A.  Municipalities and parishes may establish agreements with other governmental entities of the state or certified third-party providers to issue permits and enforce the state uniform construction code in order to provide the services required by this Part.  In the event of the establishment of such an agreement, the maximum fees applicable to the issuance of permits and the enforcement of the code shall be established by the governing body of the municipality or parish.  The council may assist in arranging for municipalities, parishes, or certified third-party providers to provide the services required by this Part to other municipalities or parishes if a written request from the governing body of the municipality or parish is submitted to the council.

B.  Commercial and residential contractors and homeowners who are excepted from the contractor licensing law under La. Rev. Stat. 37:2170 may establish agreements with certified third-party providers to conduct plans review and inspections and enforce the state uniform construction code.  On and after January 1, 2007, a third-party provider shall meet the requirements imposed by the council for certificates of registration; however, beginning January 1, 2008, upon application and fulfillment of all other requirements necessary to obtain a certificate of registration, a third-party provider who is a Louisiana licensed architect or engineer shall be granted a certificate of registration without certification by a recognized code organization.  Once the council meets for the first time, certified third-party providers shall notify the council of their intention to do business within the state, and the council shall maintain a listing of all certified third-party providers.

C.  Municipalities and parishes that establish agreements with other governmental entities of the state or certified third-party providers to enforce the state uniform construction code shall not impose a fee for inspections not performed by the municipality or parish if a fee for the inspection was collected by the governmental entity or third-party provider that actually performed the inspection.

Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 12, §2, eff. Nov. 29, 2005; Acts 2006, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 11, §1, eff. Feb. 23, 2006; Acts 2007, No. 335, §1, eff. July 9, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 343, §1; Acts 2008, No. 830, §1; Acts 2011, No. 391, §1.