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Ouachita Parish, LA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
Louisiana State Plumbing Code, Part XIV
Permit authority
Parish building official, § 3½-107
Routine-repair exemption
Stopping leaks, clearing stoppages only
Penalty range
$100 to $500 per offense
Coverage
Unincorporated parish only

Summary

Ouachita Parish adopts the Louisiana State Plumbing Code, Part XIV of the State Sanitary Code, as the regulation governing plumbing work in the unincorporated parish, and § 3½-107 makes it unlawful to install, alter, repair, or replace a plumbing system without a permit from the parish building official.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Ouachita Parish. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Pursuant to R.S. 40:1730.21 et seq., the following codes are hereby adopted as the regulations governing the construction of buildings and other structures in the unincorporated areas of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana...(e)Louisiana State Plumbing Code (Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code); and... It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes adopted in section 3½-104...without obtaining a properly issued permit from the parish building official and that official has approved the application for permit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

' The permit application under § 3½-107 must describe the work, including whether it involves plumbing, and certify compliance under penalty of perjury. Section 3½-123(b)(4)(i)-(j) exempts routine plumbing maintenance from a permit, including 'the stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe' and 'the clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures,' so long as the work does not require replacing or rearranging pipes or fixtures; replacing a defective concealed pipe, however, is treated as new work requiring a permit and inspection. The building official inspects the work and must issue a certificate of completion and compliance under § 3½-108 before the system may be used.

Violations & Fines

Installing or altering plumbing that requires a permit without one is a misdemeanor under § 3½-111, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars for each offense, and the building official may seek to enjoin the unpermitted work or its use under § 3½-109.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code does Ouachita Parish use?
The Louisiana State Plumbing Code, Part XIV of the State Sanitary Code, adopted by § 3½-104(e) and applied to 'all plumbing installations including alterations, repairs, replacements, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances' under § 3½-105(e). It governs plumbing work only in the unincorporated parish.
Can I fix a leaking pipe without a permit?
Yes, for routine work. Section 3½-123(b)(4) exempts 'the stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe' and the clearing of stoppages or repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, as long as the repair doesn't require replacing or rearranging piping. Replacing a defective concealed pipe counts as new work and needs a permit.
What's the penalty for unpermitted plumbing work?
It's a misdemeanor under § 3½-111, with a fine of at least $100 and up to $500 per offense, and the building official can seek a court injunction under § 3½-109 to stop the work or block occupancy until a permit and inspection are completed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ouachita Parish

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesHeavy Restrictions

All Ouachita Parish rules

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