NEW BUILDING CODES
Before developing or starting any type of new construction, moving
a
manufactured home or modular home on your property, or adding on, you need
to obtain
a Building Permit from the Acadia Parish
Police Jury Permit Office.
This page explains what you need to
do to obtain these parish permits. If you
should have any
questions not mentioned on this page, please do not
hesitate to
call the
WHO NEEDS BUILDING CODES?We all do, whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories, or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living. The public need protection from disaster due to fire, structural collapse, and general deterioration underscores the need for modern codes and their administration.
HOW RELIABLE ARE THEY?
Most aspects of building construction – electrical wiring, heating, sanitary facilities – represent a potential hazard to building occupants and users. Building codes provide safeguards. Although no code can eliminate all risks, reducing risks to an acceptable level helps.
WHAT IS A BUILDING CODE?
Practically it is the government’s official statement on building safety. It is minimum safety standards. It embraces all aspects of building construction – fire, structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical.
WHY SHOULD CODES APPLY TO MY OWN HOUSE?
For several reasons:· For your personal safety, and that of your family, and the guests invited into your home.
· To ensure the economic well-being of the community by reducing potential spread of fire and disease.
· For the conservation of energy.
· To protect future home purchasers who deserve reasonable assurance that the home they buy will be safe.
HOW DO BUILDING CODES HELP YOU?
The regulation of building construction is not a recent phenomenon. It can be traced through recorded history for more then 4,000 years. Today, most of the United States is covered by a network of modern building regulations ranging in coverage from fire and structural safety to health, security, and conservation of energy.
Public safety is not the only byproduct afforded by modern codes. Architects, engineers, contractors, and others in the building community can take advantage of the latest technological advances accommodated by these codes with viable savings to the consumer.
For codes to be effective, an understanding and cooperative relationship must exist between building officials and the groups they serve – homeowners, developers, urban planners and designers, and others in the construction industry.
THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING PERMITS
Building permits are very beneficial to you and your community. By working with code officials, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built right, will be safe, and will last.
WHAT’S A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call your local building department. Discuss your plans with the code official before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit.
PERMITS ARE USUALLY REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
· New buildings
· Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
· Renovations
· Electrical systems
· Plumbing systems
Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owners.
SUBMIT APPLICATION
At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, and How” of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work. A fee, based on the size of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review, and the inspection process.
REVIEW PROCESS
In a short amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.
RECEIVE PERMIT
Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success.
JOB-SITE VISITS
On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes, and plans. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually, a one or two day notice is needed when requesting visits.
FINAL APPROVAL
The code official will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of o job done right.
It takes everyone in a community to keep our home, schools, offices, stores, and other buildings safe for public use.
NEW STRUCTURES OR ADDITIONS
NEED TO FOLLOW THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE(International Building Code, 2006; International Existing Building Code, 2006; International Residential Code 2006; Guide to Concrete Masonry Residential Construction in High Winds Areas; Optional Code-plus Fortified for Safer Living; Optional Code-plus Blueprint for Safety; International Mechanical Code, 2006; Louisiana State Plumbing Code; International Fuel Gas Code, 2006; National Electrical Code, 2005)
APPLICATION FOR PERMIT (to be completed by applicant).
Click here for application)
(CERTIFICATE OF PLAN REVIEW
CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTIONS (will need 7 inspections)
WHEN APPLYING FOR A PERMIT PLEASE BRING:
1. Completed Application for permit with two copies of building plans
for our file and review.2. Address of construction site (new building or addition). If you
don’t have an address, one can be obtained by contacting the
911’s Business Office @ 337-788-8770 - Mary Richard.3. Legal Property Description Recorded Copy
4. Plat of Property Survey Plat of Site, if available
5. Elevation Certificate of property – (required if in a designated
flood zone) One can be obtained from a Professional Land
Surveyor.6. A final elevation certificate will be required to close out permit.
7. Contractors Bid or Bill of Sales or Purchase Agreement
a. Contractors Bid
b. Copy of Contractors License
c. Copy of Bond / InsuranceIf Self-contracting, you must sign an exemption from licensure affidavit that can be picked up at the Acadia Parish Health Unit.
If a contractor is hired and the contract exceeds $7,500 the contractor must have complied with the Home Improvement Registration Act.
Cost of Permit is determined by the total square footage and inspection fees (see below). The Acadia Parish Police Jury only accepts checks and money orders.
COMMERCIAL PARISH PERMIT
All listed above along with Fire Marshal’s letter of approval.
