Bolthole Index

Union Parish, Louisiana

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

74Index Score / 100
#5 of 64 in Louisiana

Unincorporated Union Parish, Louisiana requires a building permit for new construction through the Union Parish Police Jury1. Unincorporated Union Parish has no parish zoning2. Inside Farmerville, the general manager of public services issues town building permits3. Septic permits for Union Parish addresses remain with the state health officer through the parish health unit4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction in unincorporated Union Parish through the Police Jury1
Code
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code enforced parishwide5
Inspections
Required for work covered by a building permit6
Zoning
No parish zoning rule in unincorporated Union Parish2
Septic permit
State health officer approval; begin with the parish health unit sanitarian47
RV / tiny home living
Not restricted by parish zoning outside city limits2
Owner-builder
Conditional exemption for a personal residence with an affidavit8
Permit fees
$100 parish fee plus $150 inspection-service fee when applicable9

Who to call

Building permits

Union Parish E-911 Administration Office

Issues building permit applications and assigns 911 addresses for new construction in Union Parish, working out of the Union Parish Courthouse

318-368-0911

100 E Bayou St., Suite 102, Farmerville, LA 71241

Also useful

Union Parish Police Jury

Parish governing authority; adopts the Police Jury Code of Ordinances (no zoning chapter) and oversees the Road Department and Public Works

318-368-3296

303 E Water St., Farmerville, LA 71241

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 Union 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 Union Parish, Louisiana?

Unincorporated Union Parish requires a building permit for new construction and enforces the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code15. Inside Farmerville, town building permits come from the general manager of public services for construction, extensions and alterations3. Septic permits remain with the state health officer through the parish health unit4. A new-construction plan review must be completed before the permit is issued, and the application must carry both E-911 and sanitation signatures1. The Union Parish Police Jury fee is $100, and Lagniappe Inspection Services collects $150 for applicable permits other than mobile homes9. The Police Jury accepts checks, money orders and credit cards, adds a 4% card charge, and does not accept cash9. A qualifying farm structure such as a barn, shed or poultry house is exempt from construction-code enforcement, but the parish may still require a building permit; residences and structures attached to them do not qualify10. A qualifying owner may supervise work on a personal residence with the required affidavit while licensed subcontractors must remain licensed8; the exemption generally limits the owner to 1 residence per year, with a qualifying marital-status or employment-relocation exception, and concerns contractor licensing rather than building permits11.

Who issues building permits and inspections in Union Parish?

For unincorporated Union Parish building permits, begin with the Union Parish E-911 Administration Office at 100 E Bayou St., Suite 102 in Farmerville or call 318-368-091112. The office handles building-permit applications on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including lunch, and asks for the road name and approximate distance to the nearest 911 neighbor13. After E-911 and sanitation sign the application, take it, any required flood-elevation documents and the new-construction plan review to the Union Parish Police Jury, which issues the building permit once the qualifications are met1. Permit-covered work requires inspections, and the applicant must contact the building inspector; a third-party inspector must send inspection records to the Police Jury and Building Official6.

Does Union Parish have zoning?

Unincorporated Union Parish has no parish zoning rule setting zoning districts, minimum dwelling size, ordinary minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, or restricting accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or temporary camping2. Certain qualifying single-family subdivisions outside incorporated areas remain subject to a state rule requiring 22,500 square feet of lot area and 125 feet of frontage, along with suitable sewage disposal and water systems14. A division into 5 or more lots, any under 3 acres, falls within the parish subdivision definition, subject to its exclusions, and needs Police Jury plat approval before lot sales15.

How do septic permits work in Union Parish?

Louisiana's state health officer issues individual sewerage-system permits, while the local parish health unit must be notified before installation and its sanitarian handles final approval4. State approval is required before a system is installed, altered or operated, and the approved plans and specifications control the installation7. Final approval follows installation verification and receipt of the licensed installer's certification7. For a lot in a formal subdivision, the Office of Public Health must approve the recorded plat or property survey before issuing the permit7. In Union Parish subdivisions governed by the parish ordinance, sewage-disposal facilities must be approved by and built under the supervision of the parish health unit when no sanitary sewer is accessible; the plat must state that requirement16. Only about 1.4% of Union Parish soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency17.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Union Parish?

Unincorporated Union Parish does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy through parish zoning2. A tiny home that qualifies as new construction still enters the parish building-permit and inspection process, and a mobile-home application begins with the E-911 office112. Any individual sewerage system in Union Parish still needs state approval18. Off-grid wastewater options are limited: an individual system is allowed when community sewer is unavailable or infeasible, and alternative systems remain subject to state approval19. For construction inside Farmerville, ask the general manager of public services about the town building permit3.

