Do You Need a Deck Permit in New Orleans?
Usually yes
Only small freestanding decks are exempt in New Orleans: uncovered residential decks no larger than 200 sq ft, no higher than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving an exit door. Replacing deteriorated unenclosed, uncovered porches and steps 5 feet or less above grade is also exempt.
Source: New Orleans: Work Exempt from Permit (Section 105.2)
New Orleans Deck Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 92
- Issued, last 30 days
- 11
- Median application to issue
- 39 days
- Median declared job value
- $13,048
- Issuing office
- New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from NOLA Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What New Orleans's Rules Say
- Exempt: uncovered, detached decks up to 200 sq ft and 30 in high that don't serve an exit.
- Exempt: replacing deteriorated uncovered porches and steps up to 5 ft high.
- Roofs over porches and their framing are not exempt.
New Orleans Deck Permit Fees
We have not verified New Orleans's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits sets the fee when you apply. For context, the median fee actually paid on these permits in the city's records was $228.
Busiest Areas for Deck Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| French Quarter | 9 |
| Algiers Point | 6 |
| Lower Garden District | 5 |
| Mid-City | 4 |
| East Riverside | 4 |
| Lakeshore - Lake Vista | 3 |
How to Get a Deck Permit in New Orleans
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent New Orleans Deck Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-28 | 700 Dauphine St, 702 Dauphine St, 704 Dauphine St, 706 Dauphine St, 839 Saint Peter St | Repair deteriorated items on building: decking members, damaged brick, stucco repairs, cracked masonry walls, damaged sh |
| 2026-10-28 | 4530 Chagnard Dr | AFTER THE FACT A covered porch and new stairs to a raised house. Exterior - Adding new siding. Interior - New insulation |
| 2026-10-28 | 2827 Saint Roch Ave | Installation of a manufactured vertical porch lift needed at veteran's home, so he can get in and out of his home with t |
| 2026-10-27 | 611 Esplanade Ave, EXTERIOR | Repair of deteriorated/ miss- ing porch decking on front facade gallery and right hand side second floor gallery, pressu |
| 2026-10-27 | 537 Barracks St | Necessary repairs to front balcony - to include replacement in kind of rotten sleepers and deck boards. All new material |
| 2026-10-26 | 25 Gull St | Rough in gas lines for 6 gas lanterns- 2 on front brick columns, 4 on back porch |
| 2026-10-21 | 7617-7619 Oak St | Exterior repairs to ensure full compliance, safety regulations and property maintenance. Scope to include demo and rebui |
| 2026-10-20 | 1312 Behrman Ave | Installation of a manufactured vertical platform lift is needed at this veteran's home, so he can get in and out of his |
| 2026-10-20 | 2747 Saint Ann St | We as the home owners are renovating the interior of the home, demo, replacing some siding, re-paving the driveway and f |
| 2026-10-14 | 5627 Chamberlain Dr | Renovate exterior wood front porch and rear deck by replacing 15 steel columns with structural fiberglass columns, remov |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deck permit in New Orleans?
Usually yes. Only small freestanding decks are exempt in New Orleans: uncovered residential decks no larger than 200 sq ft, no higher than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving an exit door. Replacing deteriorated unenclosed, uncovered porches and steps 5 feet or less above grade is also exempt.
How many deck permits does New Orleans issue?
New Orleans issued 92 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 8 a month. The busiest month was Oct 2026 with 11.
How much does a deck permit cost in New Orleans?
We have not yet verified New Orleans's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits when you apply. In the city's own records, the median fee paid on these permits over the last 12 months was $228.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in New Orleans?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 39 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues deck permits in New Orleans?
The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits.
Related Permit Guides
- New Orleans Roofing Permits
- New Orleans HVAC Permits
- New Orleans Solar Panel Permits
- Austin Deck Permits
- Nashville Deck Permits
- Deck Permits by City
- When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- New Orleans: Work Exempt from Permit (Section 105.2) (linked above) (nola.gov)