Building Safety in New Orleans, LA (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Before disturbing lead paint in an occupied building, a New Orleans owner or contractor must warn tenants at least three business days ahead and hand every tenant the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home." Bidders on the job must also be told about any lead findings, under Code §82-318.
New Orleans Lead Paint Tenant Notice Rules
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 82-318
(a)Notifying bidders. ... the property owner or contractor shall notify all bidders of any paint inspection reports verifying the presence of any lead-based paint in the regulated area of the proposed project. (e)Notice to tenants. Where work subject to the requirements of this article is to be performed on the interior or exterior of buildings occupied by one or more tenants, not less than thr...
Elevator Maintenance
New Orleans requires every elevator, dumbwaiter, hoist, moving stair and chair lift to be inspected by the Director of Safety and Permits and to carry a posted inspection certificate that is valid for only twelve months, with re-inspection intervals tied to ANSI A17.1.
New Orleans Elevator Inspection Certificate Rules
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 26-17 (Mechanical Code §§ 132.1, 132.3)
132.1. - Each elevator, dumbwaiter, hoist, moving stair and chair lift, used or proposed to be used in this City, shall be inspected by the Director; if found to be suitable and to conform to the requirements of this Code, the Director shall issue the owner or user thereof, an inspection certificate. Such inspection certificate shall be valid for twelve (12) months from its date of issuance and...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every dwelling unit in New Orleans must have an operable carbon monoxide detector with a long-life sealed battery under City Code § 26-230(b), added by ordinance in October 2024. The code official can test the alarm during an inspection, and the same section separately requires an operable fire detection system in every unit.
New Orleans Carbon Monoxide Detector Rule
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans City Code § 26-230(b)
All systems, devices, and equipment to detect the presence of carbon monoxide and actuate an alarm shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the Fire Code of the City of New Orleans, as amended. All dwelling units shall have an operable carbon monoxide detector with a long-life sealed battery. The code official or duly authorized representative may test the sy...
Building Permits
Under City Code § 26-15's amended IBC § 105.1, anyone who intends to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building, or install regulated electrical, gas, or mechanical systems, must first apply to the Director and obtain a permit. Section 105.2 lists 15 specific exemptions.
New Orleans: When You Need a Building Permit
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans City Code § 26-15 (IBC § 105.1, 105.2)
SECTION 105 - PERMITS. 105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas or mechanical system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shal...
Electrical Permits
New Orleans applies the 2020 National Electrical Code to all electrical work under Building Code § 2701.1, with the local Chapter 27 amendments controlling in a conflict. Section 2703 bars anyone from doing electrical work without an Electrical Inspection Division license in the proper class.
New Orleans Electrical Permit & 2020 NEC Adoption
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Building Code (IBC 2021, as amended) §§ 2701.1, 2703 (New Orleans Code § 26-15)
2701.1 - Scope - This chapter governs the electrical components, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical components, equipment and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 National Electrical Code, (NFPA-70). Where there is conflict between a requirement of Chapter 27 and a requirement of the National...
Plumbing Permits
New Orleans enforces plumbing work through the International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, adopted and amended by City Code § 26-15. Any installation, alteration, repair or replacement of a plumbing system needs a Department of Safety and Permits permit under Building Code § 105.1 before work begins.
New Orleans Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 26-15 (Building Code §§ 101.4.4, 105.1)
101.4.4 Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewerage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. ... 105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter,...
Building Inspections
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.
New Orleans Staged Building Inspection Requirements
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Building Code (IBC 2021, as amended) § 110.1-110.3.9 (New Orleans Code § 26-15)
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. Footi...