A general contractor must be hired for any project over $50,000 and must be licensed with the State Licensing Board for Contractors. (225-765-2301).
BUILDING PERMIT FEES
New Residential & Commercial Construction & Modular Homes;$0.45 per sq ft under roof
$.20 per sq ft administration fee
$.25 per sq ft plan review fee
7 inspections @ $50.00 each = $350.00
Example: 1,500 sq ft home, permit fee = $1025.00
1500 x.20 = 300
1500 x .25= 375
7 x 50 = 350
Total $1,025.00Re-inspection: $50.00 each
New Modular Homes: Plan Review, Foundation & Set Inspection
$0.20 per sq ft administrative fee
2 inspection @ $50.00 each
All other Commercial Structures per cost of construction
(Towers, Rice Dryers for Farmers, Camps, Barns, ect.)
See existing permit fee scheduleRemodeling: There is a 50% rule to be followed. You will still need to follow the International Existing Building Code for commercial buildings and Appendix J of the International Residential Code for residential buildings.
2007 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF SUBMITTED
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND
PROJECT INSPECTION PROCEDURES
The requirements listed below are a minimum suggested guideline for submitted building plans. Providing as much of the requested information as possible on or accompanying the documents will assure faster turnaround in the review process. Plans submitted without the requested information are subject to rejection and resubmittal. Rejected plans resubmitted beyond 30 days of rejection will be subject to an additional charge.
PLAN REVIEW:NEW CONSTRUCTION:
(Submit two complete sets with application)1. Floor plans:
1.1. Accurately dimensioned, drawn to a common scale. Indicate
the following on the plan sheet(s):1.1.1. Wood construction - stud sizes & spacing. Indicate
exterior wall bracing method – IRC R602.10.3.1.1.2. Cold formed metal stud – stud specs & spacing. Indicate
compliance with IRC Section R603.1.1.3. Unit masonry – block sizes, mortar type & reinforcement.
1.1.4. Concrete – tilt-up, pored –in-place or pre-cast – concrete
specs, reinforcement & connections.1.1.5. ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) – brand name, concrete &
reinforcement specifications.1.1.6. Pre-engineered light metal frame (metal building) – requires
an engineers seal on plans or shop drawings if available.1.2. Residential chimneys & fireplaces shall be clearly and
adequately detailed on the plans following the requirements of
Chapter 10 of the IRC. Commercial units are to comply with the
International Mechanical Code.2. Elevations:
2.1. Indicate all floor to floor and/or floor to top plate heights.
2.2. Indicate Mean Roof Height on elevation that yields the highest
average grade to average roof elevation.2.3. Show all roof slopes and overhangs.
2.4. Indicate compliance with Table R602.3(1) for fasteners on all
structural members. The assistance of sections, details &
written notes or schedules may be used to completely fulfill
this requirement.3. Site plan:
3.1. Drawn to a common scale and indicating front setback, side
and rear yard dimensions, all dimensions of the property & its
relationship to adjacent properties. On rural house lots
indicate distance to nearest public road.3.2. Indicate locations of service connections, electric, gas, water
or water well & sewer or sewer plant.3.3. Indicate the following on the site plan drawing or in
documentation accompanying the submitted plans:3.3.1. Project address as issued by Acadia Parish Emergency
Management Office (911).3.3.2. Flood zone designation.
3.3.3. Design wind speed is 109 mph for all of Acadia Parish.
3.3.4. Wind Exposure Category: (IRC 2006 R301.2.1.4 – IBC 2006
1609.4.3)3.3.4.1. Urban & suburban or wooded area – Category B.
3.3.4.2. Open terrain – Rural & at the edge of an urban or
suburban or wooded area, including buildings adjacent
to largely undeveloped land at the time of their
construction – Category C.4. Foundation plan(s):
4.1. Drawn to a common scale and indicating footing placement,
dimensions & design. Slab on grade foundations must include
sufficient details to convey method(s) of building support and
uplift and shear resistance provided by this specific design. Pier foundations must indicate method employed to transfer
uplift and shear loads to ground.4.2. Driven piling designs must be engineered and stamped by a
licensed P.E.4.3. Foundation details indicating profiles, materials, embedments,
attachments.4.3.1. Indicate anchor bolt locations, size, & other embedded
devices for slab on grade foundations.4.4. Soil bearing capacity must be listed on foundation plan sheet.
