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Accessory building (shed) permit question — Jefferson Parish
Posted on 4/5/21 at 4:41 pm
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.
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 on 4/5/21 at 5:35 pm to GeauxldMember
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/17/21 at 8:52 pm
Posted on 4/5/21 at 6:08 pm to GeauxldMember
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 on 4/5/21 at 6:12 pm to gonzo03
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 on 4/5/21 at 7:27 pm to GeauxldMember
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 on 4/6/21 at 8:44 am to GeauxldMember
Did you try calling inspection and code enforcement department?
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:28 am to GeauxldMember
i believe if it is under 400sf and not wired for electrical/plumbing, it doesn't require a permit
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:42 am to GeauxldMember
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.
They get you when a project is visible from the street and is taking a while. Usually a loser neighbor that reports you.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 11:51 am to tigahbruh
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/17/21 at 8:24 pm
Posted on 4/6/21 at 12:59 pm to OldHickory
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 on 4/6/21 at 1:02 pm to lsutiger2010
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 on 4/6/21 at 1:11 pm to Geauxld Finger
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 on 4/6/21 at 1:43 pm to GeauxldMember
Gotcha. They have an office in the Yenni Bldg and one on Maple in Harvey.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 1:58 pm to OldHickory
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...
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 on 4/6/21 at 2:03 pm to GeauxldMember
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 on 4/6/21 at 2:03 pm to GeauxldMember
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.
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 on 4/6/21 at 3:48 pm to BRich
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 on 5/3/21 at 8:58 am to BRich
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
Old Metairie is great, but these small lots suck when you share a property line with a few bad neighbors. adjacent
Posted on 5/3/21 at 7:51 pm to LSUKTR
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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