Building codes supplement Louisiana law, local building codes can be stricter, agencies keep inspection/enforcement power, and the state transportation department is exempt for certain traffic-sign work.
§4773. Scope of building codes A. The provisions of any building code shall supplement any and all laws of the state of Louisiana relating to buildings, structures, and improvements to immovable property. If the provisions of a building code adopted by a political subdivision are more stringent than such state laws or require additional standards of competency and proficiency for licenses or inspection personnel, the more restrictive standards shall govern within the area under the jurisdiction of the political subdivision. B. The provisions of any building code may be divided and classified into a number of segments as determined by the political subdivision, including but not limited to building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire prevention codes, or by such other titles as are deemed proper by the political subdivision. C. Nothing contained in this Subpart or in any building code shall be construed as depriving, nullifying, or divesting appropriate federal, state, or local agencies of the authority or power to make inspections or enforce laws or regulations within their respective areas of jurisdiction or as waiving any additional requirements by such agencies. D. In connection with the construction of any building, structure, or other improvement to immovable property, neither the performance of any enforcement procedure nor any provision of a building code shall constitute or be construed as a warranty or guarantee by an enforcement agency as to durability or fitness, or as a warranty or guarantee by an enforcement agency that said building, structure, or other improvement to immovable property or any material, equipment, or method or type of construction used therein is or will be free from defects, will perform in a particular manner, is fit for a particular purpose, or will last in any particular way. E. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development shall be exempt from the provisions of building codes of political subdivisions in connection with the installation or repair of any traffic signs or signals located on state property. Acts 1987, No. 648, §1, eff. July 9, 1987; Acts 1992, No. 276, §1; Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 12, §1, eff. Nov. 29, 2005.