Building a home in unincorporated Union Parish: the steps, in order

  1. Contact the E-911 Administration Office with the road name and approximate distance to the nearest 911 neighbor, then obtain the address and building-permit application13.
  2. Contact the parish health unit for the sewerage-system permit and sanitation signature before installation74.
  3. Complete the required new-construction plan review1.
  4. If the site is in a flood zone, obtain a Base Flood Elevation Certificate and document that a licensed surveyor will provide the final Elevation Certificate20.
  5. Take the signed application, plans and any flood documents to the Union Parish Police Jury and pay the applicable parish and inspection-service fees19.
  6. Contact the building inspector for required inspections and make sure any third-party records reach the Police Jury and Building Official6.
  7. For a state-highway driveway, obtain a signed and numbered LaDOTD Access Connection Permit before construction21.

What should you check before buying land in Union Parish?

Check flood status before committing: a flood-zone building site needs a Base Flood Elevation Certificate and a commitment for a licensed surveyor's final Elevation Certificate before the building permit can issue20. Test septic feasibility early because only about 1.4% of Union Parish soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field17. In a subdivision, accessible public sewer and public water must be extended to each lot; where sewer is inaccessible, the parish health unit must approve and supervise sewage-disposal facilities, and the plat must carry that requirement2216. Confirm legal road access and determine whether a driveway connects to a state highway, where a LaDOTD permit is required before construction21. A new water well must be drilled by a licensed contractor and registered within 30 days; domestic wells follow post-installation notification rules23.

Watch-outs

  • The E-911 office starts the application, but the Union Parish Police Jury issues the building permit after required signatures, plans and flood documents are assembled121.
  • Flood-zone sites need a Base Flood Elevation Certificate and documentation for a licensed surveyor's final Elevation Certificate before permit issuance20.
  • Only about 1.4% of Union Parish soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm system feasibility before buying17.
  • We could not confirm Union Parish's certificate-of-occupancy practice; ask the Police Jury before planning move-in or utility timing24.

Sources

  1. Steps for receiving a Building Permit in Union Parish, quoted and re-checked
  2. Louisiana law on county zoning and building authority
  3. Town of Farmerville: Sec. 5-3. Building permits required; fees (Union Parish), quoted and re-checked
  4. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  5. State of Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Law and Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Steps for receiving a Building Permit in Union Parish, quoted and re-checked
  7. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  8. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 37:2157 — Exemptions (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Steps for receiving a Building Permit in Union Parish, quoted and re-checked
  10. legis.la.gov, quoted and re-checked
  11. RS 37:2157. Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  12. Union Parish E-911 Administration Office (uppj.org)
  13. E-911 Information — Union Parish Police Jury, quoted and re-checked
  14. RS 33:106.1 — Planning commissions; exempt subdivisions; septic tanks and field drains permitted (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Union Parish Police Jury Regular Meeting Minutes, February 4, 2025 — Ordinance No. UPPJ975, quoted and re-checked
  16. Union Parish Ordinance No. UPPJ975, quoted and re-checked
  17. 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
  18. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XIII, Public Health—Sanitary Code (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Steps for receiving a Building Permit in Union Parish, quoted and re-checked
  21. LaDOTD Access Connections Policy (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Union Parish Police Jury Ordinance No. UPPJ975, as amended February 4, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  23. Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part VI, §701 (Louisiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Union Parish Police Jury (uppj.org)

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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Union Parish requires a building permit for a home.

RuleUnion ParishLincoln ParishOuachita ParishJackson ParishMorehouse ParishClaiborne ParishRichland Parish
Building permitRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNot publishedNot publishedNoNot published
Septic permitsLA Dept. of HealthLA Dept. of HealthLDHLA Dept. of HealthLDHLA Dept. of HealthLDH

County locator

Union Parish in Louisiana

74
County map
Union Parish highlighted among the Louisiana counties · colored by Index score

How Union Parish scores

Seclusion75100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness60100% ev.
Durability56100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$165kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,928Land / acre
56.5"Annual rain
18.4% of yrsSevere drought
26.5 / yr (+22.2)Mid-century 100°F days
18.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.72" (+3.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.45×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,827Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.57%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,458People within 30 min
585,190People within 2 hr
16,444Radius comparison (15 mi)
23.5People / sq mi
6.5%Federal land
94.6%Land at 15% slope or less
1.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
7,657 acWorkable land screen
85.8%Wooded land
38.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Union 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 Bernice · Village of Downsville · Village of Junction City · Village of Lillie · Town of Marion · Village of Spearsville

Answers from the rulebook for Union Parish

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

Union Parish rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction in Union Parish administered through the Union Parish Police Jury.

