, take the individual-system plans and site details to the Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems for the state approval process31823.
  4. Submit plans, specifications or blueprints showing total square footage to the Building Permits Department and pay the applicable fee before work begins111122.
  5. Complete the parish's required construction inspections through its contracted third-party provider182.
  6. For a driveway connecting to a state highway, obtain a signed and numbered LaDOTD access permit before construction in the right-of-way13.

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

St. Martin Parish's soils are difficult for septic: only about 2.9% rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and likely an alternative system33. The parish is flat and wet: 100% of its land sits at 15% slope or less, and 66.2% is wooded, with 62 inches of annual precipitation394041. Check the flood zone and any regulatory floodway status for a specific parcel before you buy: new development in a floodway generally needs a no-rise certification showing 0 feet of modeled rise, or a floodway revision obtained before the permit issues42. The parish center is about 16 miles in straight-line distance from the nearest city of 100,000 or more people, with a population density around 69.2 people per square mile4344. Typical property tax runs about 0.4% of value, with a median bill near $610 a year4546.

Watch-outs

  • Louisiana's owner-builder exemption requires the home to remain the owner's primary residence, does not cover a home built to rent or sell, and requires a homeowner exemption form from the local permit office; parish permits still apply91.
  • We could not confirm long-term RV occupancy on private land outside St. Martin Parish’s R-4 park provisions; ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel before relying on an RV as a residence3422.

Sources

  1. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. St. Martin Parish Building Permits Department (stmartinparish.net)
  3. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  4. St. Martin Parish Zoning Ordinance, Articles III-VII, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Wastewater Installer Workshop Study Material, quoted and re-checked
  6. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Appendix C - Zoning Ordinance, St. Martin Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  8. Bureau of Sanitarian Services, quoted and re-checked
  9. FAQ – Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, quoted and re-checked
  10. Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:2157, Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. cms5.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  13. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Zoning District R-1 (Single-Family Residential), quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning District R-1 (Single-Family Residential), quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning District A-2 (Agricultural—Field Crops, Range Land), quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning District A-2 (Agricultural—Field Crops, Range Land), quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. Breaux Bridge: Sec. 6-19. Building permit—Required (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  20. Town of Arnaudville: Arnaudville Code of Ordinances, § 8-4—Permit required; affidavit; exemption (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  21. Morgan City: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22, Sec. 22-32 - Building permit required by owner and contractor (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  22. St. Martin Parish Planning and Zoning Department (stmartinparish.net)
  23. St. Martin Parish Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems (stmartinparish.net)
  24. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  25. Appendix C - Zoning Ordinance, St. Martin Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning District R-2 (Mixed Residential), quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning District R-2 (Mixed Residential), quoted and re-checked
  28. Breaux Bridge: Ordinance No. 2232; Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  29. St. Martinville: Code of Ordinances, Appendix A—Zoning, Sec. 1.3, Application of district regulations (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  30. Morgan City: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 126, Sec. 126-41 - Districts established (St. Martin Parish), quoted and re-checked
  31. Onsite Wastewater Installer Workshop Study Material, quoted and re-checked
  32. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  33. 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
  34. Zoning District R-4 (Mobile Home Park Residential), quoted and re-checked
  35. Zoning District R-4 (Mobile Home Park Residential), quoted and re-checked
  36. Zoning District R-4 (Mobile Home Park Residential), quoted and re-checked
  37. St. Martin Parish 911 Center (stmartinparish.net)
  38. Planning and Zoning/Nuisance, quoted and re-checked
  39. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  42. State of Louisiana No Rise Certification Guidance (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  44. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  45. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleSt. Martin ParishLafayette ParishSt. Landry ParishIberville ParishWest Baton Rouge ParishPointe Coupee ParishAcadia Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesNot published
Septic permitsLDHLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of Health

