Read the full stored bill text
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 928
BY REPRESENTATIVE FONTENOT
BUILDING CODES: Provides relative to commercial building codes
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 40:1578.6(B) through (D), 1730.23(A)(1) and(2), 1730.39(A)
3 and (B) and to enact R.S. 40:1578.6(E)(1)(introductory paragraph) and
4 1730.23(A)(3) to supercede not-yet-effective provisions of Section 1 of Act 534 of
5 the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature and to amend and reenact R.S.
6 40:1573.1(A), 1574(B), 1574.1(A), (B)(1) through (3), (4)(a) and (b), and (C)(1) and
7 (2), 1730.23(H), 1730.24(B), 1730.31, 1730.32, 1730.33(A) and (B)(introductory
8 paragraph), and 1730.34(B) and to enact R.S. 40:1730.33(C) and to repeal R.S.
9 40:1574.1(B)(4)(c), (5), and (6); relative to building codes; to provide for
10 applicability of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code; to provide for
11 compliance review by the fire marshal; to provide for applicability of the life safety
12 code; to provide for powers of the state fire marshal; to provide for plan review fees
13 and procedures; to provide for fire marshal enforcement of the Louisiana State
14 Uniform Construction Code; to provide for relief for a violation of the building code;
15 to provide for imposition of fees; and to provide for related matters.
16 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
17 Section 1. R.S. 40:1578.6(B) through (D), 1730.23(A)(1) and(2), 1730.39(A) and (B)
18 are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 40:1578.6(E)(1)(introductory paragraph) and
19 1730.23(A)(3) are hereby enacted to supercede not-yet-effective provisions from Section 1
20 of Act 534 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature to read as follows:
Page 1 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 §1578.6. Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code; applicability to structures;
2 minimum standards; existing hazardous buildings; appeal
3 * * *
4 B. The fire marshal shall review every structure or movable for compliance
5 with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, as amended, and conduct
6 preliminary review within fourteen days of plan submittal, and the parish or
7 municipal building code enforcement officer shall be the authority having
8 jurisdiction to enforce compliance with the provisions other than the fire protection,
9 egress, and accessibility provisions of such regulations.
10 B. C. In addition to the provisions of Subsections A and B of this Section, the
11 facilities provided for in R.S. 40:1563(C)(4) Group E, Educational and Group I,
12 institutional occupancies, as defined by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction
13 Code, and state owned and leased buildings shall comply with the provisions of the
14 Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association as promulgated by the
15 fire marshal in conformity with the Administrative Procedure Act.
16 C. D. A parish or municipality which, prior to January 1, 1975, had adopted
17 and is enforcing a nationally recognized model building code or fire prevention code
18 or a code equal to a nationally recognized building code or fire prevention code may
19 continue to enforce such codes in place of the codes required in the paragraph above;
20 however, such codes shall contain requirements that are substantially equal to the fire
21 marshal's code with respect to high rise buildings, mandatory automatic sprinkler and
22 extinguishment systems, and fire detection systems.
23 D. E.(1) This Section shall not apply to existing buildings, except as provided
24 for by R.S. 40:1641 et seq., which were lawfully constructed and maintained unless
25 the fire marshal deems that a serious life hazard exists due to a particular condition,
26 at which time the fire marshal can require the institution of proper fire protection
27 measures to alleviate the particular hazards noted according to either of the
28 following:
29 * * *
Page 2 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 §1730.23. Enforcement of building codes by municipalities, parishes, and the fire
2 marshal
3 A.(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary relating to the authority
4 of local governments to enforce construction codes, all municipalities and parishes
5 in this state, and the state fire marshal shall enforce only the construction codes
6 provided for in this Part. All municipalities and parishes shall use building code
7 enforcement officers or certified third-party providers contracted by the
8 municipality, parish, or regional planning commission to act in the capacity of a
9 building code enforcement officer to enforce the provisions of this Part.
10 Enforcement procedures by building code enforcement officers or third-party
11 providers acting in the capacity of a building code enforcement officer shall include
12 examination or review of plans, drawings, or specifications for one- and two-family
13 dwellings; the conducting of inspections; and the issuance, denial, or revocation of
14 permits. Enforcement procedures by the state fire marshal shall include the
15 examination or review of plans, drawings, or specifications for structures excluding
16 one- and two-family dwellings as defined by the International Residential Code. A
17 building code enforcement officer, third-party provider, or third-party provider
18 contracted by a jurisdiction as provided for in R.S. 40:1730.24(A) shall not conduct
19 plan review or inspections on a commercial or residential structure if such officer or
20 provider owns any interest in the legal entity that constructed such commercial or
21 residential structure or receives any compensation from the legal entity other than
22 the fees that are charged for plan review or inspections. Nothing in this Paragraph
23 shall be construed to prevent a commercial or residential contractor or homeowner
24 from using a third-party provider as provided for in R.S. 40:1730.24(B). Nothing in
25 this Paragraph shall be construed to prevent a commercial contractor or commercial
26 owner from using the office of state fire marshal as a third-party provider as
27 provided for in R.S. 40:1730.24(B) on commercial structures in any parish within the
28 state with a population of less than forty thousand and whose boundaries lie
29 completely north of the one hundred ten mile per hour wind line, as shown in the
Page 3 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-7) basic wind speeds map published in
2 the latest edition of the International Building Code.
3 (2) No permit shall be issued for construction other than one- and two-family
4 dwellings until plans have been reviewed and found to comply with the applicable
5 provisions of this Part by the state fire marshal.
6 (3) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prevent the fire marshal from
7 enforcing the fire protection, egress, and accessibility provisions of the Louisiana
8 State Uniform Construction Code, excluding the provisions for one- and two-family
9 dwellings, as adopted by the council in accordance with R.S. 40:1730.28.
10 * * *
11 §1730.39. Powers of state fire marshal
12 A.(1) The state fire marshal may enter into agreements by letter of intent with
13 municipalities and parishes in order to provide code enforcement on behalf of the
14 municipality or parish as provided in R.S. 40:1730.24.
15 (2)(a) The agreement may include a provision that permits the The state fire
16 marshal to may take into consideration practical and unreasonable economic
17 hardships before applying the strict requirements of this Part. Pursuant to the
18 contractual agreement with a municipality or parish executed in accordance with the
19 provisions of this Subsection and upon Upon appeal equivalency proposal of by the
20 professional of record or the building owner for a plan review of a structure, except
21 one- or two-family dwellings, the state fire marshal may allow alternative materials,
22 design, and methods of construction and equipment. that comply with the provisions
23 of the International Building Code, Chapter 1-Scope and Administration, relative to
24 alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and equipment.
25 (b)(1) The state fire marshal may adopt, in accordance with the
26 Administrative Procedure Act, the provisions set forth in the International Building
27 Code, Chapter 1-Scope and Administration administrative sections of the referenced
28 codes and standards, relative to alternative materials, design, and methods of
29 construction and equipment.
Page 4 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 B. Nothing in this Part shall be construed so as to prevent the state fire
2 marshal from enforcing the fire protection, life safety, accessibility, and high rise
3 laws of this state, the enforcement of which are his statutory and regulatory
4 responsibility. The fire marshal shall conduct plan review of all structures excluding
5 one- and two-family dwellings for compliance with the provisions of this Part prior
6 to permit issuance and construction commencing.
7 * * *
8 Section 2. R.S. 40:1573.1(A), 1574(B), 1574.1(A), (B)(1) through (3), (4)(a) and (b),
9 and (C)(1) and (2), 1730.23(H), 1730.24(B), 1730.31, 1730.32, 1730.33(A) and
10 (B)(introductory paragraph), and 1730.34(B) are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S.
11 40:1730.33(C) are hereby enacted to read as follows:
12 §1573.1. Historic buildings renovation initiative
13 A. In order to encourage historic preservation and the preservation of
14 Louisiana's architectural heritage, when applying the requirements of the adopted
15 fire, life safety, or accessibility regulations Louisiana State Uniform Construction
16 Code and when implementing the applicable provisions of R.S. 40:1574, the state
17 fire marshal shall have the authority to take into consideration the impact of these
18 requirements on the historic integrity of existing facilities.
