Caddo Parish, LA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Sec. 18-71 sets the parish's general flood-hazard-reduction standards: new construction and substantial improvements must be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-resistant materials, and have electrical, heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning equipment elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Sec. 18-72 adds the specific freeboard standards once base flood elevation data exists. Subsection (1) requires new or substantially improved residential structures to have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified to the director of public works by a registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor.

Subsection (2) gives nonresidential structures the same one-foot freeboard or, alternatively, floodproofing to a watertight standard certified by an engineer or architect. Subsection (3) requires enclosed areas below the lowest floor used only for parking, access, or storage to carry at least two flood-vent openings totaling one square inch per square foot of enclosed area, with the lowest opening no higher than one foot above grade. Subsection (4) requires manufactured homes in Zones A1-30, AH, and AE to have their chassis elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation on a permanent, anchored foundation.

Subsection (6) departs from the one-foot standard for the Red River Special Flood Hazard Area between the Caddo Parish Levee and the Bossier Parish line, where the lowest floor or mechanical equipment must instead sit at least one and one-half feet above the high-water mark.