County locator

St. Martin Parish in Louisiana

63
County map
St. Martin Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How St. Martin Parish scores

Seclusion53100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness4290% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$178kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,630Land / acre
62"Annual rain
8.2% of yrsSevere drought
2.8 / yr (+2.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
3.17" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,388Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.94%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
29,407People within 30 min
2,426,270People within 2 hr
45,581Radius comparison (15 mi)
69.2People / sq mi
1.4%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
11,989 acWorkable land screen
66.2%Wooded land
51.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
68.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in St. Martin Parish

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

Not yet researched: Town of Henderson · Village of Parks

Answers from the rulebook for St. Martin Parish

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

St. Martin Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits for new construction, repairs, electrical work, and related construction activities administered by the St. Martin Parish Building Permits Department.

    • The applicant must present plans, specifications, and/or blueprints stating the total square footage contemporaneously with the application.
    • Construction begun without first obtaining a permit and paying required fees results in double the otherwise applicable permit fee.
    “without first obtaining a permit and making the payment of fees which is required”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    St. Martin Parish building permits and construction in the parish building-permit jurisdiction.

    • The parish page links an ordinance identified as the Uniform Construction Code Ordinance No. 11-02-0940-OR.
    “Uniform Construction Code-Ordinance No.11-02-0940-OR”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    General parish zoning regulation of land and buildings in the unincorporated area of St. Martin Parish.

    • The ordinance divides the unincorporated area into zoning districts.
    • Zoning for each tract or parcel is established by reference to the nearest public roadway and generally extends 500 feet from the roadway centerline unless otherwise indicated in Appendix C.
    • The parishwide zoning ordinance was adopted December 18, 1995; the current code includes later amendments, including Ordinance No. 19-08-1273-OR adopted August 6, 2019 for specific zoning areas.
    • Uses, dimensional standards, development permits, and certificates of zoning compliance are governed by district-specific provisions and applicable exceptions.

    roadway-based zoning depth: 500 feet from roadway centerline (unless otherwise indicated in Appendix C)

    “For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the communities, the unincorporated area of St. Martin Parish is hereby divided into the following types of districts:”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Parish-level local zoning in St. Martin Parish; this does not aggregate or establish separate municipal zoning rules.

    • The page states that the parish has a zoning ordinance and that its Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for zoning enforcement.
    “The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for subdivision plan review and approval, property standards violations, zoning, and the enforcement of the corresponding ordinance(s).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — St. Martin Parish zoning ordinance administered in the parish's unincorporated area.
      “No building or structure shall be erected, altered, repaired, or relocated until a permit therefor has been issued by the director of planning and development. The application for and issuance of such permits shall be in accordance with the requirements of the development code, except that no permit shall be issued until application for a certificate of zoning compliance has been made and approved.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning-district materials published by St. Martin Parish Government.

    • The official page links the parish zoning ordinance in its entirety and lists district-specific materials including A-1, A-2, C-1, C-2, C-3, W-1, W-2, W-3, R-1, R-1R, R-2, R-3, R-4, I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4.
    “A-1 [...] A-2 [...] C-1 [...] C-2 [...] C-3 [...] W-1 [...] W-2 [...] W-3 [...] R-1 [...] R-1R [...] R-2 [...] R-3 [...] R-4 [...] I-1 [...] I-2 [...] I-3 [...] I-4”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts established by the St. Martin Parish Zoning Ordinance.
      “Planning and Zoning/Nuisance [...] A-1 [...] A-2 [...] C-1 [...] C-2 [...] C-3 [...] W-1 [...] W-2 [...] W-3 [...] R-1 [...] R-1R [...] R-2 [...] R-3 [...] R-4 [...] I-1 [...] I-2 [...] I-3 [...] I-4”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the A-2 Agricultural—Field Crops, Range Land district.

    • Subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13.

    minimum lot area: >= 1 acre

    “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13): Minimum Lot Area: 1 acre. Front yard: 50 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width. One yard: 20 feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Lots in the R-1 Single-Family Residential district.
      “Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet. Front yard: 30 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width, minimum five feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet. Minimum width five feet.”
    • Specified — Lots in the R-2 Mixed Residential district.
      “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 51): Minimum Lot area: 12,000 square feet. Front yard: 25 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width, minimum five feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet. Minimum width five feet.”
    • Specified — Lots in the R-4 Mobile Home Park Residential district.
      “Minimum lot area: 5,000 square feet for mobile home park; 3,000 square feet for travel trailer park.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings in the A-2 Agricultural—Field Crops, Range Land district.

    • The requirements are subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13.
    • The side-yard requirement is expressed as a total percentage plus one-yard minimum.

    front yard: 50 feet · side yard: total 20% of lot width; one yard 20 feet · rear yard: 20% of lot depth, not required to exceed 25 feet

    “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13): Minimum Lot Area: 1 acre. Front yard: 50 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width. One yard: 20 feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the R-1 Single-Family Residential district.
      “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13): Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet. Front yard: 30 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width, minimum five feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet. Minimum width five feet.”
    • Specified — Buildings in the R-2 Mixed Residential district.
      “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 51): Minimum Lot area: 12,000 square feet. Front yard: 25 feet. Side yard: Total: 20% of lot width, minimum five feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet. Minimum width five feet.”
    • Specified — Buildings and travel-trailer/mobile-home park lots in the R-4 Mobile Home Park Residential district.
      “Lot Requirements (subject to Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13): Minimum lot area: 5,000 square feet for mobile home park; 3,000 square feet for travel trailer park. Front yard: 20 feet. Side yard: Minimum 10 feet. Rear yard: 20% of lot depth. Not required to exceed 25 feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel-trailer occupancy in the parish's R-4 Mobile Home Park Residential district.

    • Travel trailer rental spaces are permitted uses in R-4.
    • The use is limited to one travel-trailer rental space per lot.
    • R-4 minimum lot area is 3,000 square feet for a travel trailer park.
    • Louisiana State Sanitary Code, Chapter 13, applies.

    travel trailer rental spaces: one per lot · minimum lot area: 3000 square feet (for travel trailer park)

    “Single-family dwellings (one per 7,500 square foot lot); single-unit mobile homes rental spaces (one per lot); travel trailer rental spaces (one per lot); private gardens; home occupations; private garages; accessory uses (park office; park utilities: electric, water, [and] sewage facilities; laundromat; convenience store); and parks and playgrounds and facilities in conjunction therewith.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and proposed tracts of land subject to St. Martin Parish planning review.

    • The subdivider or agent must discuss the project with the parish coordinator before submitting preliminary plans.
    • The parish page also links subdivision regulations and mobile-home-park subdivision regulations.
    “Whenever any subdivision or a tract of land is proposed to be made, the subdivider or his agent must discuss the project with the parish coordinator prior to submitting preliminary plans.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit fees administered through the St. Martin Parish Building Permits Department.

    • The official page links a Permit Fee Schedule in PDF format; the linked PDF was not accessible for extracting current fee amounts or dates.
    “Submit Permit Application (Permit Portal) [...] Permit Fee Schedule [...] (PDF format)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building and construction permit fees administered under Chapter 8, Section 8-5.
      “The fees set forth below shall be imposed and collected by the duly designated agent of St. Martin Parish Government prior to the issuance of any building permit.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building, electrical, and sewer permit process administered by St. Martin Parish.

