Opelousas, Louisiana Building Permit Guide

Inside Opelousas city limits, permits are issued by the city’s Code Enforcement Office at 105 North Main Street (337-948-2533), open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a noon-to-1 p.m. lunch closing, and applications can also be filed online through MGO Connect. Building permit fees are based on project valuation under the city code, contractors need a city or state licence, and new businesses need an occupancy permit before the power is turned on.

What needs a permit in Opelousas?

The city code adopts the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code for all buildings inside the city limits except farm structures and recreational camps. The city’s permit page and code call out these permits:

Under R.S. 37:3738 a city of fewer than 45,000 people may not enforce the building code on a detached residential accessory structure of 200 sq ft or less unless it stands in a hurricane-prone region with a design wind speed of 130 mph or more; the city’s fee table still lists minimum valuations for residential storage buildings, so ask Code Enforcement about a small shed.

Who issues building permits in Opelousas?

The Code Enforcement Office takes building and electrical permit applications and issues city contractor licences, and it handles floodplain permits; under the city’s flood ordinance the code enforcement officer is the floodplain administrator. Margaret Doucet is the Code Enforcement Director, and the city also has a Chief Building Official, who brings condemnation recommendations to the City Council. Occupational licences, beer and liquor permits and special event permits are handled separately at the Municipal Plaza (337-948-2527).

Opelousas has 15,098 residents (Census 2025 estimate). Land outside the city limits is permitted by the St. Landry Parish Permits Office in the parish courthouse, also in Opelousas.

Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work in Opelousas

An electrical permit (the “electrical tag”) is needed before new construction, before additions or renovations that alter the electrical service, and before a building is moved onto a lot. The application gives the owner’s and tenant’s names and addresses, and the contractor must be licensed by the state or by the City of Opelousas and supply a copy of the licence, a certificate of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and an occupational licence. The fee depends on the service size and the work. The New Construction – Alterations electrical permit application is filed through MGO Connect.

Plumbing, mechanical, building and electrical contractors can hold a city contractor licence: $75 for the first year and $25 a year after, with insurance of $100,000 plus product warranty, general liability and workers’ compensation. A building contractor registered with the state sends insurance, an occupational licence and a copy of the state licence and pays no renewal fee. Licence fees are due January 1; unpaid licences become delinquent after March 1 and draw 1.25% interest a month plus a 5% penalty for each 30 days, up to 25%.

Opelousas building permit fees

The building permit fee schedule in section 5-5 of the city code (adopted in 1985) charges by total project valuation:

The valuation can be no lower than the city’s minimum per square foot: $26 for a new house, addition or outdoor kitchen; $18 for a garage; $12 for a carport; $10 for residential storage; $25 for a new commercial metal building, $35 for other new commercial buildings and commercial additions, and $40 for commercial offices. Alterations use the estimated cost, and mobile homes the value on the certificate of registration. Fees are doubled if work starts before the permit.

The code does not say whether the top band applies to the whole valuation or only the part above $15,000, and no newer fee ordinance appears on Council agendas from January 2025 to October 2026, so ask Code Enforcement for the exact figure. Electrical permit fees vary with the service and work and are not published.

Documents for an Opelousas permit

In a special flood hazard area, the floodplain permit needs plans showing the lowest floor elevation, and new or substantially improved homes must have the lowest floor at or above base flood elevation.

How to get a building permit in Opelousas

Inspections in Opelousas

Ask the Code Enforcement Office (337-948-2533) which inspections your permit needs and how to book them. A new business must buy its occupancy permit before its electrical service is turned on, and a new or renovated commercial building must show the State Fire Marshal’s certificate of approval when the permit is applied for.

Local Opelousas details

Historic District: an application for a certificate of appropriateness is filed with the code enforcement officer, who notifies the Opelousas Historic District Commission. The Commission meets monthly when applications are pending (and at least once a quarter), offers a preliminary conference with staff or the chair on request, and notifies the applicant at least 6 days before the meeting. Exterior changes need plans submitted to the Commission. The application can be filed online or by mail, and the city publishes the district ordinance, boundaries and maps.

Council action: condemnation and demolition of unsafe buildings goes to the City Council on the Chief Building Official’s recommendation, with a public hearing.

Louisiana building code

Every Louisiana parish and municipality enforces the state’s Uniform Construction Code (R.S. 37:3737), adopted by the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission: the 2021 International Codes with Louisiana amendments, in force since 1 January 2023, and the 2020 National Electrical Code, with the 2024 codes taking effect on 1 January 2027. A local government may set more stringent requirements only with the Commission’s approval, and the State Fire Marshal reviews plans for fire and life safety on all but one- and two-family dwellings. How the LSUCC works

Official Opelousas permit resources

• Opelousas permits, licenses and inspections
• MGO Connect online permit application (Opelousas)
• Opelousas application for contractors license
• Opelousas application for occupancy
• Opelousas Historic District certificate of appropriateness
• Opelousas Code sec. 5-5: permit fee schedule
• Opelousas Code chapter 5: buildings, flood and historic district
• Opelousas city directory
• Act 881 of 2026 (roofing permits and the 200 sq ft accessory structure rule)
• Louisiana Department of Health onsite wastewater program
• Louisiana State Fire Marshal review codes and rules
• Louisiana contractor licensing threshold statute, R.S. 37:2150.1
• Louisiana code editions and state amendments, May 20, 2026

Opelousas permit FAQs

Who issues building permits in Opelousas?

The City of Opelousas Code Enforcement Office, 105 North Main Street (337-948-2533), for property inside the city limits. Applications can also be filed online through MGO Connect.

How much is a building permit in Opelousas?

It depends on valuation under section 5-5 of the city code: for a valuation of $2,001 to $15,000 it is $10 for the first $2,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000, and for $15,001 or more it is $2.50 per $1,000 (the code does not say whether that rate applies to the whole value or only the part above $15,000, so ask Code Enforcement). A new house is valued at no less than $26 per square foot.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof?

Yes. The old city code exemption for re-roofs has been overtaken by state law, which requires permitting bodies to permit and inspect re-roofing.

What does a new business need before opening?

An occupancy permit before the electrical service is turned on, an occupational licence, sign permits, and a certificate of appropriateness if it is in the Historic District.

Does my contractor need a city licence?

Contractors must be licensed by the state or by the city. A city contractor licence costs $75 the first year and $25 to renew.

Does the city permit land outside Opelousas?

No. Unincorporated St. Landry Parish is permitted by the parish Permits Office at the courthouse.

Simplify Opelousas permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Louisiana. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Opelousas permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.