19 * * *
20 §1574. Construction or repair of structures
21 * * *
22 B. No repair, remodeling, or addition shall be made to any structure,
23 watercraft, or movable affecting the exits, stairs, seating arrangement, fire protection,
24 or other details of construction covered by this Part the Louisiana State Uniform
25 Construction Code until plans and specifications therefor have been submitted to and
26 reviewed by the fire marshal and appear to him to satisfactorily comply with the
27 laws, rules, regulations, and codes of the state.
28 * * *
29 §1574.1. Costs of handling plans
Page 5 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 A. In addition to a postage and handling fee of five dollars, the owner of the
2 project who submits the plans and specifications shall pay to the office of state fire
3 marshal, code enforcement and building safety a plan review or document fee based
4 on the following schedule:
5 (1) Assembly occupancy
6 Area in square feet Fee
7 0 - 2500 $30.00
8 2501 - 4500 60.00
9 4501 - 10,000 180.00
10 10,001 - 50,000 280.00
11 50,001 - 100,000 380.00
12 100,001+ 530.00
13 (2) Educational
14 Area in square feet Fee
15 0 - 5,000 $30.00
16 5001 - 10,000 60.00
17 10,001 - 30,000 100.00
18 30,001 - 80,000 200.00
19 80,001 - 150,000 300.00
20 150,001+ 400.00
21 (3) Health care/detention
22 (a) Area in square feet Fee
23 0 - 10,000 $ 180.00
24 10,001 - 20,000 280.00
25 20,001 - 50,000 380.00
26 50,001 - 100,000 480.00
27 100,001+ 680.00
28 (b) High rise (all new) 830.00
Page 6 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 (4) Hotels, dormitories, apartments, lodgings, rooming houses, residential
2 board & care facilities
3 (a) Area in square feet Fee
4 0 - 2500 $ 30.00
5 2501 - 10,000 60.00
6 10,001 - 30,000 180.00
7 30,001 - 80,000 280.00
8 80,001 - 150,000 380.00
9 150,001+ 480.00
10 (b) High rise (all new) 680.00
11 (5) Mercantile/business
12 (a) Area in square feet Fee
13 0 - 3000 $ 30.00
14 3001 - 10,000 60.00
15 10,001 - 30,000 90.00
16 30,001 - 50,000 150.00
17 50,001 - 150,000 200.00
18 150,001+ 300.00
19 (b) High rise (all new) 500.00
20 (6) Industrial, storage, special structures
21 Area in square feet Fee
22 0 - 10,000 $ 30.00
23 10,001 - 20,000 60.00
24 20,001 - 50,000 90.00
25 50,001 - 100,000 120.00
26 100,001+ 200.00
27 (7) Storage tank (tank installation only)
28 Single tank $ 50.00
29 Plus $30.00 for each additional tank
Page 7 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 (8) Sprinkler systems
2 (a) Number of sprinkler heads per floor
3 (Tenant spaces submitted separately are
4 considered a floor for fee purposes)
5 1 - 50 $ 30.00
6 51 - 300 60.00
7 301 - 450 120.00
8 451+ 150.00
9 (b) Hydraulic calculations 40.00
10 (c) 20 head or less shop drawing
11 exemption request 10.00
12 (9) Fire suppression systems, other than
13 sprinkler systems
14 (a) Number of devices
15 0 - 10 $ 30.00
16 11 - 25 60.00
17 26 - 50 120.00
18 51 - 75 180.00
19 76 - 100 200.00
20 101+ 300.00
21 (b) Calculations 40.00
22 (10) Fire detection and alarm systems
23 Number of devices Fee
24 (Tenant spaces submitted separately are
25 considered a floor for fee purposes)
26 0 - 25 $ 50.00
27 26 - 50 80.00
28 51 - 75 110.00
29 76 - 100 140.00
Page 8 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 101+ 140.00
2 Plus $30.00 for each additional 25 devices above 101
3 (11) Exemptions/Go-to-Work Requests
4 (industrial plant temporary trailers/modulars,
5 nonrequired/nonconforming fire protection
6 system requests, architectural modifications)
7 Per request $ 20.00
8 (12)(a) Facsimile transmissions and record requests Fee
9 Paper copies per page $ 2.00
10 Fax per page 4.00
11 Electronic copies (per floppy diskette) 25.00
12 Database report (plus $100.00 per every
13 1000 records) 500.00
14 (b) However, postage and handling fees
15 shall not apply to exemption requests and
16 facsimile transmissions.