    • The page directs applicants to apply for a new address through the 911 Center before the permit-department steps.
    • The page links an online permit portal and identifies the Building Permits Department address and telephone number.
    “Submit Permit Application (Permit Portal) [...] Steps to obtaining a building, electrical or sewer permit [...] Apply for new address:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Obtaining building, electrical, or sewer permits through St. Martin Parish Government.
      “Steps to obtaining a building, electrical or sewer permit”

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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner acting as general contractor for construction, repair, improvement, or maintenance of the owner's home or accessory building in St. Martin Parish.
      “Louisiana State Contractors’ licensing law allows an owner to build their primary residence without a license. You must live in this home. You cannot build a home to rent or sell without a license. Louisiana State Contractors’ licensing law also allows an owner to build structures adjacent to their primary residence without a license, such as a shed. Visit your local permit office to obtain permits and a homeowner exemption form.”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner supervising or assuming charge of construction of the owner's personal residence in St. Martin Parish.
      “The provisions of this Part shall not apply to any of the following: [...] Owners of property who supervise [...] their personal residences”
    • Conditional — Louisiana contractor-licensure requirements for an owner who constructs the owner's personal residence, including in St. Martin Parish.
      “if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year. The one-year period shall commence on the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy.”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; municipalities may regulate the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.

    • The applicable lot-coverage percentage is determined by the local zoning ordinance and district.
    • No statewide numerical lot-coverage limit is established by the cited statute.
    “percentage of lot that may be occupied”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Municipal zoning districts in Louisiana; municipalities may regulate building height and number of stories.

    • The applicable height limit is determined by the local zoning ordinance and district.
    • No statewide numerical building-height limit is established by the cited statute.
    “height, number of stories”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater regulation applicable in St. Martin Parish through Louisiana Department of Health Sanitarian Services and the parish health-unit system.

    • The Louisiana Sanitary Code is codified as Title 51, Public Health-Sanitary Code.
    • The St. Martin Parish official page identifies the Office of Public Health/Sewer Systems at 303 Port Street, St. Martinville.
    “Sanitarian Services is primarily occupied with enforcing laws, rules and regulations for maintaining and promoting community hygiene; [...] Onsite Wastewater Program”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Individual and community sewerage permitting and approval under Louisiana sanitary-code provisions applicable in St. Martin Parish.
      “All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a community sewerage system whenever feasible or to an individual sewerage system which is specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer”
    • 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 an individual sewerage system, including septic systems, in St. Martin Parish and elsewhere in Louisiana.

    • A permit from the state health officer must be obtained before installation, alteration, or operation.
    • The permit requires approved plans and specifications and is issued in a two-stage process.
    • A temporary installation permit may be issued only after the state health officer determines that connection to a community-type sewerage system is not feasible and that soil, drainage, lot size/dimensions, and related factors are unlikely to create a nuisance or public-health hazard.
    • Final approval requires verification of compliant installation by on-site inspection and/or a completed Certification by Installer form; the installer must notify the appropriate local Parish Health Unit before installation.
    • For lots within a formal subdivision, a permit may not be issued unless an official recorded plat/property survey has been filed with and approved by the Office of Public Health for individual sewerage systems.
    • Where an established community sewerage system is available and there is ample water supply, plumbing fixtures must be connected to that community system.
    • Individual sewerage systems other than conventional septic-tank systems must also comply with applicable Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality wastewater-discharge-permit provisions.

    permit stages: two-stage process · installer certification submission deadline: 15 days after completion

    “first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, alteration, or operation of any individual sewerage system in Louisiana, including septic tank systems.
      “A person shall not install, cause to be installed, alter subsequent to installation, or operate an individual sewerage system of any kind without first having obtained a permit from the state health officer.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Final approval of individual sewerage system installations in Louisiana.

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

    certification submission deadline: 15 days after completion

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

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

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

    experimental/developmental installations: <= 3 statewide maximum

    “The total number of such installations shall not exceed three throughout the state and shall be approved under the following conditions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Individual septic sanitation where a community-type sewerage system is unavailable.
      “All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a community sewerage system whenever feasible or to an individual sewerage system which is specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer after it is determined that connection to a community sewerage system is unfeasible and that the installation and operation of an individual sewerage system is not likely to create a nuisance or a public health hazard.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New water wells statewide in Louisiana, including wells outside critical groundwater areas, except the types specifically subject to post-installation notification or other exemptions.