4.4.1. Soil bearing capacity may be obtained through
investigative soil tests or by applying the applicable
provisions of Chapter 18 of the IBC.4.4.2. Soil types may be obtained through the Acadia Parish
County Agent.5. Structural roof plans:
5.1. Drawn to a common scale and indicating load bearing walls,
ceiling joist sizes & placement. Indicate rafter sizes &
placement on separate drawing, or indicate pre-engineered
roof truss spans, spacing, girders, beams and other structural
elements on one plan. Chapter 8 IRC 2006.5.2. Show all structural elements such as rafter collar ties or steel
strapping, hip & valley connectors, attic bracing, etc. as
required by Chapter 8 IRC 2006, and the method of fastening
as per Table R602.3(1). The assistance of sections, details &
written notes may be used to completely fulfill this
requirement.5.3. Indicate special hold down connections for exposed porch or
patio cover columns.5.4. Indicate roof sheathing material specification, thickness and
attachment as per Table R602.3(1).5.5. Indicate specifications of roof coverings and attachment
methods that meet the requirements of Section R905 of the
IRC or Chapter 15 of the IBC.5.6. Cold formed metal truss or structural steel roof framing and/or
metal roof systems are to be designed and stamped by a
licensed professional architect or engineer.5.7. Patio covers:
5.7.1. Residential; Designed in accordance with IRC appendix H.
5.7.2. Commercial; Designed in accordance with IBC appendix I.
6. Schedules:
6.1. Include finish schedules or in some other manner indicate the
finishes & specifications of materials used that comply with
Chapter 7 IRC 2006.6.2. Door & window schedules or plan call outs indicating code
required sizes and specifications that comply with Section
R311, IRC 2006.7. Mechanical: (submitted plans should indicate compliance with the following)
7.1. Plumbing:
7.1.1. Plans should indicate, at minimum, the locations of all
fixtures & accessories required by the Louisiana Plumbing
Code and indicate that installations are to be carried out or
supervised by a La. licensed plumber.7.1.2. In the event of licensed supervision, the building official will
require a signed affidavit from the licensed plumber doing
the supervision regarding code compliance.7.1.3. Buildings requiring a licensed architect or engineer shall be
required to have plumbing designed & stamped by a
licensed professional.7.2. Mechanical systems:
7.2.1. Residential systems are to be designed & installed under
the provisions of Chapter 13 of the IRC and applicable
provisions of the International Mechanical Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code.7.2.2. Commercial systems are to be designed & installed under
the provisions of the International Mechanical Code and
the International Fuel Gas Code.7.2.3. Buildings requiring a licensed architect or engineer shall be
required to have mechanical systems designed & stamped
by a licensed professional.7.3. Electrical:
7.3.1. Indicate locations of electrical power & lighting devices on
plans.7.3.2. Residential electrical wiring, fixtures, devices, etc. are to
be designed & installed by or under the direct supervision
of a La. State licensed electrical contractor following the
provisions of Chapters 33 through 42 of the IRC.7.3.3. In the event of licensed supervision, the building official will
require a signed affidavit from the licensed electrician doing
the supervision regarding code compliance.7.3.4. Commercial buildings shall have electrical systems designed
& installed by a La. licensed electrician following the
provisions of Chapter 27 of the IBC.7.3.5. Buildings requiring a licensed architect or engineer are
required to have electrical systems designed & stamped by
a licensed professional.8. Energy efficiency:
8.1. Residential structures shall indicate on construction plans the
methods, materials & techniques to be employed that will
comply with the provisions of Chapter 11 of the IRC.8.1.1. Acadia Parish in totality is in climate zone 2.
8.2. If RezCheck computer program is used for compliance (www.energycodes.gov/rescheck), submit computer generated printout.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING USED AS DWELLINGS1. Acquire building permit at Acadia Parish Building Permit Office, 530 W. Mill St., Crowley, La., (337) 788-7999.
2. Manufactured Housing (Mobile Homes) will not require a plan review or on site inspections in Acadia Parish.
3. Mobile home companies and/or installers are required to comply with the provisions of La. R.S. 51:912.21 “Minimum Standards for Installation of Manufactured Homes”.
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
1. Plans for repair, renovations, alterations or reconstruction of one and two family housing requiring a building permit shall indicate adherence to the provisions of appendix J of the IRC.
2. Plans for repair, renovations, alterations or reconstruction of existing commercial structures requiring a building permit shall indicate adherence to the provisions of the International Existing Building Code, 2006.
