Renovation (Structural) / Elevation Permit

Fees

• $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed
• If plans are required there is a plan review fee of $1 per $1,000 of work to be performed 
• If a property is within a local historic district (property subject to additional regulations by VCC or HDLC), there is a 50% surcharge on the permit fee

Required Documents/Steps

• Check to see if your building is located in a historic district or in the French Quarter  – if so, permits and approvals from the HDLC or VCC need to be acquired. 
• Fill out and submit the BUILDING_PERMIT_MASTER_APPLICATION or begin online here
• Recorded Act of Sale, if the property has recently changed ownership
• Digital plans and drawings: please see our Standards for Digital Submission
  • Plot plan reflecting all dimensions of the lot and all structures, setbacks to property lines and the location and dimensions of off-street parking spaces
  • One set of complete plans, stamped with digital seals from a Louisiana licensed architect or civil engineer
  • Foundation drawings detailing the foundation of the proposed structure, stamped with digital seals from a Louisiana licensed architect or civil engineer
• Previous/current and proposed use of the structure
• Number of floors or levels in the structure
• If the improvement is roofing related and the property is within a local historic district or is a designated landmark, fill out the Roof_Certificate_of_Appropriateness Application
• Benchmark Certificate, completed by a registered land surveyor, on the City’s three-part form, with live seals, and dated within the last six-months
• Contractor’s license information. (If the project is owner-occupied residential, State Exemption Form R-1364 may be submitted in lieu of contractor license information.

If the Structural Renovation is a whole-house elevation, the following information is required:

• Check to see if your building is located in a historic district or in the French Quarter  – if so, permits and approvals from the HDLC or VCC need to be acquired. You can also look up your zoning here
• Fill out and submit the BUILDING_PERMIT_MASTER_APPLICATION or begin online here
• Fill out and submit the SIGNALING_AND_SUPPRESSION_APPLICATION_SUPPLEMENT_B
• Recorded Act of Sale, if the property has recently changed ownership
• A copy of the executed work contract, signed by the homeowner
• Plot plan reflecting all dimensions of the lot and all structures, setbacks to property lines and the  location and dimensions of off-street parking spaces.
• A copy of the Contractor’s Riggers Insurance certificate (or similar endorsement)
• Engineered foundation drawings, bearing the original seal of the professional of record (no larger than 11”x17” in size), a copy will be retained by the department, a second copy must be present on the job site at all times
• Following application, an Electrical and Mechanical Permit must be applied for prior to the release of the elevation permit to ensure that any electrical or mechanical work resulting from an elevation is done safely by a licensed contractor

You May Also Need

• Approval from:
  • Historic Districts Landmark Commission
  • Vieux Carre Commission
  • City Planning Commission
• Electrical Permit
• Mechanical Permit
• If there will be a fuel tank located on the property you must obtain a Fuel Tank (Installation or Removal) Permit
• If you are doing work on a structure without a licensed contractor you must submit an Affidavit Claiming Exemption from Licensure
• If you are dealing with lead-based paint, make sure you fill out the LEAD_BASED_PAINT_REMOVAL_FORM_SUPPLEMENT_G and review the Guidelines for Dealing with Lead Paint 
• Your application may also be subject to review by the Department of Sanitation. In most cases you'll need a plan to dispose of your waste.

User Guides

• Building Permit Guide
• Building Permit Requirements
• Building Permit Review Information
• Building Permit Fee Schedule