17 (13) Appeal requests Fee
18 (a) Accessibility $ 25.00
19 (b) Life safety/fire code appeals:
20 (i) Smoke control reviews ($50.00 for
21 resubmission) 100.00
22 (ii) Timed egress ($50.00 for resubmission) 100.00
23 (iii) Other appeals ($50.00 for resubmission) 100.00
24 (14) The fee for performance-based reviews shall be
25 twice the amount of the review fees imposed by
26 this Subsection, plus an additional fee of $100.00
27 ($50.00 for resubmission) for smoke control reviews
28 and timed egress.
Page 9 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 The state fire marshal may establish by rule, in accordance with the
2 Administrative Procedure Act, reasonable plan review fees in order to implement
3 the provisions of this Part, not to exceed the following:
4 (1) For buildings of two thousand square feet or less, five hundred dollars.
5 (2) For buildings over two thousand square feet, thirty cents per square foot.
6 (3) For code equivalency review, two hundred dollars per review.
7 (4) For sprinkler systems, not to exceed four hundred dollars for up to four
8 hundred fifty heads, and not exceeding thirty cents for each additional head over
9 four hundred fifty heads.
10 (5) For fire suppression, not to exceed three hundred dollars for up to one
11 hundred heads, and not exceeding thirty cents for each additional head over one
12 hundred heads.
13 (6) For fire detection and alarm systems, not to exceed one hundred fifty
14 dollars for up to one hundred devices, and not exceeding thirty dollars for each
15 additional group of twenty-five devices over one hundred devices.
16 (7) For fuel storage tanks, not to exceed seventy-five dollars for a single
17 tank, and not exceeding forty dollars for each additional tank.
18 (8) For conveyance devices, not to exceed two hundred dollars for a single
19 conveyance device, and not exceeding one hundred fifty dollars for each
20 additional conveyance device.
21 B.(1) In order to comply with the requirements of R.S. 40:1574, only one
22 set of plans complete set of construction documents shall be submitted
23 electronically to the state fire marshal for review.
24 (2) When the plans are reviewed by the office of state fire marshal, code
25 enforcement and building safety, the original set of plans properly stamped
26 "Reviewed" by the state fire marshal shall be retained by the contractor for the
27 construction, renovation, or remodeling for the project in question as long as the
28 structure, watercraft, or movable is in the process of construction, renovation, or
29 remodeling.
Page 10 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 (3) Upon final completion of the project the contractor shall turn the plans
2 over to the owner.
3 (4)(2)(a) The state fire marshal shall furnish to the parties submitting the
4 plans which appear to him to satisfactorily comply with the laws, rules,
5 regulations, and codes of the state and the regulations of the state fire marshal
6 the original set of plans, blueprints, or both stamped an electronic copy of the
7 construction documents marked as reviewed along with a letter which shall state
8 that the plans appear to him to satisfactorily comply with the laws, rules,
9 regulations, and codes of the state and the regulations of the fire marshal.
10 (b) This letter from the fire marshal stating that the plans and specifications
11 for the construction, renovation, or remodeling for the project in question appear
12 to satisfactorily comply with the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of the state,
13 in no way permits and authorizes any omission or deviation from those laws,
14 rules, regulations, and codes so that in no way does this review procedure permit,
15 authorize, or otherwise increase or incur any liability by the state for failure to
16 recognize and point out any such omission or deviation in those requirements.
17 C.(1) In the event that plans do not appear to the fire marshal to
18 satisfactorily comply with the laws, regulations, and codes of Louisiana and the
19 regulations of the state fire marshal, the state fire marshal shall furnish a letter
20 to the party submitting the plans which shall list the particular requirements of
21 the state fire marshal which must be met before the plans can be stamped
22 "Reviewed" released for permitting and before construction or renovation or
23 remodeling can begin. However, where plans for projects are submitted in
24 violation of R.S. 37:155(A)(4), no list of requirements shall be provided.