    • All new water wells must be installed by a licensed water-well drilling contractor and registered through the Department of Transportation and Development within 30 days after completion.
    • Unless specifically listed in the exemptions, the owner must submit a water well notification form to the commissioner at least 60 days before installation.
    • Before construction begins, the drilling contractor must confirm that the Office of Conservation has received and responded to the installation notification.
    • Domestic wells, replacement wells, drilling rig supply wells, drought relief wells, and other wells exempted for just cause are subject to post-installation notification rules rather than the ordinary 60-day prior notification.
    • The commissioner reviews prior notifications within 30 days and may impose restrictions, request further information, or take no action; an additional 30-day review period may apply if further information is requested.
    • For large-volume wells or wells in a critical area of groundwater concern, the commissioner may fix allowable production, spacing, and metering; for other wells outside a critical area, an order may only fix spacing.
    • After written confirmation that no restrictions or further information are required, or when the owner accepts imposed restrictions, the owner need not wait the full 60 days and may begin drilling consistently with the notification and restrictions.

    prior notification period: 60 days (Does not apply to well types listed in LAC 43:VI §701.C and D.) · registration deadline after completion: 30 days (The applicable state registration requirement applies to all new water wells.) · additional review period if information requested: 30 days (Additional period begins when the requested information is received.)

    “require a water well notification form be submitted to the commissioner by the owner of the well at least 60 days prior to installation.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Residential or other individual sewerage-system sites governed by Louisiana Title 51 Part XIII.

    • A temporary individual-system permit may not issue until connection to a community-type sewerage system is determined not feasible.
    • A septic tank system may be used only where a community-type sewerage system is not available and the applicable code requirements are met.
    “Where a community-type sewerage system is not available, a septic tank system may be used provided that the requirements of §§511.B, 701, 703.A, and 705 are complied with.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural-purpose subdivision regulation by parish planning commissions in Louisiana.

    • The statutory exclusion applies to parish planning regulations governing subdivision of land in unincorporated territory for purposes other than agricultural.
    • Municipal planning commissions are separately authorized to regulate subdivision within their jurisdictions; this claim does not establish a municipal agricultural exemption.
    • Other statutory rules may still apply, including utility, drainage, sewerage-disposal, and street-planning requirements for qualifying subdivisions under R.S. 33:106.1.
    “Before exercising the powers referred to in R.S. 33:110, a parish planning commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within unincorporated territory within its jurisdiction for purposes other than agricultural.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access connections or driveways connecting property to a Louisiana state highway and involving work in LaDOTD right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state-highway access connections; access to non-state local roads may instead be governed by the local government.
    • The permit certificate must be signed and numbered before construction begins.
    • Additional design, drainage, traffic-study, inspection, bonding, and restoration conditions may apply.
    “Only upon possession of a signed and numbered Access Connection Permit Certificate may the applicant begin construction of an access connection.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Proposed development in a regulatory floodway in Louisiana communities using the State of Louisiana no-rise certification guidance.

    • A no-rise certification with supporting technical data may be submitted when modeling shows 0.00 feet rise.
    • If the project causes a rise, it must be modified, compensated for, or proceed through a floodway revision.
    • Floodway revision requests must come from the community and be obtained before permit issuance and development.
    • The community official must review and approve the supporting data and engineering certification before issuing a permit.

    permitted modeled rise for no-rise certification: 0 feet

    “Requests for floodway revisions must come from the community and be obtained prior to the issuance of a permit and proceeding with the development.”
  • Campground & park staysProhibited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in St. Martin Parish.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated St. Martin Parish.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in St. Martin Parish.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in St. Martin Parish.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in St. Martin 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. Martin Parish, Louisiana

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

St. Martin Parish scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 62″/yr rainfall plus 66.2% wooded land.

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

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

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

Land in St. Martin Parish runs about $3,630 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Martin Parish?

St. Martin Parish gets about 62" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.2% of years.

How remote is St. Martin Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 29,407 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,426,270 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. Martin compares in Louisiana

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