MODULAR (MOVABLE) HOMES AND BUILDINGS
1. Plans submitted for a building permit must indicate that the structure
Click here for inspection form)
has been previously subjected to a plan review/design process that assures compliance with all provisions of the International Code Council, whether residential or commercial, and has been inspected during construction to certify compliance with the codes.
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Copies of the plan review and inspection reports should accompany the application for a permit. A plan review fee will not be collected, but one field inspection fee will be collected for foundation inspection along with the administrative charges.1.1. An alternate to the pre-certified method of compliance above,
the applicant may submit plans for approval as described under
NEW CONSTRUCTION for buildings not yet constructed.1.1.1. If this alternate is selected, all plan review and inspection
fees will be collected.2. Site plans and foundation plans should be submitted with indications as to the methods & materials to be used in the support and anchoring of the modular unit(s) and the following information:
2.1.1. Project address as issued by Acadia Parish Emergency
Management Office (911).2.1.2. Flood zone designation.
2.1.3. Design wind speed for all of Acadia Parish is 109 mph.
2.1.4. Wind Exposure Category: (IRC 2006 R301.2.1.4 – IBC 2006
1609.4.3)2.1.4.1. Urban & suburban or wooded area – Category B.
2.1.5. Open terrain – Rural & at the edge of an urban or suburban
or wooded area, including buildings adjacent to largely
undeveloped land at the time of their construction
Category C.3. Applicable sections of appendix E of the IRC for foundations, piers, anchorage systems & ties apply to this type of structure.
INSPECTIONS:
- It shall be the responsibility on the contractor or – in the absence thereof – the owner/builder to notify the review service a minimum of 48 hours prior to requesting an inspection.
- Building permit must be displayed prominently on the temporary power pole or in full view on existing structures on site.
- Reviewed and stamped plans and a copy of review letter must be on site for inspectors use at each inspection.
- Contractor or owner/builder must be present for all inspections.
- Failure to schedule inspections or coverage of work to be inspected shall constitute a failed inspection.
- Failed inspections will render project default and no certificate of occupancy will be issued.
- Weather protection coverings applied to non-inspected work shall be allowed, but a representative area of coverings must be only temporarily fastened and removed by the contractor for inspection.
1. Foundation:
1.1. Footings and/or grade beams excavated and shaped to profiles
and positions shown on plans.1.2. Reinforcing steel set & anchored to match plans.
1.3. Above grade form boards in position to receive concrete.
1.4 Monolithic slab on grade:
1.4.1. Form boards anchored in position to receive concrete.
1.4.2. Termite treatment done.
1.4.3. Vapor barrier in place.
1.4.4. Steel reinforcing secured in permanent locations following
plan details.1.4.5. Plumbing rough in complete and secure.
1.4.6. Anchorage devices and other embedments securely
anchored.2. Framing:
2.1. Exterior sheathing and/or shearwall construction complete.
2.2. Interior load bearing walls, headers & pocket beams installed.
2.3. Double top plates or equivalent in place & anchored.
3. Roof:
3.1. Ceiling joists & rafters installed & anchored.
3.2. Roof sheathing in progress or complete.
3.2.1. If roofing felts or other weatherproofing has been installed
a representative portion must be left loose to be removed
for inspection of roof deck.3.3. Structural connections between roof framing & wall framing
must be in place and exposed for inspection.3.4. Porch beam to column and column to foundation connections
are to be in place and exposed for inspection.4. Plumbing stack out:
4.1. All above slab/floor supply & waste piping in progress or
complete.4.2. All vents through roof complete.
4.3. Gas piping rough in complete & tested.
5. Electrical Rough in:
5.1. All devices and panels secured in place.
5.2. All wiring complete or nearing completion.
5.3. Branch circuits identified at panel(s).
6. HVAC:
6.1. Fan/coil unit(s) secured in place.
6.2. All air supply & return fixtures secured in place.
6.3. Supply & return duct work complete or substantially complete.
6.4. Electrical controls & power circuits substantially complete.
7. Final inspection:
7.1. Building substantially complete leaving only minor trim, finish
installation &/or painting left to be done.
EXEMPTIONS
Farm structures and private outdoor recreational structures are exempt from this permit.Farm Structure ~ a structure which is constructed on a farm, other than a residence or structure attached to it, for use on the farm including, but not limited to barns, sheds and poultry houses.
Private Outdoor Recreational Structures ~ a hunting or fishing camp not used as a residence nor attached to a residence.
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The property owner of record, in applying for an exemption, shall execute an affidavit attesting to the property’s or structure’s exempt status. The affidavit shall be filed into parish conveyance records.
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