Building Department
The City of Gretna Building Department is responsible for all permitting and inspections related to the enforcement of the state building code and local building requirements. Additionally, the Building Department plays an integral role in the administration of our local historic districts and site plan review process.
Online Permitting
Most of the Department’s permitting and inspection processes are initiated online through the www.mygovernmentonline.org portal. After creating a username and password, please ensure that you specify City of Gretna as the desired jurisdiction for permitting. All payments are processed via the online portal.
If you need assistance, please contact the Building Department at 504.363.1563 or www.mygovermentonline.org technical support at 1.866.957.3764. We offer a kiosk in the Building Department for residents without internet access. If you are unable to make payment using the online portal, please ensure that Department staff are aware that you are using the City Cashier to pay for permitting fees.
Historic District Commission
For information regarding Historic District Commission review, please visit the HDC page. All exterior changes visible from public right-of-way must also be reviewed and approved by the Historic District Commission, receive a Certificate of Appropriateness and obtain the necessary building permit(s) prior to commencing work.
Building Trade(s) Licensing
All building trade professionals, except for the general contractor, must be licensed to work in the City of Gretna. The Building Trade(s) License Application can be found here.
When do I need a permit?
A permit is required in the City of Gretna if you want to:
• construct
• enlarge
• alter
• repair
• move
• demolish
• change
Required permit(s) must be obtained before any work is begun.
Anyone who wishes to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, including propane or natural gas generators, shall be properly licensed and apply for permitting/inspection using the online portal.
Replacement of installation of water heaters, toilets, faucets, etc. requiring filing by a City of Gretna licensed plumber, gas fitter, etc. Replacement or installation of electrical service panels, light fixtures, ceiling fans, switches, outlets, etc. requires filing by a City of Gretna licensed electrician.
Fencing, storage sheds, carports, etc., of any size and permanently installed emergency or backup electrical generator require a building permit. All structures and exterior equipment such as A/C units, water heaters, and generators, must also comply with the City’s zoning and development codes.
Sidewalks, driveway aprons and curb cuts, which are on public right of way, require consultation with the Department of Public Works and Planning and Zoning.
When don’t I need a permit?
Generally, a building permit is not required for the following (unless the Building Official feels that the work will involve hazardous or complex conditions):
• interior painting, tiling, carpeting or similar finish work
• exterior painting when it does not require protective scaffolding over public property
• change of roof covering and/or gutter work pertaining to one and two-family dwellings
• replacing soffit and/or fascia (only) on all Type V unprotected construction
• prefabricated swimming pools accessories to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy which are less than twenty four (24) inches deep
• shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems
• playhouse, swings or similar playground equipment dedicated to residential use
• construction shacks or trailers on construction sites, during the time of active construction
Hiring a reputable contractor
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors provides excellent information for consumers about what to look for when hiring a contractor. Their website, www.lslbc.louisiana.gov, includes a checklist of things to do to help ensure a successful project and discusses scams to avoid. The site also provides a search feature to verify a contractor’s current state license status. Contractors and certain technicians must also be licensed in the City of Gretna. Contractor licenses can also be verified through the www.mygovernmentonline.org portal.
Information on Flood Mitigation
For more information please visit our Flood Mitigation webpage here.
Department Contact Information
Danika Gorrondona, Building Official
Maria Caulking, Permit Technician
Darlene Ford, Permit Technician