Louisiana Enacts New Requirements on Roofing Permits & Licensing

What Do You Need to Know?

• All residential and commercial roofing and reroofing projects in Louisiana require a permit, and it is a violation of Louisiana law for contractors to start work without a permit, misrepresent project details, or fail to obtain required inspections.
• Effective January 1, 2026, contractors performing residential roofing work valued at $7,500 or more must hold a residential roofing or residential construction license, with new examination requirements unless already licensed in certain related classifications.
  

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) has notified residential and commercial construction companies of two new acts passed during the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session that will impact requirements for roofing permits, inspections, and contractor licenses throughout the state.

Act 239 requires permitting and inspection of roof construction and reroofing of residential and commercial structures for any projects beginning on or after August 1, 2025. Act 422 makes it a violation of the law for contractors to fail to obtain a permit to perform work; to begin work prior to the issuance of a permit; to misrepresent the value or scope of work; and to fail to obtain inspections as required by law.

These passed acts apply to all contractors doing work in Louisiana, and it is critical that professionals in the residential and commercial roofing sectors understand these new laws and to take steps now to ensure compliance with state law. These new acts are a clear signal from the Louisiana Legislature that the state is tightening its regulations on the construction industry and working to ensure that only properly licensed contractors perform construction work in the state. Such efforts may further eliminate fraud and improve insurance ratings.

Act 239: New Requirements for Roofing Permits and Inspections

Effective Aug. 1, 2025, Act 239 requires a permit and inspection for all roof construction and reroofing projects on residential and commercial structures. This new law applies to any project beginning on or after this date.

Permitting is now mandatory for all roofing and reroofing projects. You must obtain a permit from the relevant local authority (municipality or parish) before you begin work.

Inspections are also required. Once the permit is secured, you must ensure that all required inspections are completed and approved as mandated by law.

Act 422: New Violations and the Residential Roofing License

Act 422, which also became effective on Aug. 1, 2025, addresses two critical areas: new contractor violations and the creation of a new license classification.

Act 422 makes it a violation of Louisiana law for a contractor to: fail to obtain a permit for work that requires one; begin work prior to the issuance of a permit; misrepresent the value or scope of a project; and/or fail to obtain required inspections. These violations can lead to serious disciplinary action by the LSLBC.

Effective January 1, 2026, Act 422 creates a new license classification: the residential roofing license. Any person who advertises, solicits, bids on, or performs any construction, modification, repair, or maintenance on a residential roofing system for a project valued at $7,500 or more must hold a residential roofing or residential construction license.

A contractor seeking the new Residential Roofing license must pass a specific trade examination and meet all other residential contractor licensure requirements. Qualifying parties who currently hold a residential construction, building construction, or commercial roofing license will be exempt from taking the residential roofing trade exam.

How You Can Be Proactive and Prepare for the New Acts

By taking proactive steps to understand and comply with these laws, you can protect your business and continue to operate successfully in Louisiana.

To ensure your business remains compliant and avoids potential penalties, we recommend you take the following actions:

• Confirm Your Licensing: Review your current license classifications. If you plan to bid on or perform residential roofing work with a project value of $7,500 or more, you must ensure you either hold a residential construction or building construction license, or obtain the new license.
  
  
• Prioritize Permitting: Before starting any new roofing or reroofing project, you must confirm with the local jurisdiction that a permit has been obtained. For projects beginning on or after Aug. 1, 2025, this is no longer optional – it is required by law.
  
  
• Update Your Project Managers: Update your project managers, estimators, and on-site staff on these new rules. Ensure that your company’s standard operating procedures are updated to reflect the mandatory permitting and inspection requirements.
  
  
• Review Contracts and Bids: Be sure your contracts and bids reflect the necessity of obtaining permits and completing inspections, and that you account for any associated costs and timelines.

Conclusion

By proactively addressing the new requirements for permitting, inspections, and licensing, Louisiana contractors can ensure their operations remain compliant with roofing regulations, and their businesses are protected from adverse action.

About Our Author

Susan Eccles serves as the Partner in Charge of the Adams & Reese Baton Rouge office, while maintaining a diverse legal practice on construction, state and federal procurement/government contracts, commercial litigation, environmental exposure/restoration, and insurance defense matters of all types.