Louisiana enacts Act 881, replacing its construction code council with a new commission, effective 1 August 2026

Louisiana has restructured its building code adoption and inspector licensing framework at the state level. Act 881 (House Bill 1186), signed by the Governor on 9 June 2026, provides for the Uniform Construction Code and inspector licensing. The committee agenda identifies 1 August 2026 as the effective date for the revised framework. A separate permit-fee provision under R.S. 37:3730(C)(1) takes effect 1 January 2027. The act binds contractors, developers, building officials, and private inspectors operating throughout Louisiana.

What Act 881 replaces

Louisiana restructured its building code adoption and enforcement framework through two enactments: Act 120 of 2025 and Act 881 of 2026 (House Bill 1186). Together, these acts effect substantial changes to how building codes are adopted, how inspectors are licensed, and how enforcement operates at the local level.

Act 881 repeals prior law and creates the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission to adopt and amend the Uniform Construction Code and license inspectors. The new Commission is housed within the Governor's office rather than the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. The Commission comprises 18 members appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation, serving four-year terms (maximum two consecutive terms). Membership includes broad industry representation: the fire marshal (or designee), licensed inspectors, licensed tradespeople, engineers, architects, contractors, and representatives from industry associations and the manufactured housing industry.

Mandatory national codes

Act 881 mandates adoption of eight national codes:

• International Building Code (IBC) - excluding Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration) and Chapter 27 (Electrical)
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC) - excluding Part I (Administrative) and Part VII (Electrical)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• National Electrical Code (NEC)

The Commission shall review, evaluate, and amend the codes within the Uniform Construction Code no later than five years from the date of publication of the appropriate code. The statutory authority is Chapter 62 of Title 37, R.S. 37:3727 through 3750.

Inspector licensing: a dual-track system

Act 881 establishes a dual-track inspector licensing system. Public inspectors have licensing fees waived entirely. Private inspectors must maintain $500,000 in professional liability insurance and must register with jurisdictions by providing a commission registration number, proof of insurance, and a list of certified inspection types.

License classifications include General - encompassing "Certified Building Official," "Master Code Professional," "Louisiana Licensed Architect," and "Louisiana Licensed Engineer" - and Specialty designations for inspectors qualified only for specific trades or building components. It is unlawful for a person to engage in the business of inspecting or to act as an inspector without a required license.

Code vesting and permit fees

A licensed inspector shall conduct a building inspection using the requirements of the codes in effect for the locality on the date of the application for the original building permit. This vesting rule provides predictability for construction projects by ensuring that applicable code requirements do not change mid-project based on subsequent code updates.

The Commission may collect fees on permits of up to $10 per permit, with this provision (R.S. 37:3730(C)(1)) becoming effective 1 January 2027. The Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission adopted Resolution 2026-01 on 7 July 2026 to set the fee amount for the 2027 calendar year.

The Commission's regulations for inspector continuing education requirements, license classifications, and code amendment procedures remain to be promulgated under the Administrative Procedure Act. Contractors, developers, and building officials should monitor those rulemaking dockets and confirm that private inspectors they engage hold a valid commission license before 1 August 2026 requirements are enforced.