Lafayette, LA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Section 34-471, in Division 5 of the Stormwater Ordinance, requires anyone applying for a building permit or land disturbance permit from the Community Development and Planning Department (CDP) for a project disturbing one acre or more to certify that a site-specific SWPPP has been developed and that all state LPDES permit requirements for construction stormwater will be met. Listed best management practices include preserving existing vegetation, stabilizing disturbed soil as soon as practicable, diverting flow from exposed soils, preventing tracked-off sediment and dust, and keeping cement, lime, concrete, and mortar out of the MS4.

Land disturbance may not begin until sediment control devices are installed and stabilized, and the SWPPP must be revised within one calendar day of any inspection finding it deficient. Owners are jointly and severally liable for compliance even if they hired an operator, and the city-parish may deny, condition, or revoke a building or land disturbance permit if the site's BMPs do not control sediment to the maximum extent practicable. 00 per Section 34-494 and is valid for one year. Once construction ends, Section 34-511 requires owners and operators to use and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures, such as detention structures, vegetative swales, and infiltration systems, so that soil and pollutants are not discharged to the MS4, waters of the state, or an adjoining property.