Applications are Portable Document Format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can get a copy by using the following link

NOTE: These files are quite large and will take some time to download with a slow connection.

“Most commonly asked questions”

·        To comply with the following:

A. Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA)  
B. Coastal Zone Resource Management  
C. Enhanced 911 Emergency Response  
D. To insure structure does not impede right-of-way

2.      What is the purpose of the planning office?

·        On June 20, 2001, the St. James Parish Council adopted Ordinance 01-01, which states that a construction permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of construction of any residential or commercial building including outlying structures. (Section-1)

·        The Parish President’s Office shall establish procedures for the issuance of construction permits and the collection of fees, therefore. (Section-2)

·        Fees for the issuance of construction permits shall be as follows:

            A. Residential - $50.00

i.            New home construction

ii.           Moving a house onto a property

iii.         Moving a manufactured home onto a property (new or used)

 B. Commercial: - minimum $100.00 
(over 10,000 square feet-one-cent per square foot )  (Section-3)

·        A “Notification Permit” is required for a structure built, maintained, or intended for use as a shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, or property. There will be no fee for a notification permit. (Section-4)

3.  What is the difference between servitude and a right-of-way?

·        A servitude is reserved for public utilities, drainage, and other purposes, but you, the homeowner, own this strip of ground.  The servitude is usually located along the back of your property, but it can be on all sides!  To make sure, check your approved plot plan or act of sale or contact the Parish Planning Office.

·        A right-of-way (ROW) is a strip of ground (usually next to the street) that is dedicated for public use.  The right-of-way is owned by the Parish.  Check your approved plot plan or act of sale or contact the Parish Planning Office.

4. May I plant trees, shrubs, and/or flowers on the right-of-way?

• Remember the ROW is reserved for public use and is owned by the Parish.  The Parish has the right to remove any planted materials or structures located on the ROW.  Trees planted on the ROW can impede aboveground and belowground utilities.  Check your approved plot plan or act of sale or contact the Parish Planning Office.

5. May I plant trees or shrubs or build a fence across my rear property line, or is that the servitude?

• Although you own the property where the servitude is located, the original developer reserved this strip of ground for utilities, drainage, or other purposes.  A tree, shrubs, or structure placed on the servitude that impedes the utilities or drainage (or access to the utilities or drainage) will be removed by the Parish at the owner’s expense.

6. How do I obtain a physical address?

• Contact the Parish Permitting Office to obtain an Application for Street Address.  There is no fee for this service.  The purpose of issuance of a physical address is to allow emergency response services the ability to physically locate property quickly and efficiently during an emergency.

7. Am I required to have flood insurance?

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the parish with a floodplain map.  This map shows what property is in a Flood Zone “A”(100 year flood zone) and what property is in Flood Zone “C”(minimal flooding.)  If your property is located in Flood Zone “C”, flood insurance is not mandated by the Federal Government but is certainly available at low rates.  If your property is located in Flood Zone “A”, the lowest floor of the home must meet a base flood elevation requirement predetermined by FEMA or the Corps of Engineers.  At the time you request a permit, the Parish Permitting and Planning Office will determine if your resident is located in a flood zone.  If so, a flood elevation form will be issued and must be completed by a “licensed” surveyor or engineer.  This form must be returned to the Parish Permitting Office before construction begins.  This practice is a requirement of the United States Federal Government.  Federal Law states: mortgage companies cannot finance construction within 100-year floodplain areas (Zone “A”) without the owner completing an elevation certificate and obtaining flood insurance.

8. How close to a property line can I build?

• In most cases the distances a residential structure must be from property lines are at least: 20 feet from the front, 5 feet from each side, and 10 feet from the rear.  Requirements do vary in certain subdivisions and special situations.  Check your approved plot plan, act of sale, or subdivision restrictions.  Building setbacks must be included when you apply for a Building Permit.  Additional information is available from the Parish Planning and Permitting Office.

9. If I am making an addition to my existing home, will I need a permit?

• If you obtained a building permit when your home was constructed, you are not required to obtain a building permit.  “However,” you are required to obtain a “Certificate of Improvement” from the Parish Permitting Office.   If you have never obtained a building permit for your existing home, you are “required” to obtain a building permit to make an addition to your home.

10. If I am moving a mobile home or house onto my property, will I need a permit?

• Yes, a permit is required.  Although you are not building a new home or making an addition to your existing home,  Parish Ordinances still apply.

11. Who installs sewerage disposal systems?

• When you meet with the Office of Public Health to obtain a permit for your sewerage disposal system, he will have a listing of licensed installers.  Remember, your sewerage disposal system “must” be installed  and maintained by a licensed installer.