Bolthole Index

St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

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

52Index Score / 100
#54 of 64 in Louisiana

Unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana requires permits and inspections for residential construction12. Parish zoning districts govern unincorporated land, while incorporated municipalities are outside the parish zoning scheme and may administer separate rules34. St. Tammany Parish Environmental Services administers on-site wastewater permits and inspections5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for regulated construction in unincorporated areas; limited exemptions apply1
Zoning
Parish zoning applies in unincorporated areas; municipalities may have separate rules64
Septic permit
Applicable systems require an online parish Sewerage Inspection Permit application78
RV living
A private-land occupancy rule was not confirmed; ask Planning & Development4
Tiny home
Confirm the use and district standards for the parcel49
Owner-builder
Conditional for an owner-occupied primary residence10
Private well
Licensed installation and state registration are required11
Lot size and setbacks
Set by zoning district; R-1 needs 5 acres and a 50-foot front setback12

Who to call

Building permits

St. Tammany Parish Department of Permits and Inspections

Building-code enforcement, permits and inspection questions

985-898-2574

21454 Koop Drive, Building B, Mandeville, LA 70471

Online permits →

Zoning

St. Tammany Parish Department of Planning & Development

Planning, zoning and parcel-specific land-use questions

985-898-2529

21454 Koop Dr Building B, Mandeville, LA 70471

Septic permits

St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services

Sewerage Inspection Permit applications and on-site wastewater inspections

985-898-2535

es@stpgov.org

21454 Koop Drive, Building B, Mandeville, LA 70471

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. In unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, a permit is required before regulated construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, or electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or gas work begins1. Limited exemptions include a one-story detached accessory structure serving a one- or two-family dwelling when it is no larger than 200 square feet, and a fence no taller than 7 feet1. St. Tammany Parish enforces the construction codes prescribed by Louisiana law through plan review, permits and inspections, and permitted work must remain accessible and exposed until approved132. An owner-builder path is available for an owner's primary residence, but non-owner work requires a registered contractor and the required permits14.

Who is the St. Tammany Parish building department?

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Permits and Inspections handles building permits, code enforcement and inspection questions1516. Its office is at 21454 Koop Drive, Building B, Mandeville, LA 70471, and its listed phone number is 985-898-257415. The published application workflow starts at MyPermitNow: select the customer portal, create an account and return to the portal after submitting the account form17. Current permit amounts were not confirmed, although the parish publishes fee information; ask the building office for the fee tied to the proposed work1815. Inside Slidell and Abita Springs, municipal offices handle building permits1920. Municipal building approval does not replace the parish Environmental Services sewerage inspection process5.

Does St. Tammany Parish have zoning?

Yes. Parish zoning applies to unincorporated St. Tammany Parish; incorporated municipalities are outside the parish UDC34. Slidell, Covington, Abita Springs, Madisonville and Folsom administer their own zoning2122232425. Parish Environmental Services administers the parish sewerage inspection program26. For unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development at 985-898-2529 to identify the parcel’s base and overlay districts274. Residential lot minimums are 7 acres in E, 5 acres in R-1, 3 acres in R-2 and 1 acre in L-128. R-1 requires 300 feet of lot width and setbacks of 50 feet at the front, 15 feet on each side and 25 feet at the rear; qualifying legal nonconforming lots may receive limited lot-area relief2912. Individual-sewer lots generally also need 12,000 square feet and 60 feet of width, with an exception for qualifying combined lots of record; this does not replace larger district minimums28.

How do septic permits work in St. Tammany Parish?

St. Tammany Parish Environmental Services administers on-site wastewater permits and inspections26. Sewerage Inspection Permit applications go through MyGovernmentOnline, and the parish office lists a $100 payment amount for checks and money orders3031. A building must connect to community sewer when Environmental Services determines that sewer is available and suitable32. When the community-sewer requirement is waived, an individual system must receive specific approval from the state health officer or authorized representative before a certificate of occupancy or other final building-permit action33. Changes in occupancy, connection or electrical-service transfer trigger an on-site system inspection and inspection permit; permanent electrical service waits for that permit832. Only about 1.2% of parish soils are rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields; this does not make septic impossible, but supports getting a site evaluation before buying34.

