New Orleans, LA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Building Code § 110 (City Code § 26-15)
- Required stages
- Footing, slab, frame, lath, final
- Notice duty
- Permit holder must request each inspection
- Roofing option
- Geotagged photo/video may replace in-person visit
- Occupancy link
- Final inspection required before certificate of occupancy
Summary
New Orleans requires a sequence of Director-conducted inspections during construction -- footing, slab, framing, lath and final -- under Building Code § 110. Work must stay accessible until each stage passes, and a final inspection is required before the city issues a certificate of occupancy.
110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the Director and the construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved... 110.3 Required inspections. The Director, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.9. 110.3.1 Footing or foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place... 110.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved... 110.3.9. Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
1. 2 lets the Director conduct a preliminary inspection of the building, structure or site. 9). 13 bars moving past any stage without the Director's written approval -- noncompliant work must be corrected and stays uncovered until authorized. 11 lets applicants substitute geotagged photo or video documentation for an in-person roofing inspection.
Violations & Fines
Covering or concealing work before the required stage inspection is approved violates § 110.13, and the Director can require the covering material removed to expose the work, at the permit holder's expense under § 110.1. No certificate of occupancy issues under § 111.1 until the final inspection under § 110.3.9 passes, so an unapproved stage effectively blocks occupancy and use of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspection stages does New Orleans require during construction?
Who has to schedule building inspections in New Orleans?
Can I cover framing before the frame inspection in New Orleans?
Can New Orleans accept photos instead of an in-person roofing inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
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