Driveway Permits and Regulations in Louisiana

Why Louisiana Driveway Permits Matter

Adding or upgrading a driveway seems simple—until you realize Louisiana’s rules change from parish to parish and even street to street. Skipping the permit can trigger stop-work orders, fines, or forced tear-outs. Understanding the process up front keeps your project on schedule, protects your investment, and keeps neighbors (and local officials) happy.

State vs. Local Rules: Who Actually Controls Your Driveway?

Louisiana does not have one statewide driveway code. Instead, three layers of regulation can apply:

• DOTD (Louisiana Dept. of Transportation & Development) – any curb cut that enters a state highway.
• Parish Public Works – most parish roads and local collectors.
• Municipal Planning & Zoning – inside city limits; overlays historic districts, flood zones, and parking ordinances.

Always start with the office that maintains the road in front of your house. If you’re unsure, call the DOTD district office and your parish permit desk—both will tell you who has jurisdiction within 24 hours.

Quick Way to Identify Jurisdiction

1. Look at your property tax bill or water bill mailing address. Cities like Lafayette, Shreveport, or Baton Rouge require city permits even if DOTD also needs a highway permit.
2. Open Google Maps, right-click your street, choose “What's here?” and compare the road name to DOTD’s State Highway Log (published online). If the route number appears, DOTD is involved.

DOTD Driveway Permits for State Highways

Any new or revised access point on a Louisiana state highway needs a DOTD Highway Encroachment Permit. The state’s biggest concerns are sight-distance, drainage, and traffic flow.

Key Requirements

• Minimum sight-distance: 300 ft on 55 mph roads, 250 ft on 45 mph roads, 200 ft on 35 mph roads.
• Maximum slope within right-of-way: 8 % for gravel, 6 % for concrete or asphalt.
• Culvert size: sized for 25-year storm; minimum 15-inch diameter if drainage ditch exists.

How to Apply

1. Download Form DOTD 03-04-11 (Encroachment Permit) from dotd.la.gov.
2. Attach a scaled drawing (1" = 20' minimum) showing existing/proposed driveway, property lines, utilities, and nearest intersections.
3. Include photos of the site and a copy of your driver’s license.
4. Pay $100 base fee plus $25 per additional lane crossed.
5. Allow 10–15 business days; DOTD inspectors will visit before approval.

Pro tip: Submit during the second week of the month. DOTD district engineers batch reviews mid-month, cutting wait times by 3–4 days.

Parish & City Driveway Permits

Parishes such as East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and St. Tammany use nearly identical forms, but fees and turnaround times vary. Below is a snapshot of the three most requested jurisdictions.

East Baton Rouge Parish (City-Parish DPW)

• Permit name: Residential Driveway / Culvert Permit
• Fee: $50 plus $1 per linear foot of culvert
• Typical approval: 5 business days
• Unique rule: culvert must extend 1 ft beyond driveway edge on both sides.

Jefferson Parish (Dept. of Streets)

• Permit name: Curb Cut & Driveway Permit
• Fee: $120 residential, $300 commercial corner lots
• Typical approval: 7–10 business days
• Extra step: notarized consent from adjacent neighbor if shared driveway.

St. Tammany Parish (Public Works)

• Permit name: Entrance Permit
• Fee: $75 (includes inspection)
• Typical approval: 3–5 business days—fastest in the state.
• Special note: requires ¾-inch crushed stone base under asphalt; inspector will check depth before you pave.

General Checklist for Local Permits

1. Complete permit application (one-page form).
2. Provide simple site sketch: driveway width, distance to neighbor’s drive, utilities, and drainage.
3. Mark proposed location with stakes/flags for inspector’s pre-approval visit.
4. Pay fee online or in person; keep receipt—inspector will ask for the tracking number.

Historic Districts & Flood Zones

If your home sits in a local historic district (e.g., Faubourg Marigny, Natchitoches Historic District) or a FEMA flood zone, expect an extra review layer.

Historic Districts

• Materials visible from the street may need to match period character—brick or stamped concrete instead of plain gray concrete.
• Some districts cap driveway width at 12 ft for single-family homes to preserve curb-side parking.

Flood Zones

• Driveway surfaces cannot redirect storm water onto adjacent lots; you may need a small swale or perimeter drain.
• Culvert elevation must tie into the parish’s master drainage plan; incorrect height can flood your garage—and your neighbor’s yard.

Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and your local historic commission website before finalizing plans.

Typical Costs & Timeframes

From permit submission to final inspection, most residential driveway projects in Louisiana take 3–6 weeks: one week for permits, two days for culvert install, one week for concrete cure, and a few days for final inspection and touch-ups.

Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Pouring First, Permitting After – Concrete gets ripped out at your expense; DOTD can bill you for restoring the highway shoulder.
2. Wrong Culvert Size – A 12-inch pipe saves $100 up front but can clog and flood the road; parish will make you replace it.
3. Ignoring Utility Easements – Gas or water lines running close to the surface may require hand digging or relocation—plan for extra days.
4. Too-Steep a Slope – Anything over 15 % at the sidewalk can trigger ADA scrutiny and force re-grading.
5. Matching Neighbor’s Driveway Exactly – Older drives may be “grandfathered” under old codes; copying them today can fail inspection.

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Homeowners

1. Call 811 – Have utilities marked (Louisiana One Call) at least 48 hours before you stake the driveway.
2. Measure Sight-Distance – Use a 100-ft tape or laser; if you fall short, shift driveway location before paying for plans.
3. Contact Jurisdiction – Verify permit type, fees, and drawings required; ask for the inspector’s direct email.
4. Submit Application & Pay – Most parishes accept credit cards online; scan receipts.
5. Stake the Driveway – Inspector will perform a “pre-con” site visit; adjust stakes while he/she is on site to avoid a second trip.
6. Install Culvert & Base – Schedule materials delivery after permit approval, not before.
7. Call for Inspection – Give 24-hour notice; have your permit number ready.
8. Pour or Pave – Wait for inspector’s green tag; photograph the final driveway for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions