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Accessory building (shed) permit question — Jefferson Parish

Posted on 4/5/21 at 4:41 pm
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 4:41 pm
Anyone on the board build a shed or accessory building under 400 square feet in JP? I’m having a hell of a time finding someone to actually talk to and answer some questions at the permitting office.

Basically, JP says you’re required to get a permit for a shed of any size, but they only list the documentation required to file for a building >400 square feet. I honestly wouldn’t bother with the permit, but for the fact that I’m forced to file for a variance to build inside 5’ of the lot line because of my pool.

TIA.
Posted by lsutiger2010
Member since Aug 2008
14790 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 5:35 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/17/21 at 8:52 pm
Posted by gonzo03
Ponchatoula
Member since Nov 2008
626 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 6:08 pm to
I had a tough built 12x16 shed built for me and didn’t get a permit. I debated trying and figured that they would finish building it in a day and no one would know any better.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 6:09 pm to
~350 square feet.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 6:12 pm to
quote:

I had a tough built 12x16 shed built for me and didn’t get a permit. I debated trying and figured that they would finish building it in a day and no one would know any better.


I’m with ya, but the fact that it’s got to be inside the building line and that I’ll be running plumbing for a half bath complicates things a little, so I’m just going to bite the bullet and apply for the variance and permit.
Posted by gonzo03
Ponchatoula
Member since Nov 2008
626 posts
Posted on 4/5/21 at 7:27 pm to
I ran electrical after the fact to put a deep freezer but didn’t need need plumbing. I don’t blame you one bit for taking the safe route.
Posted by OldHickory
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2012
10602 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 8:44 am to
Did you try calling inspection and code enforcement department?
Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31822 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:28 am to
i believe if it is under 400sf and not wired for electrical/plumbing, it doesn't require a permit
Posted by tigahbruh
Louisiana
Member since Jun 2014
2858 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:42 am to
If it gets done within 1 day, just do it. JP will be none the wiser.
They get you when a project is visible from the street and is taking a while. Usually a loser neighbor that reports you.
Posted by lsutiger2010
Member since Aug 2008
14790 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:51 am to
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/17/21 at 8:24 pm
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 12:59 pm to
quote:

Did you try calling inspection and code enforcement department?


I did. Keep getting told no one is available to talk to me and have not gotten a call back after leaving 3 messages requesting one. I’m going over there Thursday if I don’t get a response by then.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 1:02 pm to
quote:

If you were just doing a smaller shed, I would say this. But since you are talking about adding plumbing/electrical, 350sf is a pretty decent size and you are building outside the 5ft line, you need to get with JP on it.


Glad someone gets it. This isn’t going to be a shed on piers that I can have moved in a pinch.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 1:11 pm to
quote:

i believe if it is under 400sf and not wired for electrical/plumbing, it doesn't require a permit


I wish that was the case. Also, my need for a setback variance would still muddy the waters even if it were...

Posted by OldHickory
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2012
10602 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 1:43 pm to
Gotcha. They have an office in the Yenni Bldg and one on Maple in Harvey.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 1:58 pm to
I finally got in touch with someone and he was really helpful. FYI below...

First off, the setback for accessory buildings is only 3’ in both the side and rear (not 5’ like I thought), but since I’m on a reverse corner lot, I get screwed as usual with a side setback of 20’ on the street side. This means I can probably work with the 3’ setback, but may now have to file for a variance on the 20’ setback.

Also, the only requirements for filing on a building less than 400 square feet are a current, stamped survey and a simple site plan. No building plans, etc necessary. I will, of course, have to also file for plumbing and electrical...

Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
21992 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 2:03 pm to
In Lafourche Parish the building inspectors work M-Thur 7-4:30. I had all my material delivered and started on a Thursday afternoon. I was done framing, roof and blocking in by Monday. I did all my inside work after that.
Posted by BRich
Old Metairie
Member since Aug 2017
2248 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 2:03 pm to
Right before I was going to post this, same thing I did a year ago:

Served on Jefferson Parish's Old Metairie Commission for over 10 years; last 7 as chairman.

In about all single-family residential-zoned districts, accessory buildings such as sheds, detached garages, pool buildings, cabanas, etc. are supposed to be minimum of 3 feet from rear and side property lines.

Sec. 33-5.3.2. - Accessory buildings, structures, and uses.
Except as otherwise provided in this Code:

(a)Interior side yards. Any accessory building that is not a part of the principal building may be built in a required side yard, provided that such accessory building is not:(1)Less than sixty (60) feet from the front lot line, or located in either front yard on a through lot; and(2)Not less than three (3) feet from the nearest interior side lot line.

(b)Rear yards. Accessory buildings may be built in a required rear yard but such accessory buildings shall not occupy more than forty (40) percent of the required rear yard, provided, in any case where accessory buildings are not built on the side or rear lot lines, and in residential districts, such accessory buildings shall not be located less than three (3) feet from either side or rear lot line.

(c)Corner side yards.(1)On a corner lot, any minimum corner or exterior side yard setback shall apply to the accessory building.(2)Where a lot in the rear of the corner lot fronts on the side street, no part of any accessory building on the corner lot within twenty-five (25) feet of the common lot line shall project beyond the prolongation of the front yard line of the lot in the rear, provided, however, that the limitation shall not reduce the buildable length of an accessory building to less than twenty (20) feet.(3)In the Fat City districts, accessory or support buildings and structures shall not be located any closer to the side street than the principal building.

(d)Height. Accessory buildings or structures allowed in a required rear or side yard shall not exceed thirteen (13) feet in height.

(e)Coverage. The combined gross area of all accessory buildings or portions thereof located in side and rear yards shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the required rear yard area, nor shall more than one (1) accessory building cover any part of a required side yard.
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 4/6/21 at 3:48 pm to
quote:

BRich


Damn, I wish I’d found that in my search!

You have any dealings with lift stations while you were on OMC? I think that may end up being my biggest hurdle.
Posted by LSUKTR
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2005
1489 posts
Posted on 5/3/21 at 8:58 am to
Are there any restrictions or requirements for drainage? The house behind me is building a 640 sq ft pool house 3’ from the property line with a gable roof facing my yard. Look like I’ll be getting a lot more water at the rear of our lot.

Old Metairie is great, but these small lots suck when you share a property line with a few bad neighbors. adjacent
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4406 posts
Posted on 5/3/21 at 7:51 pm to
Why not just talk to your neighbor and ask if they plan on putting gutters on the pool house and if they have a plan for diverting the water if that’s your concern?
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