Louisiana § RS 40:1730.39 - Powers of state fire marshal

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1730.39 — Powers of state fire marshal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 40:1730.39. Powers of state fire marshal

NOTE: Paragraph (A)(1) eff. until July 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, No. 534, eff. July 1, 2026.

            A.(1) The state fire marshal may establish contract agreements with municipalities and parishes in order to provide code enforcement on behalf of the municipality or parish as provided in R.S. 40:1730.24 of this Part.

NOTE: Paragraph (A)(1) eff. July 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, No. 534, eff. July 1, 2026.

            A.(1) The state fire marshal may enter into agreements by letter of intent with municipalities and parishes in order to provide code enforcement on behalf of the municipality or parish as provided in R.S. 40:1730.24.

            (2)(a) The agreement may include a provision that permits the state fire marshal to take into consideration practical and unreasonable economic hardships before applying the strict requirements of this Part. Pursuant to the contractual agreement with a municipality or parish executed in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection and upon appeal of the professional of record for a plan review of a structure, except one- or two-family dwellings, the state fire marshal may allow alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and equipment that comply with the provisions of the International Building Code, Chapter 1-Scope and Administration, relative to alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and equipment.

            (b) The state fire marshal may adopt, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the provisions set forth in the International Building Code, Chapter 1-Scope and Administration, relative to alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and equipment.

            B. Nothing in this Part shall be construed so as to prevent the state fire marshal from enforcing the fire protection, life safety, accessibility, and high rise laws of this state, the enforcement of which are his statutory and regulatory responsibility.

NOTE: Subsection C eff. until July 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, No. 534, eff. July 1, 2026.

            C. Nothing in this Part shall be construed so as to prevent the state fire marshal from enforcing the Commercial Building Energy Conservation Code as provided in R.S. 40:1730.41 et seq.

NOTE: Subsection C eff. July 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, No. 534, eff. July 1, 2026.

            C. The fire marshal shall enforce the fire protection, egress, and accessibility provisions of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, excluding the provisions for one- and two-family dwellings, with referenced standards as adopted by the council in accordance with R.S. 40:1730.28.

            Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 12, §2, eff. Nov. 29, 2005; Acts 2014, No. 811, §22, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2018, No. 364, §1; Acts 2024, No. 534, §1, eff. July 1, 2026.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 40:1730.39

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1730.39 cover?

Section RS 40:1730.39 ("Powers of state fire marshal") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 40:1730.39?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1730.39" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 40:1730.39 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.