25 (2) Review of the plans submitted constitutes compliance with this Section
26 if construction begins a building permit is issued within one hundred eighty days
27 of the review.
28 * * *
Page 11 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 §1730.23. Enforcement of building codes by municipalities, parishes, and the fire
2 marshal
3 * * *
4 H. A parish or municipality may shall accept determinations made by the state
5 fire marshal as they pertain to life safety and fire protection as required in this Part.
6 * * *
7 §1730.24. Agreements with other governmental entities for provision of services;
8 private agreements
9 * * *
10 B. Commercial and residential contractors and homeowners who are excepted
11 from the contractor licensing law under R.S. 37:2170 may establish agreements with
12 certified third-party providers to conduct plans review and inspections and enforce the
13 state uniform construction code. On and after January 1, 2007, a third-party provider
14 shall meet the requirements imposed by the council for certificates of registration;
15 however, beginning January 1, 2008, upon application and fulfillment of all other
16 requirements necessary to obtain a certificate of registration, a third-party provider
17 who is a Louisiana licensed architect or engineer shall be granted a certificate of
18 registration without certification by a recognized code organization. Once the council
19 meets for the first time, certified third-party providers shall notify the council of their
20 intention to do business within the state, and the council shall maintain a listing of all
21 certified third-party providers.
22 * * *
23 §1730.31. Mandamus and injunctive relief for violation of code or regulation;
24 penalties
25 For a violation of the building codes or regulations adopted pursuant to this Part,
26 the local building official may enjoin further construction of the project as provided
27 by local ordinance. The municipal, district, or parish attorney, attorney general, state
28 fire marshal, or other appropriate authorities of a political subdivision, in addition to
Page 12 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 other remedies, may apply for injunctive relief, mandamus, or other appropriate
2 proceeding in the district court of the parish where the violation occurred.
3 §1730.32. Imposition of fees
4 Nothing in this Part shall prohibit the governing authority of a parish or
5 municipality, or the state fire marshal from imposing fees necessary to implement and
6 continue the provisions required by this Part as provided by law.
7 §1730.33. Codes applicable to building inspections
8 A. The requirements of the codes in effect at the time of plan submittal to the
9 office of state fire marshal plan review section shall apply to the inspections of
10 buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. The editions established by plan
11 review are valid if a permit for construction is issued within one hundred eighty
12 calendar days of the plan review letter.
13 B. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, an inspector shall conduct a
14 one- and two-family building inspection using the requirements of the codes in effect
15 for the locality on the date of the issuance of the original building permit when
16 performing inspections on residential structures for the purposes of allowing
17 occupancy and reconnecting utilities. When conducting inspections to allow
18 occupancy or reconnecting utilities to an existing residential structure, the intent of the
19 inspection is to ascertain the general safety of the structure and its appropriateness for
20 occupancy.
21 * * *
22 B. C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to authorize an inspector to have
23 or use discretion in determining what codes shall apply to an inspection pursuant to
24 this Part.
25
26 §1730.34. Responsibility of Louisiana State Construction Code Council for
27 registration of building codes enforcement officers; record of hearings and
28 proceedings; register of applications for certificates of registration
29 * * *
Page 13 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1 B. The council or its designated representatives may conduct hearings and
2 proceedings required by law or considered necessary by the council. The council and
3 its members shall be subject to the Open Meetings Law, the Public Records Law, and
4 the Code of Governmental Ethics, provided however, that when any member of the
5 council has a real or perceived conflict of interest upon an issue before the council, he
6 shall recuse himself from participation in that issue by providing a verbal explanation
7 of the real or perceived conflict to the council. The Department of Public Safety and
8 Corrections shall employ and supervise personnel necessary for the administration of
9 this Part. The council may promulgate regulations under the provisions of the
10 Administrative Procedure Act for the proper enforcement of this Part.
11 * * *
12 Section 3. R.S. 40:1574.1(B)(4)(c), (5), and (6) are hereby repealed in their entirety.
13 Section 4. The provisions of Section 1 of this Act supercede the provisions of Section
14 1 of Act No. 534 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature that amend and reenact R.S.
