Do I Need a Permit to Renovate My Kitchen?

What Triggers a Permit for a Kitchen Renovation?

Every jurisdiction is a little different, but across the U.S. you’ll generally need a permit when your renovation involves more than cosmetic changes. According to remodeling guides, permits are often necessary when you:

• Remove or add walls (especially if structural)
• Move or reroute plumbing (sink, dishwasher, gas lines)
• Change electrical wiring or add new circuits or outlets
• Alter or add to gas lines or ventilation
• Make structural changes to floors, ceilings, or load-bearing supports
  
  

If you're simply replacing cabinets, countertops, flooring, or repainting within the same layout—without touching wiring, plumbing, or structural elements—you may not require a permit. But “may not require” does not mean “never require.” Always confirm with your local building department. (Sweeten)

So the more you change behind the walls, the more likely you’ll need a permit.

How It Works in Covington / St. Tammany Parish

Because RS Builders works locally, here’s how permitting generally works in our area, and what you should expect.

Covington Building Permit Department

In the City of Covington, the Building Permit Department handles renovation and remodeling permits. (City of Covington Louisiana) They use state-mandated building codes (as of January 1, 2023, Louisiana adopted the 2021 edition of the International Codes) (City of Covington Louisiana). The city publishes checklists for renovations, additions, and residential work, which you must complete when applying. (City of Covington Louisiana)

One detail: inspections must be requested at least one business day ahead, during 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (City of Covington Louisiana)

St. Tammany Parish / Residential Permits & Inspections

Kitchen renovations in unincorporated parts or under parish jurisdiction (St. Tammany Parish) fall under the parish’s Permits & Inspections department. (St. Tammany Parish)

Here are some things to know from the parish’s rules and forms:

• The parish requires a Residential Plan Review for remodels, additions, and new construction. (St. Tammany Parish Government)
• Required documents include a completed permit application, legal description of the property, survey, and plot plan showing setbacks and flood zones. (Revize)
• For remodels, the parish has a fee structure: “Remodel: $100 plus $5 per $1,000 of executed contract amount.” (Revize)
• Third-party inspections are allowed in many cases, except for work in flood zones or certain drainage or service inspections. (Revize)
• All residential contractors must have registration with the parish permits office. (Revize)
• If your lot lies in a V flood zone, every page of your plans must be stamped by a Louisiana licensed architect or engineer. (Revize)
  
  

This tells you that in many parts of St. Tammany Parish, a kitchen remodel will require permits and plan review—especially if there are structural, plumbing, electrical, or drainage changes.

When You Might Not Need a Permit

Not every kitchen remodel needs a permit. Some situations fall under “cosmetic” work or are exempt under local codes.

Here are some examples:

• Replacing cabinets, countertops, or hardware in the same footprint
• Adding or replacing backsplash tile
• Swapping appliances without moving plumbing or electrical
• Painting, wallpapering, or surface finishes
• Refacing or resurfacing surfaces where no structural change is involved
  
  

Even though such work tends to be exempt, local authorities may still require minimal documentation or review, depending on your neighborhood or flood zone. Always check locally before you start.

Risks of Renovating Without a Permit

You might be tempted to skip permits to save time or money. But that can bring trouble:

1. Stop-work orders or fines – The city or parish can demand work stop until permits are obtained.
2. Insurance issues – If damage occurs later (fire, water, etc.), insurers may deny claims arising from unpermitted work.
3. Resale problems – Buyers or home inspectors may flag unpermitted work. You may be forced to do retroactive permits or even remove components.
4. Safety risks – Unpermitted work may not be inspected to code, risking faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, structural issues, or improper ventilation.
5. Legal noncompliance – The State and municipalities require permits under their codes. Skipping them may violate local ordinances or state law.
   
   

To put it simply, the small cost and time to pull a permit is usually far less than the cost of dealing with the fallout of skipping it.

How RS Builders & Remodeling Handles Permits for You

Because we operate locally in Covington and in St. Tammany Parish, here's how we support clients in getting their kitchen renovation permitted properly:

• Permit planning from the start – As soon as your design is set, we prepare documents, drawings, and approaches to ensure compliance with local rules.
• Local code knowledge – We understand Covington’s and St. Tammany’s permit checklists, flood zone rules, inspection scheduling, and how to anticipate requirements.
• Licensed professionals – When needed, we contract with engineers or architects, especially for structural or flood-zone projects.
• Single point of responsibility – We submit permits, coordinate inspections, and handle revisions so you don’t have to chase multiple offices.
• Transparent cost estimates – Permit fees are built into our project cost, so you know ahead of time what to expect.
• Free consultation – We offer a no-obligation meeting to review your project, confirm whether permits are required, and lay out the path to approvals.
  