    • New construction plan review is required before the building permit is issued.
    • A flood-zone property requires a Base Flood Elevation Certificate and documentation that a final Elevation Certificate will be provided by a licensed surveyor before permit issuance.
    • The permit application requires 9-1-1 and sanitation signatures.
    • The Union Parish Police Jury charges $100; Lagniappe Inspection Services collects $150 for applicable permits.
    • Checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted by the Police Jury, with a 4% credit-card charge; no cash is accepted.

    Union Parish Police Jury permit fee: 100 USD · Lagniappe Inspection Services fee: 150 USD (The document states Lagniappe collects all fees but Mobile Homes.) · credit-card surcharge: 4 percent

    “It is here that you will obtain a building permit after the standard qualifications have been met. Make sure to bring the permit application form that you received from the 911 office – with 911 and Sanitation signatures on the form and Flood Elevation documentation if you are in a flood zone. If it is a New Construction a plan review will need to be provided as well.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work requiring a Union Parish building permit.

    • The applicant must contact the building inspector for inspections.
    • Third-party inspectors must provide inspection documentation to the Union Parish Police Jury and Building Official.
    “Applicant MUST contact the building inspector”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Unincorporated Union Parish: no county rule sets this, because Union Parish has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Louisiana law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing library.municode.com.

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

    Subdivisions in Union Parish where no sanitary sewer is accessible.

    • Sewage disposal facilities must be approved by and constructed under the supervision of the parish health unit.
    • The ordinance applies to subdivision development governed by Union Parish Ordinance No. UPPJ975.
    “If no sanitary sewer is accessible, sewage disposal facilities shall be approved by and constructed under the supervision of the parish health unit. The plat shall carry the notation that such means of sewage disposal shall be constructed according to the specifications of, and under the supervision of the parish health unit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Subdivision development governed by the Union Parish subdivision ordinance.

    • If a public sanitary sewer is accessible, the subdivider must connect to it and provide adequate sewer lines accessible to each lot.
    • Sewer connections and subdivision sewer systems must comply with state board of health regulations and be approved by the parish health officer and the authorized parish representative.
    • If no sanitary sewer is accessible, sewage disposal facilities must be approved by and constructed under the supervision of the parish health unit.
    • If a public water supply is accessible, the subdivider must connect to the approved public water supply and make it available for each lot.
    • Sewer discharge lines and field lines may not be placed on or discharge onto road rights-of-way or associated ditches.
    “If the subdivision is located where a public sanitary sewer is accessible, the subdivider shall connect with such sanitary sewer”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within the jurisdiction of the Union Parish Police Jury, including subdivision activity within the limits of Union Parish covered by Ordinance No. UPPJ975, as amended February 4, 2025.

    • A subdivider must submit a preliminary plat in duplicate conforming to the ordinance's Article II minimum requirements.
    • Before land or site improvements begin, complete construction plans and specifications prepared by a currently Louisiana-licensed civil engineer must be approved by the Parish through the Parish Administrator or designee.
    • A final plat must be approved before sale or exchange of any lots, and approval must be entered in writing on the plat by the Parish's authorized representative before filing or recording or proceeding with improvements or lot sales.
    • The ordinance defines a subdivision as division of a parcel shown as a unit or contiguous units on the last preceding tax roll into five or more parcels, sites, or lots, any one of which is less than three acres, for immediate or future transfer of ownership; it also includes resubdivision or rearrangement of lots, plots, parcels, or building sites.
    • The definition excludes divisions into parcels of more than three acres without new public or private streets or access easements; qualifying exchanges between adjoining lot owners that create no additional building sites; and transfers to immediate family members that involve no new public or private streets or access easements. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, spouse's parents, brothers and sisters, and direct descendants including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
    • Publicly maintained road frontage generally requires a minimum 60-foot right-of-way, subject to the Parish Administrator or designee's recommendation; parcels fronting only one side of a publicly maintained road must provide at least one-half of the recommended right-of-way measured from the existing road right-of-way centerline.
    • The ordinance takes effect and is in force 30 days after adoption. The ordinance was adopted by the Union Parish Police Jury on February 4, 2025.
    • Additional ordinance requirements apply to roads, drainage, utilities, sewage disposal, water supply, erosion control, final-plat contents, health-authority certification, and required improvements or a sufficient completion bond.

    minimum parcel count for defined subdivision: >= 5 parcels/sites/lots (at least one parcel, site, or lot must be less than 3 acres) · size threshold for defined subdivision: < 3 acres (the definition excludes divisions into parcels of more than 3 acres when no new public or private streets or access easements are involved) · minimum public-road right-of-way: >= 60 feet (otherwise as recommended by the Parish Administrator or designee) · effective period after adoption: 30 days

    “This ordinance shall govern all subdivision of land within the jurisdiction of the Union Parish Police Jury (the “Parish”).”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction permit applications for property determined to be located in a flood zone in Union Parish.

