City Guide · Verified 2026
Deck Construction Permits in New Orleans
Local Rule
City of New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission / Department of Safety and Permits
The city's own Historic District Landmarks Commission document states the exemption directly: an uncovered deck, part of a residential use, that does not exceed 200 square feet in area and 30 inches high from grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling unit, and does not serve as an exit door needs no permit. The city's own fee formula runs $60 base plus $5 per $1,000 of construction value, plus a $1 per $1,000 plan review fee, with a 50 percent surcharge added in a historic district. A property in the French Quarter or another historic district needs HDLC or Vieux Carre Commission approval before a building permit can be issued, and unpermitted work is penalized at 200 percent of all fees.
Source · Verified September 2026
New Orleans Building Department
Office: City of New Orleans Department of Safety & Permits
Address: 1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-7100
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Orleans County
New Orleans's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits
An uncovered residential deck not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches high, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving as an exit door is exempt from a building permit in Orleans Parish, since the parish is coterminous with the City of New Orleans. New Orleans sits on Mississippi alluvium and organic clay rather than firm soil, so pilings or helical screws are commonly required for deck footings instead of simple frost-line footings, and the frost depth itself is only 6 to 12 inches near the Industrial Canal.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near New Orleans with a confirmed deck construction rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Deck Construction permits in New Orleans?
City of New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission / Department of Safety and Permits handles Deck Construction permits in New Orleans.
Is New Orleans different from Orleans County on Deck Construction?
Yes. New Orleans's rule is "Depends on project scope", while Orleans County in general is "No permit under 200 sqft". See the full breakdown of each below.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:
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