Roof Replacement Permit in New Orleans, Louisiana
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before any roof replacement work affecting 50 percent or more of a single or two-family home's roof.
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
New Orleans requires a separate residential re-roofing permit for any roof replacement work affecting 50 percent or more, under Ordinance 30,235 MCS. Minor roofing work, defined by the city as less than 50 percent replacement, is exempt unless something else about the job triggers a permit. The re-roofing permit is for single and two-family homes only; commercial properties, which the city defines as three or more family units and business uses, must instead apply for a structural or non-structural renovation permit. The city frames the permit as a formal record that helps homeowners qualify for reduced insurance premiums or roofing grant programs.
Typical threshold: share of the roof replaced, for single and two-family homes.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
When a permit is usually needed
Before any roof replacement work affecting 50 percent or more of a single or two-family home's roof.
What a roof replacement permit costs in New Orleans
How to apply in New Orleans
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits sets the exact checklist for New Orleans.
Where to apply in New Orleans:
City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits
- 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Phone: (504) 658-7200
- Email: permitinfo@nola.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the New Orleans permit portal or by phone at (504) 658-7200.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for New Orleans
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: share of the roof replaced, for single and two-family homes. Usually needed: Before any roof replacement work affecting 50 percent or more of a single or two-family home's roof.
- Budget the fee. Base Fee: $60. Historic Districts (HDLC and VCC) +$30. Re-Roofing Permit page, last updated 4/14/2026, implementing Ordinance 30,235 MCS. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the New Orleans permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits. Phone: (504) 658-7200. Address: 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112.
- Plan for inspections. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in New Orleans?
- New Orleans requires a separate residential re-roofing permit for any roof replacement work affecting 50 percent or more, under Ordinance 30,235 MCS. Minor roofing work, defined by the city as less than 50 percent replacement, is exempt unless something else about the job triggers a permit. The re-roofing permit is for single and two-family homes only; commercial properties, which the city defines as three or more family units and business uses, must instead apply for a structural or non-structural renovation permit. The city frames the permit as a formal record that helps homeowners qualify for reduced insurance premiums or roofing grant programs. Share of the roof replaced, for single and two-family homes. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in New Orleans?
- Base Fee: $60. Historic Districts (HDLC and VCC) +$30. Re-Roofing Permit page, last updated 4/14/2026, implementing Ordinance 30,235 MCS. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a roof replacement permit take in New Orleans?
- In New Orleans, a roof replacement permit typically takes 2-4 days (Historic Districts may require additional time.). Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in New Orleans?
- You can apply through the New Orleans permit portal or contact the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in New Orleans?
- Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 37:2157(A)(2), (A)(13), (A)(15)(a), (B); La. R.S. 37:2160(B) and (C)): Yes. R.S. 37:2157(A)(13) exempts an owner who supervises or takes charge of construction, alteration or repair of his own personal residence from the contractor licensing law, but caps the exemption at one residence per year, with the year running from the date the certificate of occupancy issues; the cap lifts only where a change in the owner's legal marital status, or a change in employment forcing a move more than 50 miles from his residence, requires a second home. A separate exemption at R.S. 37:2157(A)(2) covers an owner who takes charge of work on his own property for his own use, where the result will not be for sale or rent and the owner controls access. A residential property owner who physically performs home improvement work on his own residence is also exempt from home improvement licensure under R.S. 37:2157(A)(15)(a). The exemption is not self-executing at the permit counter: R.S. 37:2157(A)(13) requires an affidavit of exemption on a board form in order to obtain the building permit, and R.S. 37:2160(C) obliges the local permit official to collect that affidavit before the permit issues. R.S. 37:2157(B) adds that none of these exemptions waives local or state health and life safety code requirements, so an exempt homeowner still owes the permit and the inspections. Confirm how New Orleans applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in New Orleans
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | deck area, with the exemption also requiring the deck be uncovered, no more than thirty inches high from grade at any point, detached from the dwelling unit, and not serving an exit door | Building permit fee is $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed (job value x .005... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $40 application fee plus $3 per new circuit plus $0.30 per service amperage. |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of the fence, with the exemption also requiring compliance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance | Building permit fee is $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed (job value x .005... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Varies based on components of work. |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Not specified | Where a permit is required, the building permit fee is $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Not part of the building permit fee. |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed. |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed. |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Permits for rooftop solar are classified as Electrical Permits with associated costs of... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Louisiana localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not New Orleans documents; the office above sets the local rules.
Verified by a person against the sources above on , not confirmed with City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Louisiana localities