    • A Base Flood Elevation Certificate is required.
    • Documentation that a final Elevation Certificate will be provided by a licensed surveyor is required before a permit can be issued.
    • Subdivision plats must comply with the local flood plan ordinance.
    • The Union Parish E-911 official-address process also requires compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program rules.
    “If your property is determined to be located in a flood zone – you will be required to provide a Base Flood Elevation Certificate and documentation that a FINAL Elevation Certificate will be provided from a licensed surveyor before a permit can be issued.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Union Parish building permit applications and related E-911 applications.

    • The Union Parish Police Jury fee is $100.
    • Lagniappe Inspection Services collects $150 for applicable permits, but the document excludes Mobile Homes from that statement.
    • Credit-card payment adds a 4% charge; checks and money orders are accepted; no cash is accepted by the Police Jury.
    • The E-911 page separately lists new-address, sewer-system-upgrade, recreation/agricultural-structure, boathouse, and electronic-gate application fees.

    Union Parish Police Jury permit fee: 100 USD · Lagniappe Inspection Services fee: 150 USD (The document states Lagniappe collects all fees but Mobile Homes.) · credit-card surcharge: 4 percent · new address application: 40 USD (New addresses inside Farmerville city limits are $50 and include a 911 yard sign.) · sewer system upgrade application: 20 USD (Does not include a 911 yard sign.) · recreation or agricultural structure application: 20 USD (Does not include a 911 yard sign.) · boathouse or electronic gate application: 20 USD (No sign is included.)

    “New address (new home or mobile home application) is $40.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications handled through the Union Parish E-911 Administration Office, including new homes, mobile homes, sewer system upgrades, recreation or agricultural structures, boathouses, and electronic gates.

    • Applications are handled Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including during lunch.
    • For a building permit application, the applicant must provide the road or street name and approximate footage from the nearest 911 neighbor when requesting a new 911 address.
    • Payment must be by cash or check.
    • A new address application for a new home or mobile home costs $40 and includes a 911 yard sign.
    • Inside Farmerville city limits, a new address application costs $50 and includes a 911 yard sign.
    • A sewer system upgrade application costs $20 and does not include a 911 yard sign.
    • Recreation or agricultural structure applications cost $20 and do not include a 911 yard sign.
    • Boathouses and electronic gates cost $20 and no sign is included.
    • The page lists the office and application process but does not state that all construction categories use the same permit or inspection procedure.

    new address fee outside Farmerville city limits: 40 USD (Includes a 911 yard sign.) · new address fee inside Farmerville city limits: 50 USD (Includes a 911 yard sign.) · sewer system upgrade application fee: 20 USD (Does not include a 911 yard sign.) · recreation or agricultural structure application fee: 20 USD (Does not include a 911 yard sign.) · boathouse or electronic gate fee: 20 USD (No sign is included.)

    “Office Hours for Building Permit Applications are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (we are open during lunch), Monday – Friday.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The Union Parish Police Jury Code of Ordinances contains no zoning chapter, consistent with no parish-wide zoning over unincorporated areas.

    Union Parish Police Jury Code of Ordinances (Municode) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Louisiana rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “Owners of property who [...] assume charge of the construction [...] of their personal residences, if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner constructing or supervising construction of the owner's personal residence in Union Parish under Louisiana contractor-licensing law.
      “if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, including the International Residential Code, applies statewide to regulated construction, including new residential construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations.

    • The International Residential Code enforcement described by the statute is mandatory only for new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations.
    • Appendix J, Existing Buildings and Structures, may be adopted and enforced only at the option of a parish, municipality, or regional planning commission.
    • The statute excludes Part I-Administration and VIII-Electrical from the International Residential Code adoption described in the excerpt.
    • The council's initial code became effective January 1, 2007.
    • The statute page identifies an amendment effective July 1, 2026.

    extensive alteration threshold: > >50 percent of dwelling-unit area (The statute defines an extensive alteration as one where the total area of all work areas exceeds fifty percent of the dwelling unit.) · initial code effective date: 2007-01-01 · listed amendment effective date: 2026-07-01