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

We could not confirm a rule specifically allowing long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish; ask Planning & Development about the proposed use27. Land and buildings must conform to the applicable parish zoning district, so ask Planning & Development whether the exact parcel and proposed use are allowed427. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Development for the parcel’s district standards27. An occupied RV or tiny home still needs an approved sewage-disposal method, and an individual on-site system requires approval rather than an improvised off-grid arrangement35. If community sewer and adequate public water are available, the parish can require plumbing fixtures to connect to both32.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Development to confirm that the parcel is unincorporated, identify its zoning districts and verify the proposed residential use33627.
  2. Ask Environmental Services whether community sewer is available and suitable; otherwise establish the approval path for an individual system3231.
  3. Create a MyPermitNow account and submit the building-permit application before regulated work begins171.
  4. If acting as builder, complete the owner-builder affidavit and satisfy its primary-residence, contractor and permit conditions14.
  5. Request each required inspection before covering the work and do not proceed past an inspection point without approval372.
  6. Before final building-permit action, secure health-officer or authorized-representative approval for an individual sewage system where community-sewer connection is waived; drainage-regulated development also needs an official survey and final drainage inspection3338. Keep the permit placard on site until the certificate of occupancy or substantial completion is issued39.

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

Check zoning, sewer availability, septic feasibility, flood constraints and legal road access before the inspection period expires40414243. Only about 1.2% of parish soils are rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields; a site evaluation is needed to establish wastewater feasibility34. If the land may be subdivided, note that new subdivisions with 15 or more lots smaller than 5 acres each require a central water system444546. Development in a regulatory floodway may need technical support showing no rise42. A new private well must be installed by a licensed contractor and registered with the state after completion11. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual bill is about $2,0054748.

Watch-outs

  • Owner-builders must intend to occupy the home as a primary residence and may use the affidavit path for no more than one single-family residence in a two-year period14.
  • We could not confirm one parish-wide answer for private-land RV living, tiny-home occupancy, or minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Development about the exact parcel and use4027.
  • A state-highway driveway needs a signed and numbered LaDOTD access permit before construction, while a parish-road process was not confirmed43.
  • A conventional drain-field soil rating does not determine whether septic is possible; obtain a site-specific wastewater evaluation before relying on a parcel as buildable34.

Sources

  1. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  2. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  5. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Layer, quoted and re-checked
  7. St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  8. St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning Layer, quoted and re-checked
  10. Homeowner / Builder Affidavit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Unified Development Code of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, quoted and re-checked
  13. RS 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes by municipalities and parishes, quoted and re-checked
  14. Homeowner / Builder Affidavit, quoted and re-checked
  15. St. Tammany Parish Department of Permits and Inspections (stpgov.org)
  16. Permits and Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  17. Permits and Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  18. Permit Fee Notice, quoted and re-checked
  19. Slidell: City of Slidell Planning Department Development Process (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  20. Town of Abita Springs: Town of Abita Springs Building Permits (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  21. Slidell: Planning - The City of Slidell, Louisiana (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  22. Covington: Planning & Zoning - City of Covington Louisiana (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  23. Town of Abita Springs: Town of Abita Springs, Planning & Zoning Department (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  24. Town of Madisonville: Sec. 36-87. A-residential district permitted uses (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  25. Village of Folsom: Code of Ordinances: Chapter 40, Sec. 40-116. A-1 Suburban Residential District (St. Tammany Parish), quoted and re-checked
  26. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  27. St. Tammany Parish Department of Planning & Development (stpgov.org)
  28. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code — Last Amended Per Council Ordinance 26-5921, quoted and re-checked
  29. Unified Development Code of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, quoted and re-checked
  30. St. Tammany Parish Permits and Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  31. St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services (stpgov.org)
  32. St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  33. St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  34. 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
  35. www3.stpgov.org, quoted and re-checked
  36. St. Tammany Parish Zoning GIS Layer, quoted and re-checked
  37. RS 40:1730.23 — Enforcement of building codes by municipalities and parishes, quoted and re-checked
  38. Unified Development Code Certificate of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  39. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  40. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code (2026 county census)
  41. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  42. State of Louisiana No Rise Certification Guidance (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  44. stpgov.org, quoted and re-checked
  45. stpgov.org, quoted and re-checked
  46. stpgov.org, quoted and re-checked
  47. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  48. 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 5 of the neighbors with published rules, St. Tammany Parish has countywide zoning.

