Post-Hurricane Structural Repairs Require Building Permits

Home and business owners whose property was damaged from Hurricane Laura are reminded a building permit is required when additions or alterations to a structure are made. In addition to home and business owners, applications for building permits are required to complete repair work done by volunteers, including nonprofit agencies assisting residents.

 
 

Permitted repair work must be done by a licensed contractor or as an owner-builder, as required by Louisiana Statutes. Building permits addressing damages caused by Hurricane Laura will be made a priority. Residents are urged to hire a reputable, licensed contractor, and hire someone who’s licensed for the specific work needed.

 
 

Emergency repair work for the purpose of securing a building from the elements, such as enclosing doors, windows and placing temporary tarps on roofs, does not require a permit. Also, work needed to remove flood-damaged building materials and any other debris removal does not require a permit.

 
 

Residents who have questions regarding the safety of a structure or whether a permit is required to repair damage should contact the Development and Planning Department from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, either by calling the Permitting Division at (337) 291-8461 or visiting in person at 220 W. Willow Street, Building B in Lafayette.

 
 

Residents are encouraged to contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at (225) 765-2301 or toll free (800) 256- 1392 or visit http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractor-search/ before hiring a contractor to verify the company’s credentials.

 
 

For additional information, contact Director of Development and Planning Mary Sliman at 337-291-8013.

 
 

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