    “The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Construction-code enforcement in Union Parish as a Louisiana parish.
      “all municipalities and parishes shall enforce the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction regulated by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code statewide.
      “The commission shall evaluate, adopt, and amend only the latest editions of all of the following as the Uniform Construction Code:”
    • Partial — The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code's statewide adoption of the International Building Code and its referenced standards for construction in Louisiana.
      “(1) International Building Code, not including Parts I-Administrative, and Chapter 27-Electrical. The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state. The appendices of that code may be adopted as needed, but the specific appendix or appendices shall be referenced by name or letter designation at the time of adoption.”
    • Adopted — The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, including the International Residential Code, regulates construction statewide and applies to new residential construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the code, and extensive alterations.
      “The International Residential Code, not including Part I-Administration and VIII-Electrical. The applicable standards referenced in that code are included for regulation of construction within this state. The enforcement of such standards shall be mandatory only with respect to new construction, reconstruction, additions to homes previously built to the International Residential Code, and extensive alterations; however, a municipality, parish, or regional planning commission may enforce Appendix J of the code at its option.”
  • 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
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Individual sewerage-system permitting applicable in Union Parish.

    • The state health officer issues the permit and approves the plans and specifications.
    • The local Parish Health Unit must be notified before installation.
    • A local sanitarian handles final approval after receiving the installer certification, but the final permit is issued under the state health officer's authority.
    • Formal-subdivision permits require Office of Public Health approval of the recorded plat or property survey.
    “approved as a part of a permit issued by the state health officer.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Final approval of individual sewerage system installations in Louisiana.

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

    certification submission deadline: 15 days after completion

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

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

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

    experimental/developmental installations: <= 3 statewide maximum

    “The total number of such installations shall not exceed three throughout the state and shall be approved under the following conditions.”
  • Well permitLimited

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

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

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

    “require a water well notification form be submitted to the commissioner by the owner of the well at least 60 days prior to installation.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Construction or improvement of a farm structure in Union Parish, excluding a residence or structure attached to a residence.

    • Farm structure means a structure constructed on a farm, other than a residence or structure attached to it, for use on the farm, including barns, sheds, and poultry houses, but not public livestock areas.
    • A structure originally qualifying as a farm structure loses that definition if later converted to another use.
    • The parish or municipality may not enforce the portion of the State Uniform Construction Code regulating construction or improvement of a farm structure or qualifying private outdoor recreational structure.
    • The exemption does not prevent the governing authority from issuing a building permit before construction or improvement.
    • For residential construction, FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards apply.
    • A municipality with a population over 45,000 may enforce the code for residential accessory structures.

    residential accessory structure footprint: <= 500 square feet (The separate residential-accessory-structure definition also requires that the structure not be attached to a residence and not be constructed in specified high-wind regions.) · municipal population exception: > 45000 persons (A municipality exceeding this population may enforce the code for residential accessory structures.)

    “The governing authority of a parish or municipality shall not enforce that portion of the state uniform construction code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural-purpose subdivision regulation by parish planning commissions in Louisiana.
      “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.”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Union Parish

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the corporate limits of the Town of Farmerville, including zoning of annexed property.

    • A public hearing was held before adoption of Ordinance No. 03-23.
    • The ordinance zoned the described annexed parcel as R-3.
    • The source states that Farmerville's zoning ordinance is codified as Appendix A to its Code of Ordinances.
    • The source states that the ordinance was introduced June 12, 2023 and adopted July 10, 2023.

    zoning classification: R-3 (described annexed parcel on Louisiana Highway 2 West)

    “WHEREAS, Section 2.05 of the Zoning Ordinance, of the Town of Farmerville as codified as Appendix A to the Code of Ordinances provides that territory annexed may be zoned by ordinance after public hearing. [...] SECTION 1: BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Board of Alderman of the Town of Farmerville, Louisiana, that the following described tract of land annexed by Ordinance Number 01-23 is hereby zoned as R-3, to-wit:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — The Town of Farmerville, an incorporated municipality in Union Parish, including annexed territory addressed by Ordinance No. 03-23.
      “the following described tract of land annexed by Ordinance Number 01-23 is hereby zoned as R-3”

Still unanswered

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

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Union 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 Union Parish, Louisiana

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

Union Parish scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 6,458 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Union Parish generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health — Onsite Wastewater Program (Union Parish Health Unit / Sanitarian). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

How much does land cost in Union Parish, Louisiana?

Land in Union Parish runs about $3,928 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union Parish?

Union Parish gets about 56.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18.4% of years.

How remote is Union Parish?

A representative private-land location has about 6,458 people within a 30-minute drive and 585,190 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 Union compares in Louisiana

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