RuleSt. Tammany ParishOrleans ParishTangipahoa ParishWashington ParishSt. John the Baptist ParishSt. Charles ParishLivingston Parish
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsParish Dept. of Env. ServicesLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthParish Health UnitParish Health UnitLA Dept. of Health

County locator

St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana

52
County map
St. Tammany Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How St. Tammany Parish scores

Seclusion29100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency6899% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost65100% 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 →

$288kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$10,879Land / acre
64.4"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
5.9 / yr (+5.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15.8 daysMid-century dry spell
3.23" (+4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$3,057Home insurance / yr
-1.5% / yrInsurance growth
4.39%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
120,332People within 30 min
3,304,227People within 2 hr
116,945Radius comparison (15 mi)
326People / sq mi
9.2%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
1.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
4,908 acWorkable land screen
62%Wooded land
44.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
67.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in St. Tammany 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: Mandeville · Town of Pearl River · Village of Sun

Answers from the rulebook for St. Tammany Parish

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

St. Tammany Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or gas work in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.

    • The owner or authorized agent must apply to the Director and obtain the required permit before work.
    • Permit exemptions include one-story detached accessory structures for one- and two-family dwellings up to 200 square feet, fences not over 7 feet, specified finish work, certain playground equipment, water tanks up to 5,000 gallons subject to the stated height-to-width ratio, prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep, and specified awnings.
    • Emergency equipment replacements and repairs require the permit application within 24 hours or the next working business day.
    • Permit applications may be abandoned after 90 days unless pursued in good faith or extended in writing for justifiable cause; permits generally expire if work does not commence within 180 days, is suspended for 180 days, or is not completed within 2 years, subject to written extensions of up to 90 days.

    accessory structure exemption floor area: <= 200 square feet (one-story detached accessory structure accessory to a single- or two-family dwelling) · fence exemption height: <= 7 feet · water tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (height-to-diameter or width ratio must not exceed 2:1) · prefabricated swimming pool exemption depth: < 24 inches (accessory to a single-family dwelling) · permit application abandonment period: 90 days (Director may grant extensions not exceeding 90 days each) · permit commencement period: 180 days (written extensions not exceeding 90 days each may be granted) · permit completion period: 2 years (from issuance, subject to stated extension authority)

    “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, mechanical, plumbing, or gas system, the installation of which is regulated by the UDC, or cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the director and obtain the required permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner of a single-family dwelling who builds, subcontracts, repairs, or remodels the dwelling as a primary residence.

    • The owner must intend to occupy the dwelling as a primary residence.
    • The owner may build or subcontract no more than one single-family residence in a two-year period.
    • Non-owner work must be performed by a registered contractor and required permits must be obtained before work.
    • The owner assumes responsibility for code violations and fines.

    maximum primary residences built or subcontracted: per 1 residence per two-year period

    “In the event that a homeowner of a single family dwelling builds, subcontracts to build, repairs or remodels said dwelling to occupy that dwelling as his primary residence and builds or subcontracts no more than one single family residence in a two (2) year period, the licensing procedures of this code will not apply.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner of a single-family dwelling seeking to build, subcontract, repair, remodel, add to, or construct an accessory structure for the owner's primary residence.
      “In the event that a homeowner of a single family dwelling builds, subcontracts to build, repairs or remodels said dwelling to occupy that dwelling as his primary residence and builds or subcontracts no more than one single family residence in a two (2) year period, the licensing procedures of this code will not apply.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code enforcement by the Parish Permits and Inspections Department using state and local governing-agency codes.

    • The parish page states that the department enforces codes adopted by state and local governing agencies.
    • The page announces a building-code update effective January 1, 2023.
    “The mission of the Permits and Inspections Department is to serve the people of St. Tammany Parish by providing for the public’s health, welfare and safety through the enforcement of building codes and ordinances adopted by state and local governing agencies.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction and work regulated by the UDC in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.

    • Construction requiring a permit is subject to inspection and must remain accessible and exposed until approved.
    • The permit holder or agent must notify the Director when work is ready and provide access and means for inspection.
    • Work may not proceed beyond successive inspection points without Director approval.
    • Required inspections include foundation, concrete slab or under-floor, applicable fire-resistance-rated commercial construction, final electrical/mechanical/plumbing/gas, final grade, and final building inspections.
    • The final building inspection occurs after completion and when the building is ready for occupancy; municipal addresses must be posted and visible, and construction test meters energized before final inspections.
    • Parish inspections under the UDC occur within the unincorporated area.
    “Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Director and such construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Buildings or structures subject to St. Tammany Parish sewerage-connection and onsite-sewage requirements.

