Lafayette, LA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Article XI of Chapter 26, Division 2 governs flood damage prevention for both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish, adopted under authority of La. S. 38:84. Section 26-704(b) sets the freeboard standard: new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure must have the lowest floor, including basement, attached garage or carport, elevated to a minimum of 12 inches above the base flood elevation (BFE), and attached utilities such as electrical, heating, ductwork and plumbing equipment must be protected to that same 12-inch freeboard.

A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify to the floodplain administrator that the structure meets this standard. Nonresidential structures get a floodproofing alternative under § 26-704(b)(2): the lowest floor can stay below the 12-inch mark if the structure is made watertight below that elevation, with a professional engineer or architect certifying the design and the floodplain administrator keeping a record of the certified floodproofed elevation. The Development and Planning Department Director serves as floodplain administrator under § 26-703(a), reviewing every development permit application, requiring elevation certificates referenced to mean sea level, and, per § 26-703(c)(2)(a)(iii), at least two dated color photographs of the building's front and rear taken within 90 days of certification. The administrator can deny or revoke a permit that fails to meet these standards.