15 40:1578.6(B), (C), and (D)(1)(introductory paragraph), and 1730.23(A)(1) to the extent that
16 Section 1 of this Act conflicts with Section 1 of Act No. 534 of the 2024 Regular Session
17 of the Legislature.
18 Section 5. The provisions of Section 1 of this Act shall become effective when Section
19 1 of Act No. 534 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature becomes effective.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 928 Original 2026 Regular Session Fontenot
Abstract: Provides for applicability of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code and
compliance review by the fire marshal.
Proposed law, if enacted, supercedes certain provisions of Act No. 534 of the 2024 Regular
Session of the Legislature to the extent that those provisions conflict with proposed law.
Present law provides structures and movables shall comply with the Life Safety Code of the
National Fire Protection Association.
Proposed law provides the fire marshal shall review every structure or movable for
compliance with the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code and conduct preliminary review
Page 14 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
within 14 days of plan submittal, and the parish or municipal building code enforcement
officer shall be the authority having jurisdiction to enforce compliance with the provisions
other than the fire protection, egress, and accessibility provisions of such regulations.
Proposed law provides that Group E, Educational and Group I, institutional occupancies, as
defined by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, and state owned and leased
buildings shall comply with the provisions of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire
Protection Association as promulgated by the fire marshal in conformity with the
Administrative Procedure Act.
Present law provides that all municipalities and parishes shall enforce the construction codes
provided in present law.
Proposed law adds the state fire marshal to the authorities that shall enforce the construction
codes provided in proposed law.
Present law provides for the enforcement procedures by code enforcement officers.
Proposed law provides that these officers shall conduct examination and inspection of one-
and two-family dwellings.
Proposed law provides that the state fire marshal shall conduct review and enforcement of
plans, drawings, and specifications for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings.
Present law provides that a building code enforcement officer, third-party provider, or
third-party provider contracted by a jurisdiction as provided for in present law shall not
conduct plan review or inspections on a commercial or residential structure if such officer
or provider owns any interest in the legal entity that constructed such commercial or
residential structure or receives any compensation from the legal entity other than the fees
that are charged for plan review or inspections.
Proposed law removes this restriction with respect to plan review only.
Present law provides that nothing in this present law shall be construed to prevent a
commercial contractor or commercial owner from using the office of state fire marshal as
a third-party provider as provided for in present law on commercial structures in any parish
within the state with a population of less than forty thousand and whose boundaries lie
completely north of the one hundred ten mile per hour wind line, as shown in the American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-7) basic wind speeds map published in the latest edition
of the International Building Code.
Proposed law repeals this provision.
Proposed law provides that no permit shall be issued for construction other than one- and
two-family dwellings until plans have been reviewed and found to comply with the
applicable provisions of proposed law by the state fire marshal.
Present law not yet effective provides that the state fire marshal may enter into agreements
by letter of intent with municipalities and parishes in order to provide code enforcement on
behalf of the municipality or parish as provided in present law not yet effective.
Proposed law repeals this provision.
Present law provides that pursuant to the contractual agreement with a municipality or parish
executed in accordance with the provisions of present law and upon appeal of the
professional of record for a plan review of a structure, except one- or two-family dwellings,
the state fire marshal may allow alternative materials, design, and methods of construction
and equipment that comply with the provisions of the International Building Code, Chapter
Page 15 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1-Scope and Administration, relative to alternative materials, design, and methods of
construction and equipment.
Proposed law provides that upon equivalency proposal by the professional of record or the
building owner for a plan review of a structure, except one- or two-family dwellings, the
state fire marshal may allow alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and
equipment.
Present law provides that nothing in present law shall be construed so as to prevent the state
fire marshal from enforcing the fire protection, life safety, accessibility, and high rise laws
of this state.
Proposed law provides that the fire marshal shall conduct plan review of all structures
excluding one- and two-family dwellings for compliance with the provisions of proposed
law prior to permit issuance and construction commencing.
Present law provides the fire marshal shall take into account the integrity of historic
buildings when applying requirements of adopted fire and life safety regulations.
