Lafayette Parish, LA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger threshold
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Permit
- Land Disturbance permit, $30 fee
- Core requirement
- site-specific SWPPP required
- Enforcement
- Public Works, escalating daily fines
- Territorial scope
- City of Lafayette plus unincorporated parish
Summary
Construction sites disturbing one acre or more in Lafayette Parish, city and unincorporated areas alike, must file a site-specific SWPPP, get a CDP Land Disturbance permit, and maintain erosion and sediment BMPs until the site is stabilized.
Any person applying for a building permit or Land Disturbance permit from the CDP for a project involving the disturbance of one acre or more, or that is part of a development involving the disturbance of one acre of more, shall certify that (a) a site specific SWPPP has been developed for the site and any Land Disturbance activities at the site shall be in accordance with such SWPPP, and (b) all state LPDES permit requirements related to stormwater discharges associated with construction activities will be met.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Lafayette City-Parish's stormwater ordinance (Ch. 34, Art. V) requires anyone disturbing one acre or more, via a building permit or a separate $30 Land Disturbance permit, to certify a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and follow state LPDES construction stormwater rules. Land disturbance can't begin until sediment control devices are installed and stabilized. Best management practices include silt fencing, vegetative buffers, and sediment traps to keep soil out of the MS4 and off neighboring property. The public works director inspects sites and can revoke permits for false certifications. This applies inside Lafayette city limits and unincorporated parish territory, not Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville, or Milton.
Violations & Fines
Violations draw escalating fines from Public Works: $250 per day for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 per day for a third and beyond, plus permit revocation and stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply outside Lafayette city limits?
Do I need a separate permit if I already have a building permit?
What triggers the erosion-control rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana environmental rules overview
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