    • No certificate of occupancy may be issued, and no other final building-permit action may occur, until an individual onsite sewage disposal system is specifically approved by the state health officer or authorized representative when the community-sewer connection requirement is waived.
    “In no event, however, shall a certificate of occupancy be issued or shall any other such final action on the subject building permit occur unless and until an individual on-site sewage disposal system has been specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer, or his duly authorized representative.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Structures subject to the UDC floodplain drainage requirements.
      “A final drainage inspection by the engineering department shall be conducted to verify compliance with these standards, and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless and until compliance has been verified.”
    • Limited — Completion and occupancy of construction regulated by the UDC in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
      “The building permit placard shall be kept on the site of work until a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate substantial completion has been issued, by the Director.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Parish zoning under the UDC; the Parish UDC zoning districts are expressly limited to unincorporated areas rather than applying countywide.

    • The UDC states that its base zoning districts are for unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
    • This claim does not determine whether every incorporated municipality has its own zoning ordinance.
    “The unincorporated areas of St. Tammany Parish are divided into the following base zoning districts, which promote a single use or permit a limited variety of use types:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Parish zoning classifications and zoning ordinances in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, including de-annexed city parcels shown in the parish zoning layer.
      “Zoning classifications are identified from zoning ordinances adopted by the St. Tammany Parish Council, including de-annexed city parcels.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land and development in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.

    • No land or building may be used or occupied except in conformity with applicable district regulations, standards, and conditions.
    • The UDC establishes base, overlay, and floating zoning districts; district-specific requirements vary by zoning district.
    • Incorporated municipalities are outside this Parish UDC claim.
    “The unincorporated areas of St. Tammany Parish are divided into the following base zoning districts, which promote a single use or permit a limited variety of use types:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Parish zoning classifications represented in the St. Tammany Parish Government GIS layer.

    • The layer includes classifications created by the parish Planning & Development Department and adopted by parish zoning ordinances.
    • The layer includes de-annexed city parcels.
    • The layer was revised for classifications adopted by Parish Council Ordinance 24-5512 effective 8/2/2024.
    “This layer contains polygons representing zoning classifications created by the St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Planning & Development. Zoning classifications are identified from zoning ordinances adopted by the St. Tammany Parish Council, including de-annexed city parcels. This layer has been revised to reflect the new zoning classifications adopted by the Parish Council (Ord. 24-5512) effective 8/2/2024.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning classifications published in the St. Tammany Parish Government GIS zoning layer.
      “This layer contains polygons representing zoning classifications created by the St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Planning & Development.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Parish zoning districts and classifications in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
      “This layer contains polygons representing zoning classifications created by the St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Planning & Development.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential uses in zoning districts E, R-1, R-2, L-1, L-2, S-1, S-2, TF, M-L, M-M, and M-H in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.

    • The lot-area requirements in Exhibit 400-2 apply to residential uses only.
    • Within single-family residential districts E, R-1, R-2, L-1, L-2, and S-1/S-2, each dwelling unit must be located on a separate lot of record.
    • Where a lot must utilize individual sewer systems, a minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet and minimum lot width of 60 feet is required, except where qualifying lots of record are combined.
    • Variances may be granted by the Board of Adjustment under the UDC procedures.

    minimum residential lot area by district: E 7 acres; R-1 5 acres; R-2 3 acres; L-1 1 acre; L-2 0.5 acre; S-1 11,000 sq ft; S-2 7,500 sq ft; TF single-family dwelling 7,500 sq ft; M-L residential 20,000 sq ft; M-M residential 20,000 sq ft; M-H residential 20,000 sq ft · individual-sewer minimum lot size: >= 12000 square feet (Except where lots of record created by formal subdivision before July 28, 1967 are combined to create a newer, larger, single lot.)

