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Summary
Big Easy Siding helps homeowners in New Orleans, LA navigate the critical steps before installing new siding, from Orleans Parish building permits and historic district approvals to Louisiana contractor licensing, material selection, and scheduling around hurricane season.
Installing new siding in New Orleans involves more steps than most cities require. Between Orleans Parish building permits and the overlay restrictions that govern historic neighborhoods, homeowners need to plan ahead before any exterior work begins. At Big Easy Siding, we help homeowners throughout the city understand exactly what approvals are needed so projects move forward without delays or code violations.
New Orleans has more locally designated historic districts than almost any other city in the country. That means a significant number of siding projects fall under the jurisdiction of one of two preservation bodies, each with its own review process and design standards.
Yes. Orleans Parish requires a building permit for siding replacement on residential properties. The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits processes these applications, and the permit fee is calculated based on project type and valuation. If your home is located within a designated historic district, the permit application is automatically routed to the appropriate preservation commission for additional review before approval.
Homeowners can submit permit applications through the city’s One Stop App online portal, which streamlines the process and allows you to track your application status. Having your project details, material specifications, and any required blueprints ready before applying will help avoid back-and-forth delays.
The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) oversees exterior alterations in all locally designated historic districts outside the French Quarter. In “Full Control” districts, the HDLC has authority over everything visible from the street, meaning siding replacement requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before work can legally begin. In “Partial Control” districts, the review scope is narrower but still applies to significant exterior changes.
Minor work such as in-kind material replacement can sometimes receive administrative approval from HDLC staff without a full commission hearing. However, changing your siding material type or altering the appearance of your home’s exterior typically requires a formal hearing. This review process can add 30 to 90 days to your project timeline, so planning well in advance is essential.
The Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) separately governs exterior work within the French Quarter under the strictest preservation standards in the city. Any siding work on a French Quarter property requires VCC approval, and the commission enforces detailed design guidelines meant to preserve the area’s historic character. Permit fees for properties under VCC or HDLC jurisdiction include a 50 percent surcharge on standard rates.
Louisiana requires contractors performing siding work to hold proper licensure through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). The specific classification falls under Building Construction with a subclassification of Roofing and Sheet Metal, Siding. Commercial contractors handling projects valued at $50,000 or more and residential contractors working on projects worth $75,000 or more must hold a full license, while home improvement contractors doing residential work between $7,500 and $75,000 must register with the LSLBC.
Always verify that any contractor you consider holds current licensure and carries both general liability insurance (minimum $100,000) and workers’ compensation coverage. You can check a contractor’s license status directly through the LSLBC website. Choosing a properly licensed contractor protects you from liability and ensures the work meets Louisiana building standards. For more guidance, read our guide on how to choose the right siding contractor for your project.
New Orleans sits in a high-risk hurricane zone with strict building codes designed to protect structures from wind-driven rain, storm surge, and sustained high winds. A licensed contractor understands the local code requirements for fastener patterns, flashing details, and moisture barriers that are specific to coastal Louisiana construction. Unlicensed work can void insurance claims and create serious problems during future property inspections.
New Orleans homeowners should prioritize siding materials that handle extreme humidity, heavy rain, and high winds. Fiber cement siding is one of the top choices because it resists moisture, termites, and rot while tolerating the temperature swings common in Southeast Louisiana. Vinyl siding remains popular for its affordability and natural resistance to moisture damage, making it a practical option for many budgets.
Wood siding is often preferred or required in historic districts because it matches the original materials found on older New Orleans homes. While wood requires more maintenance in this climate, it remains the standard for properties under HDLC or VCC oversight. Modern wood treatments and priming systems have improved its durability, though homeowners should expect periodic repainting and inspections for moisture intrusion.
Consider reviewing our full guide to siding services to compare options side by side based on your home’s specific needs.
In most cases, yes. The HDLC and VCC strongly favor in-kind replacement, meaning if your home currently has wood clapboard siding, the commissions will likely require the replacement material to match in species, profile, and exposure width. Some districts may allow fiber cement as a substitute if it closely replicates the original appearance, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the COA review.
The ideal window for siding installation in New Orleans falls between late October and May, outside the official Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 through November 30. Scheduling your project during this period reduces the risk of weather delays from tropical storms and allows materials to be installed under more stable conditions. The cooler, drier months of late fall and early spring also produce better results for caulking and paint adhesion.
That said, siding work can still happen during hurricane season with proper planning. The key is monitoring weather forecasts closely and having a plan to secure exposed wall sections quickly if a storm approaches. For a deeper look at seasonal considerations, our guide on the best time for siding replacement covers what to consider month by month.
Wind resistance ratings are a major factor for siding in New Orleans. Fiber cement and properly installed vinyl siding can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph or higher, depending on the product and fastening method. Homeowners in Orleans Parish should look for siding products tested to meet or exceed local wind-load requirements, which are based on the region’s ASCE 7 wind speed maps designating New Orleans as a high-wind zone.
Yes. Many New Orleans subdivisions and planned communities have homeowners’ associations (HOAs) with covenants that dictate exterior materials, colors, and design standards. Before purchasing siding materials or signing a contract, review your HOA’s architectural guidelines and submit any required approval forms. Failing to get HOA approval can result in fines, forced removal of non-compliant siding, or legal action.
Even in neighborhoods without an HOA, the city’s zoning overlay districts can impose additional design requirements. Contact the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits to confirm whether your property falls within any special zoning overlay before beginning your project.
The most common mistakes include underestimating the permit timeline, skipping moisture barrier installation, choosing the cheapest materials without considering long-term durability, and failing to account for hidden damage behind old siding. In New Orleans, ignoring the HDLC or VCC review process is a particularly costly error that can result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory removal of non-approved materials.
Our resource on siding installation mistakes to avoid walks through the most frequent issues and how to prevent them.
Beyond the cost of materials and labor, New Orleans homeowners should budget for permit fees, potential HDLC or VCC surcharges, and any repairs to sheathing, insulation, or moisture barriers discovered during the removal of old siding. A thorough pre-installation inspection can identify problems early, helping you set a realistic budget that accounts for both expected and hidden costs.
Installing new siding in New Orleans requires more preparation than in most cities, but the results are worth the effort. Understanding your permit requirements, choosing materials suited to the local climate, and working with a properly licensed contractor will set your project up for success from the start.
Big Easy Siding is ready to guide you through every step. Call us at (504) 766-3494 or request a Free Estimate to discuss your siding project.
We serve New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, Hammond, Kenner, Metairie, Slidell, and throughout Louisiana.
Yes. Orleans Parish requires a building permit for siding replacement. If your home is in a historic district, the application will also go through the HDLC or VCC for review, which adds time and a surcharge to the standard permit fee.
The HDLC generally requires in-kind replacement, meaning the new material should match the original. Wood clapboard is the most commonly approved material. Fiber cement may be accepted as a substitute in certain situations, but approval is evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the Certificate of Appropriateness review.
The best window is between late October and May, outside the Atlantic hurricane season. Cooler and drier conditions during this period allow for better material performance and reduce the risk of weather-related project delays.
You can check a contractor’s license status through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) website. Confirm they hold the correct classification for siding work and carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Yes. Big Easy Siding assists homeowners throughout Orleans Parish with the permitting process, including applications that require HDLC or VCC review for properties in historic districts.
By Admin 
Apr 4, 2023