Proposed law provides the fire marshal shall apply requirements of the Louisiana Uniform
Construction Code but otherwise maintains the provisions of present law.
Present law requires fire marshal review of any plans for repair, remodeling, or addition to
certain portions of any structure, watercraft, or movable.
Proposed law amends this to require fire marshal review of any repair, remodeling, or
addition to any portion, and that it shall be reviewed against the Louisiana Uniform
Construction Code.
Present law provides for the following schedule for the cost of plan review:
(1) Assembly occupancy
Area in square feet Fee
0 - 2500 $30.00
2501 - 4500 60.00
4501 - 10,000 180.00
10,001 - 50,000 280.00
50,001 - 100,000 380.00
100,001+ 530.00
(2) Educational
Area in square feet Fee
0 - 5,000 $30.00
5001 - 10,000 60.00
10,001 - 30,000 100.00
30,001 - 80,000 200.00
80,001 - 150,000 300.00
150,001+ 400.00
(3) Health care/detention
(a) Area in square feet Fee
0 - 10,000 $ 180.00
10,001 - 20,000 280.00
20,001 - 50,000 380.00
50,001 - 100,000 480.00
100,001+ 680.00
(b) High rise (all new) 830.00
(4) Hotels, dormitories, apartments, lodgings, rooming houses, residential board & care
facilities
(a) Area in square feet Fee
Page 16 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
0 - 2500 $ 30.00
2501 - 10,000 60.00
10,001 - 30,000 180.00
30,001 - 80,000 280.00
80,001 - 150,000 380.00
150,001+ 480.00
(b) High rise (all new) 680.00
(5) Mercantile/business
(a) Area in square feet Fee
0 - 3000 $ 30.00
3001 - 10,000 60.00
10,001 - 30,000 90.00
30,001 - 50,000 150.00
50,001 - 150,000 200.00
150,001+ 300.00
(b) High rise (all new) 500.00
(6) Industrial, storage, special structures
Area in square feet Fee
0 - 10,000 $ 30.00
10,001 - 20,000 60.00
20,001 - 50,000 90.00
50,001 - 100,000 120.00
100,001+ 200.00
(7) Storage tank (tank installation only)
Single tank $ 50.00
Plus $30.00 for each additional tank
(8) Sprinkler systems
(a) Number of sprinkler heads per floor
(Tenant spaces submitted separately are
considered a floor for fee purposes)
1 - 50 $ 30.00
51 - 300 60.00
301 - 450 120.00
451+ 150.00
(b) Hydraulic calculations 40.00
(c) 20 head or less shop drawing
exemption request 10.00
(9) Fire suppression systems, other than
sprinkler systems
(a) Number of devices
0 - 10 $ 30.00
11 - 25 60.00
26 - 50 120.00
51 - 75 180.00
76 - 100 200.00
101+ 300.00
(b) Calculations 40.00
(10) Fire detection and alarm systems
Number of devices Fee
(Tenant spaces submitted separately are considered a floor for fee purposes)
0 - 25 $ 50.00
26 - 50 80.00
51 - 75 110.00
76 - 100 140.00
101+ 140.00
Plus $30.00 for each additional 25 devices above 101
(11) Exemptions/Go-to-Work Requests
(industrial plant temporary trailers/modulars,
Page 17 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
nonrequired/nonconforming fire protection
system requests, architectural modifications)
Per request $ 20.00
(12)(a) Facsimile transmissions and record requests Fee
Paper copies per page $ 2.00
Fax per page 4.00
Electronic copies (per floppy diskette) 25.00
Database report (plus $100.00 per every
1000 records) 500.00
(b) However, postage and handling fees
shall not apply to exemption requests and
facsimile transmissions.
(13) Appeal requests Fee
(a) Accessibility $ 25.00
(b) Life safety/fire code appeals:
(i) Smoke control reviews ($50.00 for
resubmission) 100.00
(ii) Timed egress ($50.00 for resubmission) 100.00
(iii) Other appeals ($50.00 for resubmission) 100.00
(14) The fee for performance-based reviews shall be twice the amount of the review fees
imposed by this Subsection, plus an additional fee of $100.00 ($50.00 for
resubmission) for smoke control reviews and timed egress.