    “* Where a lot must utilize individual sewer systems, a minimum lot size of 12,000 sq. ft. and minimum lot width of 60’ is required, except where lots of record (i.e. lots created by formal subdivision prior to July 28,1967) are combined to create a newer, larger, single lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential uses in the R-1 Rural Residential District in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
      “a. Lot area. i. Residential uses. Minimum lot area is 5 acres, except that public utility facilities may be located on lots of lesser area upon Development Plan Review in accordance with minimum requirements of Sec. 400-8 for Public and Private Utility Facilities. ii. Nonresidential uses. Minimum lot area is 40,000 square feet, except that public utility facilities may be located on lots of lesser area upon Development Plan Review in accordance with minimum requirements of Sec. 400-8 for Public and Private Utility Facilities. b. Minimum area regulations. i. Minimum lot width. Minimum lot width is 300 feet.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential and nonresidential development in the R-1 Rural Residential District in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.

    • The R-1 District permits single-family dwellings and certain specified uses; commercial uses are prohibited.
    • Residential uses require a minimum 5-acre lot area.
    • A legal nonconforming lot may qualify for contiguous-lot regulations under Sec. 500-2.1, potentially resulting in a limited decrease in lot-area requirements.
    • The UDC applies to unincorporated St. Tammany Parish and became effective August 2, 2024.

    front yard setback: >= 50 feet · side yard setback per side: >= 15 feet · rear yard setback: >= 25 feet · minimum lot area for residential uses: >= 5 acres (Public utility facilities may be located on lots of lesser area upon Development Plan Review under Sec. 400-8.)

    “The following temporary uses are permitted within the R-1 District subject to development plan review by the Department of Planning and Development in accordance with Chapter 200, Sec. 200-3.5: a. On-location television or film productions (no sets) b. Temporary real estate office c. Temporary residence 4. Site and structure provisions. a. Lot area. i. Residential uses. Minimum lot area is 5 acres, except that public utility facilities may be located on lots of lesser area upon Development Plan Review in accordance with minimum requirements of Sec. 400-8 for Public and Private Utility Facilities. ii. Nonresidential uses. Minimum lot area is 40,000 square feet, except that public utility facilities may be located on lots of lesser area upon Development Plan Review in accordance with minimum requirements of Sec. 400-8 for Public and Private Utility Facilities. b. Minimum area regulations. i. Minimum lot width. Minimum lot width is 300 feet. ii. Front yard. Buildings shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the front property line. iii. Side yard. There shall be 2 side yards, one on each side of the building, having a minimum width of 15 feet each. iv. Rear yard. There shall be a rear yard having a depth of not less than 25 feet. v. Legal nonconforming lots of record. For applications meeting all minimum requirements described in Sec. 500-2.1 Legal Nonconforming Lots, contiguous lot regulations may apply and result in a limited decrease in lot area requirements to mitigate long-standing site development constraints.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential zoning districts E, R-1, R-2, L-1, L-2, S-1, S-2, TF, M-L, M-M, and M-H in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
      “Front Yard (Min) 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 30’ 30’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ Side Yard (Min) 15’ 15’ 15’ 15’ 10’ 10’ 7.5’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ Corner Side Yard (Min) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 20’ 15’ 10’ 20’ 20’ 20’ Rear Yard (Min)** 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Zoning lots governed by the parish UDC.

    • Maximum lot coverage varies by district and may be lower when parking and landscape requirements require it.
    • The cited district limits principal and accessory-building coverage to 50 percent.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent of lot area (Parking and landscape requirements may make the maximum lower.)

    “The lot coverage of all principal and accessory buildings on a zoning lot shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the lot. However, parking and landscape requirements for the intended use must be met in all instances. Therefore, maximum lot coverage may in some cases be less.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site wastewater treatment systems and sewerage inspection permitting administered by St. Tammany Parish Environmental Services.

    • The parish page describes parish issuance of permits and conduct of inspections.
    • State requirements may also apply, but the county claim is limited to the parish-administered program.
    “The issuance of permits and the conduction of inspections of on-site wastewater treatment systems.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Parish sewerage and on-site wastewater control, monitoring, inspection, and Sewerage Inspection Permit administration.
      “The issuance of permits and the conduction of inspections of on-site wastewater treatment systems.”
    • County — On-site wastewater treatment systems in St. Tammany Parish.
      “The issuance of permits and the conduction of inspections of on-site wastewater treatment systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New individual onsite sewage disposal systems and other sewerage systems in St. Tammany Parish.

