Planning a remodel, new fence, or a pool in East Baton Rouge Parish and not sure who should issue your permit? You are not alone. With the City of St. George launching municipal services, the process looks different depending on your address. This guide shows you exactly how to confirm your permitting office, where to apply online, what codes apply, and the few exceptions that can slow projects. Let’s dive in.
The simple rule: jurisdiction decides
The permitting office is determined by your property’s municipal boundary. If your address is inside the City of St. George limits, St. George handles your building and planning permits. If your address is in the City of Baton Rouge or unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish, the City-Parish Department of Development handles them. You can confirm this in minutes using official mapping tools.
What changed in 2024
St. George began offering building permits and related municipal services on October 16, 2024, including an online portal and inspections. The City-Parish continues to provide permits and inspections for Baton Rouge and unincorporated parish addresses. Both reference and enforce state-adopted building codes, so technical standards are consistent across jurisdictions. You can read the official updates from St. George’s FAQ, the City-Parish Development Department, and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council.
How to check your address
Use an official tool to confirm your jurisdiction before you start any application:
- City-Parish Jurisdiction Lookup: Type your full address to see if it is in Baton Rouge, St. George, or unincorporated EBR. Start here: Jurisdiction Lookup.
- EBRGIS Property Lookup: See parcel details, zoning, and taxing info that can help confirm boundaries: Property Lookup.
- St. George official site: View city limits and service guidance on St. George’s site and FAQ.
- Still not sure? Contact both permitting offices and ask them to confirm by street address or parcel ID. Use St. George Building Department Services and the City-Parish Permit and Inspection Information page for contacts.
Where to apply and track permits
If your address is in St. George
Apply and track permits in the City of St. George’s GOVmotus system. The city provides step-by-step guidance on required documents, fees, and inspections. Start at the St. George Building Department Services page for portal access and instructions.
If your address is in Baton Rouge or unincorporated EBR
Apply through the City-Parish’s MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) portal. You will find instructions for submittals, plan review, and inspection scheduling on the City-Parish Residential Permitting page.
Codes, inspections, and timelines
Louisiana adopted the 2021 International Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code, which local offices enforce. That means your technical building requirements are the same whether you apply in St. George or with the City-Parish. Review the state code framework on the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council site.
St. George announced municipal services, including inspections, beginning October 16, 2024, with third-party support during rollout. For current inspection timelines, confirm directly with your issuing office. Local news covered the launch; you can see the report from WBRZ.
Important exceptions to watch
Even if St. George issues your building permit, a few site-related approvals may still come from parish offices. Plan for these early so your schedule stays on track.
- Sewer tie-ins, drainage tie-ins, and curb-cut permits: Obtain from East Baton Rouge Parish Subdivision Engineering when required. St. George notes these exceptions in its guidance; see the city’s detailed notes on Building Department Services.
- Fire approvals: Some projects require permits or approvals from the local fire authority or the State Fire Marshal, especially for certain business occupancies. Check the St. George Fire Protection District’s permits information.
Quick checklist before you apply
- Confirm jurisdiction using the Jurisdiction Lookup and, if needed, the Property Lookup.
- Choose the correct portal: GOVmotus for St. George or MyGovernmentOnline for City-Parish (St. George guidance and City-Parish residential permitting).
- Prepare compliant plans: Follow the state-adopted 2021 I-Codes and 2020 NEC; verify any local forms or checklists with your issuing office. Review the state code overview.
- Check multi-agency permits: If your scope touches sewer, drainage, curb cuts, or fire approvals, confirm those requirements in parallel.
- If you are near a boundary: Email both offices with your address or parcel ID and keep their written confirmation for your records.
Common scenarios
- Interior remodel or roof replacement: Determine jurisdiction first. Then submit in the correct portal and follow that office’s inspection steps.
- New pool, patio, or addition: In addition to the main building permit, ask about drainage, sewer tie-ins, and curb cuts if relevant to your site.
- Commercial tenant finish or occupancy change: Confirm fire approvals early with the local fire authority, along with standard building permits.
- Property near the St. George line: Always verify using the official lookup and request written confirmation from the permitting office.
Plan your project with confidence
Choosing the right permitting office saves time, money, and stress. If you are planning updates before listing or you are timing a purchase around renovations, our team can help you think through sequencing and market impact while you work with the proper authorities. For a clear plan and a smooth move, connect with Charlotte Johnson.
FAQs
How do I know if St. George or Baton Rouge issues my permit?
- Use the City-Parish Jurisdiction Lookup to confirm your address. If it shows St. George, apply with St. George. If it shows Baton Rouge or unincorporated EBR, apply with the City-Parish.
Did St. George start issuing permits recently?
- Yes. St. George began offering building permits and municipal services on October 16, 2024.
Do Baton Rouge and St. George use the same building codes?
- Yes. Both enforce Louisiana’s adopted codes, including the 2021 International Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code.
Where do I apply online for each jurisdiction?
- St. George uses GOVmotus, with instructions on the city’s Building Department Services page. The City-Parish uses MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) with guidance on its Residential Permitting page.
Could I need parish approvals even if St. George issues my permit?
- Yes. Sewer tie-ins, drainage tie-ins, and curb cuts may require East Baton Rouge Parish Subdivision Engineering approvals. Confirm these early to avoid delays.
Does the local fire department play a role in permits?
- It can. Some projects and occupancies need fire authority approvals. Check requirements with the local fire district or the State Fire Marshal early in your planning.