Proposed law provides the state fire marshal may establish by rule, in accordance with the
Administrative Procedure Act, reasonable plan review fees in order to implement the
provisions of this Part, not to exceed the following:
(1) For buildings of two thousand square feet or less, five hundred dollars.
(2) For buildings over two thousand square feet, thirty cents per square foot.
(3) For code equivalency review, two hundred dollars per review.
(4) For sprinkler systems, not to exceed four hundred dollars for up to four hundred fifty
heads, and not exceeding thirty cents for each additional head over four hundred fifty
heads.
(5) For fire suppression, not to exceed three hundred dollars for up to one hundred heads,
and not exceeding thirty cents for each additional head over one hundred heads.
(6) For fire detection and alarm systems, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars for up to
one hundred devices, and not exceeding thirty dollars for each additional group of
twenty-five devices over one hundred devices.
(7) For fuel storage tanks, not to exceed seventy-five dollars for a single tank, and not
exceeding forty dollars for each additional tank.
(8) For conveyance devices, not to exceed two hundred dollars for a single conveyance
device, and not exceeding one hundred fifty dollars for each additional conveyance
device.
Present law provides that when the plans are reviewed by the office of state fire marshal,
code enforcement and building safety, the original set of plans properly stamped "Reviewed"
by the state fire marshal shall be retained by the contractor for the construction, renovation,
or remodeling for the project in question as long as the structure, watercraft, or movable is
in the process of construction, renovation, or remodeling and that upon final completion the
contractor shall turn them over to the owner.
Page 18 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
Proposed law repeals these provisions of present law.
Present law provides for submission and exchange of hard copies of plans.
Proposed law amends these provisions to allow delivery and review of plans electronically.
Present law provides that the letter and reviewed plans of the fire marshal shall be kept at
the site of the project for inspection by the fire marshal or his deputies for as long as the
structure, watercraft, or movable is in the process of construction, renovation, or remodeling.
Proposed law repeals these provisions of present law.
Present law provides that the office of state fire marshal, code enforcement and building
safety shall no longer retain any copy of the reviewed plans or blueprints and is hereby
authorized to destroy all such plans and blueprints currently in the archives of the state fire
marshal after one year has passed from the effective date of present law.
Proposed law repeals these provisions of present law.
Present law provides that the owners of all structures, watercraft, and movables shall retain
blueprints including the original building plans and specifications which have been stamped
"Reviewed" by the state fire marshal in a safe place for as long as the structure, watercraft,
or movable is occupied, used, or both.
Proposed law repeals these provisions of present law.
Present law provides that a parish or municipality may accept determinations made by the
state fire marshal as they pertain to life safety and fire protection.
Proposed law that a parish or municipality shall accept determinations by the fire marshal
in these areas.
Present law provides that commercial and residential contractors and homeowners who are
excepted from the contractor licensing law under present law may establish agreements with
certified third-party providers to conduct plans review and inspections and enforce the state
uniform construction code.
Proposed law forbids such agreements with regard to plans review.
Present law allows various state and local authorities to seek injunctive relief or impose fees
for violations of present law.
Proposed law adds the state fire marshal to these authorities.
Proposed law provides that the requirements of the codes in effect at the time of plan
submittal to the office of state fire marshal plan review section shall apply to the inspections
of buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. The editions established by plan
review are valid if a permit for construction is issued within 180 calendar days of the plan
review letter.
Present law provides that the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections shall employ and
supervise personnel necessary for the administration of the law regarding the state uniform
construction code.
Proposed law removes this provision of present law.
(Amends Section 1 of Act No. 534 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature, R.S.
40:1573.1(A), 1574(B), 1574.1(A), (B)(1) through (3), (4)(a) and (b), and (C)(1) and (2),
Page 19 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-551 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 928
1730.23(H), 1730.24(B), 1730.31, 1730.32, 1730.33(A) and (B)(intro. para.), and
1730.34(B); Adds R.S. 40:1730.33(C); Repeals R.S. 40:1574.1(B)(4)(c), (5), and (6))
Page 20 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.