Lake Charles, LA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 6-38 is the umbrella permit requirement for construction citywide: any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure, or to install, alter, remove, convert, or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the code, must first apply to the building official and obtain the required permit before starting work. Sec. 6-5 gives the building official authority to receive applications, review construction documents, issue permits, inspect the work, and suspend or revoke a permit issued in error or based on incomplete information.

Sec. 6-40 exempts limited categories from a permit, including accessory storage buildings under 200 square feet, fences up to ten feet tall, retaining walls under four feet, water tanks under 5,000 gallons, residential sidewalks and driveways, and finish work like painting or tiling, but Sec. 6-40 also warns that an exemption from the permit requirement never authorizes work that creates a safety hazard or violates any other city law. Sec. 00, plus technology and computer fees on every tier. Sec. 6-36(c)(3) doubles the permit fee if work starts before the permit is obtained.