Who issues building permits in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits issues building permits in New Orleans.

How long does a commercial building permit take in New Orleans?

In the 90 days to October 29, 2026, the median commercial or multifamily building permit in New Orleans was issued 7 days after the application was filed, across 1,193 permits with an application date. Half took between 1 day and 35 days. Simple trade permits are usually faster than new construction.

How do I look up building permits in New Orleans?

Search the city's records at https://onestopapp.nola.gov/ by address or permit number. US Permit Search groups every commercial and multifamily permit at an address into one project page, with the contractor and declared value.

How much does a building permit cost in New Orleans?

The building permit fee is based on the value of the work: $60 plus $5 per $1,000. When plans are required, plan review adds $1 per $1,000 (minimum $60), and properties in a local historic district pay a 50% surcharge on the permit fee. An online estimator is at https://nola.gov/building-permit-fee-estimator/. The official schedule: https://nola.gov/guide-to-building-permits/.

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Building permit guide

How to get a building permit in New Orleans, Louisiana

Building permits in New Orleans are issued by the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits. This guide links to the city’s official pages and adds what 1,194 recent commercial and multifamily permits show about timing, permit types and project values.

7
Median days to issueapplication → issue: 1–35
Middle halfdays: 1,194
Commercial permitslast 90 days: $10K
Median declared value

Where to apply and look up permits in New Orleans

Under the New Orleans Building Code, a permit is required before you construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A short list of minor work is exempt.

The One Stop App handles applications, fee payment, inspections, and a public search by name, number or address. Starting work before getting a permit triggers a penalty of twice the permit fee, or five times for demolitions.

The City lists typical new-construction building permit duration as 20-30 business days for commercial projects and 2-5 business days for residential. Source.

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How long commercial permits take in New Orleans, by trade

Median days from application to issue and median declared value, commercial and multifamily permits issued July 31, 2026 – October 29, 2026.

Trade	Permits	Median days to issue	Median declared value
Electrical	534	6	$6.8K
Building	343	31	$63.6K
HVAC / Mechanical	193	4	$7.9K
Signs	64	47	—
Elevator	21	0	$196K
Demolition	17	24	$17.2K

Counts only permits whose record includes an application date (1,193 of 1,194). Times depend on the city’s review track: express and over-the-counter trade permits often issue within days, new construction takes longer.

How to get a building permit in New Orleans, Louisiana

Where to apply and look up permits in New Orleans

How to get a building permit in New Orleans, Louisiana

Where to apply and look up permits in New Orleans

How long commercial permits take in New Orleans, by trade

Most common commercial permit types

Commercial permits per month

Questions and answers