Deck Permit in New Orleans, LA (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in New Orleans: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the New Orleans Department of Safety & Permits.

Verified from official New Orleans sources — Last checked April 2026

Quick Facts for New Orleans

Permit Fees

Base fee $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work value. Plan review fee: $1 per $1,000 of work value. Historic district surcharge: 50% additional fee.

A $10,000 deck project: $60 base + $50 value fee + $10 plan review = $120 (non-historic); $180 in historic district.

Processing Time

2-5 business days for residential accessory structures.

Apply Online

Yes — via One Stop App

Building Code

2021 IBC/IRC (Louisiana adopted 2021 ICC codes, effective January 1, 2023)

Contact: (504) 658-7200

Do You Need a Deck Permit in New Orleans?

Permit Exemption

Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt per IRC R105.2.

If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.

New Orleans-Specific Deck Rules

Properties in historic districts (including French Quarter) require HDLC or VCC approval before applying
Historic district surcharge of 50% on permit fees
Plot plan showing lot dimensions and all structures required
Benchmark Certificate from registered land surveyor required
Contractor must have New Orleans contractor license (or State Exemption Form R-1364 for owner-occupied)
Applications through One Stop App at onestopapp.nola.gov

How to Get a Deck Permit in New Orleans

1

Check if your deck needs a permit

Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.

2

Prepare your plans

You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check New Orleans's specific documentation requirements.

3

Submit your application

Apply through One Stop App . Pay the permit fee at submission.

4

Build and schedule inspections

Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).

Official New Orleans Resources

One Stop App — Apply for Permits Online
Transparency note: The following items could not be verified from official city sources and should be confirmed directly: Whether decks specifically use Accessory Structure Permit vs. New Construction permit category.

Estimate Your Deck Cost

Get an instant cost estimate for your deck project in New Orleans.

Deck Cost Calculator

Sources

https://nola.gov/new-construction-permit/https://nola.gov/accessory-structure-permit/https://nola.gov/building-code/https://www.nola.gov/nola/media/One-Stop-Shop/Safety%20and%20Permits/SP-Building-Permit-Fee-Schedule.pdf

Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with New Orleans's New Orleans Department of Safety & Permits.