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

Parish Code section 36-285 sets the specific flood-hazard-reduction standards that apply once base flood elevation data has been established for a site under sections 36-243, 36-266(a)(8) or 36-286(c). For residential construction, the lowest floor, including a basement, must sit at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation (BFE), and a registered professional engineer, architect or land surveyor must certify that standard to the floodplain administrator. Nonresidential structures may instead be floodproofed watertight below the BFE if an engineer certifies the design. Standalone enclosed appurtenant structures under 550 square feet need hydrostatic flood-equalizing openings rather than full elevation, while those 550 square feet or larger must be elevated to the BFE plus the required freeboard like a primary structure.

In coastal high hazard zones (V, VE, V1-30), section 36-289 pushes the same 12-inch freeboard requirement onto pilings and columns, measured to the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member, reflecting the added risk from hurricane wave action and tidal surge. Base flood elevation itself comes from the FEMA Flood Insurance Study and accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Tangipahoa Parish, dated July 22, 2010, and any later revisions, adopted by reference under section 36-243. The floodplain administrator, appointed by the parish president, reviews elevation certificates and can require additional engineering data when FIRM data is incomplete for a parcel. 00 in fines or 30 days in jail per violation, with each day of noncompliance counted separately, and violators also cover court costs.