    • Existing mobile homes and permanent buildings or structures covered by the stated exemption are excepted.
    • A new sewerage-system permit is required upon initial installation of an individual onsite sewage disposal system.
    • For rental property, an approved permit may be acquired for one year and must be renewed annually.
    “Except for existing mobile homes and permanent building or structures exempt from the requirements of this article outlined in section 40-677(c), no sewerage system shall be used or placed in operation without approval in the form of a sewerage system permit issued by the state health officer or his duly authorized representative.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual onsite sewage disposal systems in St. Tammany Parish.

    • An inspection and sewerage-system inspection permit are required when occupancy, connection, or electrical-service transfer changes.
    • Residential systems must be inspected before issuance of a sewerage-system inspection permit for electrical-service connection or transfer.
    • The Department must follow relevant DEQ and DH&H practices and procedures.
    “Each time the occupancy, connection or transfer of electrical power service changes, an inspection of the individual on-site sewage disposal system and the issuance of a sewerage system inspection permit by the DES shall be required.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Individual onsite sewage disposal used instead of a community sewerage system.

    • An individual onsite system must be specifically approved by the state health officer or authorized representative.
    • Connection to a qualified community sewerage system is required when the Department determines it is available and suitable, subject to the stated manifest-financial-hardship waiver.
    • Occupied premises must have an approved method of sewage disposal.
    “Such plumbing facilities shall be properly connected to a community sewerage system, whenever available, or to an individual on-site sewage disposal system which is specifically approved for the premises by the state health officer or his duly authorized representative after determining that the installation and operation of an individual on-site sewage disposal system will not create a nuisance or public health hazard.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Central water-system requirements for new subdivisions in St. Tammany Parish.

    • The parish requirement applies to all new subdivisions with fifteen or more lots that are less than five acres each.
    • The source does not establish a universal sewer connection requirement for every parcel.

    minimum subdivision lot count: >= 15 lots (Lots must be less than five acres each)

    “The enforcement of Parish regulations that require the establishment of a central water system for all new subdivisions that have fifteen or more lots which are less than five acres each.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — New subdivisions with fifteen or more lots where the lots are less than five acres each.
      “The enforcement of Parish regulations that require the establishment of a central water system for all new subdivisions that have fifteen or more lots which are less than five acres each.”
    • Conditional — Permanent and temporary electrical service, community sewer, public water, and individual onsite sewage systems in St. Tammany Parish.
      “When a qualified community sewerage system is available, and there is an approved public water supply with adequate water capacity, all plumbing fixtures within any building or structure shall be connected to such approved public water supply and community sewerage system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    New subdivisions in St. Tammany Parish, particularly those meeting the cited lot-count and lot-size threshold.

    • Parish regulations require a central water system for new subdivisions with fifteen or more lots that are less than five acres each.

    minimum subdivision lot count: >= 15 lots (Lots must be less than five acres each)

    “The enforcement of Parish regulations that require the establishment of a central water system for all new subdivisions that have fifteen or more lots which are less than five acres each.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Parish building-permit fee information.

    • The parish page identifies a permit-fee update beginning August 11, 2022.
    • The fee document itself could not be opened through the available web access, so current fee amounts were not extracted.
    “Update to Permit Fees - Starting August 11, 2022”
  • Permit processPartial

    Parish building and sewerage inspection permit processes.

    • Building permits are applied for through the Parish permits process and required inspections must be requested by the permit holder or authorized agent.
    • SIP applications must be made online through MyGovernmentOnline; in-person payment is available for cash, check, or money order.
    • The opened sources did not establish the complete end-to-end process for every permit type.
    “PERMITS HOW TO: 1. Go to www.mypermitnow.org 2. Click on green Customer Portal button 3. Click on green New Account button”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Applying for a building permit through the St. Tammany Parish customer portal.
      “1. Go to www.mypermitnow.org 2. Click on green Customer Portal button 3. Click on green New Account button 4. Read the notes concerning the phone number you wish you use for your account and click Next 5. Complete the New Account Form and click Submit 6. Click Done to return to the Customer Portal Homepage”

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwellings in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

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. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

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

St. Tammany Parish scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 64.4″/yr rainfall plus 62% wooded land and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 120,332 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

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

Land in St. Tammany Parish runs about $10,879 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Tammany Parish?

St. Tammany Parish gets about 64.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is St. Tammany Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 120,332 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,304,227 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. Tammany compares in Louisiana

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