Before you build
What the City of Westlake's rules say about building a residential fence, with a link to the official source for every answer.
Last checked: September 2026. Rules change — confirm with the office before you build.
1001 Bob Hardey Drive, P.O. Box 700, Westlake, LA 70669
Westlake's zoning ordinance defines a structure to include fences, and says no building or structure may be erected, altered, repaired or relocated until the building inspector issues a permit. Ask the permit clerk to confirm for your project.
Source: Westlake Code of Ordinances § 12-2002 (definition of structure) and § 12-2008 (building permits) (Municode, updated through June 22, 2017) · checked September 2026
Contact the city's permit clerk at 1001 Bob Hardey Drive, Westlake (337-433-0691).
Source: City of Westlake, Permits & Licensing · checked September 2026
The supplementary regulations printed in section 12-2006 of the zoning ordinance say fences may be put up along the boundaries of a lot or yard area, subject to the building code, and that one segment of a fence may be put up in a required side yard. A fence built near a street, public way or alley must not encroach on it; the owner of an encroaching fence can be required to remove it and pay for the survey.
Source: Westlake Code of Ordinances § 12-2006 and § 5-1006 (Municode, updated through June 22, 2017) · checked September 2026
This isn't published online. Ask the Westlake permit clerk at 337-433-0691.
Source: City of Westlake, Permits & Licensing · checked September 2026
Yes. The supplementary yard regulations printed in section 12-2006 of the zoning ordinance say that on a corner lot in any district, nothing more than 3 feet tall (fence, wall, hedge, structure or planting) may be placed within the triangle formed by the two street lines and a line joining points 30 feet from their intersection.
Source: Westlake Code of Ordinances § 12-2006 (supplementary regulations, yards) (Municode, updated through June 22, 2017) · checked September 2026
Pool barrier rules aren't printed in Westlake's code of ordinances; the building code it adopts may set them. Ask the Westlake permit clerk at 337-433-0691.
Source: Westlake Code of Ordinances § 12-5031, Uniform Construction Code adopted (Municode, updated through June 22, 2017) · checked September 2026
This isn't published online. Ask the Westlake permit clerk at 337-433-0691.
Source: City of Westlake, Permits & Licensing · checked September 2026
Yes. Louisiana law says that before any excavation, the person digging must notify the regional notification center (Louisiana 811) at least 48 hours, but not more than 120 hours, before starting, not counting weekends and holidays. After notifying, you must wait at least 48 hours, counted from 7:00 a.m. on the next working day, before digging, unless Louisiana 811 tells you no utility operators need to be notified.
Source: La. R.S. 40:1749.13, Excavation and demolition; prohibitions · checked September 2026
Yes. The law defines excavation as moving or removing earth by powered, mechanical or manual means, and names digging and augering as examples. Manual probing is not counted as excavation.
Source: La. R.S. 40:1749.12, Definitions · checked September 2026
Call 811 or 1-800-272-3020, or submit a locate request online through Louisiana 811's website. Louisiana 811 says its service is free to anyone who disturbs the soil, whether with heavy equipment or hand tools.
Source: Louisiana 811 (official site) · checked September 2026
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, its rules can be stricter than these. This page is a plain-language summary of public rules, not legal advice.
Work out the materials with our Fence materials calculator · Other areas: Lake Charles fence permits, Sulphur fence permits, Calcasieu Parish fence permits
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