  

That kind of support helps your kitchen remodel proceed without unnecessary delays or surprises.

Permitting Your Kitchen Remodel in Covington

Here’s a simplified workflow so you see how it works:

1. Design & Scope - Decide which walls, plumbing, electrical, or structural elements you want to change.
2. Preliminary Check - Consult with us or the permit office to identify whether your remodel needs permits.
3. Prepare Documents - Create architectural drawings or sketches, mark plumbing/electrical changes, list fixtures, note flood elevation, plot plan, etc.
4. Submit Permit Application - In Covington: submit with the Building Permit Department along with the renovation checklist. (City of Covington Louisiana) In St. Tammany Parish: submit to Permits & Inspections with all required forms, survey, legal descriptions, and floor plans. (Revize)
5. Plan Review & Corrections - The permit office reviews, may request corrections or clarifications. We handle this for you.
6. Permit Issued - Once approved, the permit gives you legal go-ahead. You can begin work only after that.
7. Inspections During Work - The building department or a third party (if allowed) inspects certain stages (rough electrical, plumbing, structural, final). In Covington inspections must be scheduled one business day ahead. (City of Covington Louisiana)
8. Final Inspection & Approval - Once the work is done, the inspector approves, issues a certificate or sign-off, and you’re done.
   
   

This sequence ensures compliant, safe, and documented work.

Tips to Avoid Permit Delays

To help your kitchen renovation move smoothly, keep these in mind:

• Lock in your design early. Avoid late changes after permit submission.
  
• Work with a builder who knows local codes and offices.
  
• Include flood-zone or drainage issues early if your lot is in a special area.
  
• Make sure your drawings are clear: plumbing, electrical, structural changes must be shown.
  
• Respond promptly to correction requests from the permit office.
  
• Schedule inspections in advance and build that into your project timeline.
  
• Use licensed trades (electrician, plumber) that pull permits under their credentials when required.
  
  

By staying organized and proactive, you reduce holdups and surprises.

What to Ask Before You Begin

When you're exploring kitchen remodels, here are good questions to ask your builder or consultant:

• Which parts of my plan will require a permit?
  
• What is the estimated permit fee and plan review cost?
  
• How long is the permit review period locally?
  
• Will I need an architect or engineer stamp (especially in flood zones or structural changes)?
  
• Who handles permit submission, corrections, inspections?
  
• Do you build in buffer time for possible permit delays?
  
  

A knowledgeable builder should answer these clearly and confidently.

Why Permits Benefit You

Getting permits might feel like extra red tape, but they serve you:

• You gain legal protection and assurance your work meets code
  
• Inspections reduce risk of hidden problems
  
• Your home remains eligible for insurance claims
  
• When you sell, documentation supports the value of your renovation
  
• In flood or hazard zones, code compliance protects you and your investment
  
  

A permit is more than a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a safeguard for your project, your home, and your peace of mind.

Ready to Talk Permits & Kitchen Plans?

If you're in Covington, Mandeville, or anywhere in St. Tammany Parish and wondering “do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen?”, let us help. At RS Builders & Remodeling, we’ve guided many homeowners through permitting, design, construction, and inspections.

When you request afree consultation, we:

• Visit your property
  
• Review your plans and scope
  
• Tell you exactly what permits you need
  
• Map out a timeline including permit review and inspections
  
• Give you an estimate including permit costs
  
  

You don’t have to face permits and municipal offices alone. Let us manage it professionally and efficiently so you can relax and enjoy your new kitchen.

Contact us at (985) 630-1511 or through our website to schedule your free consultation. Let’s get your kitchen renovation started the right way—with permits taken care of from the start.

Final Thoughts

• Whether you need a permit depends on how much you alter plumbing, electrical, gas, or structure.
  
• In Covington and in St. Tammany Parish, most kitchen remodels that touch systems or structure will require one.
  
• Skipping permits is risky—insurance, resale, safety, and compliance all suffer.
  
• With RS Builders & Remodeling, LLC you won’t go it alone. We plan, submit, manage, and see your project through inspections.
  
• The free consultation is a great way to get clarity before you commit.
  

If you’re ready to move from idea to reality, let’s talk. Reach out today, and let us help make your kitchen renovation safe, legal, and beautifully done.