Caddo Parish, LA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 18 implements Louisiana's flood-loss statute, R.S. 38:84, across the unincorporated parish's special flood hazard areas mapped on the Flood Insurance Study for Caddo Parish and Incorporated Areas dated May 19, 2014, with FIRM panels of the same date; the Red River Special Flood Hazard Area map on file with the department of public works overrides those FIRM panels between the Caddo Parish Levee and the Bossier Parish line. Sec. 18-7 bars any development in a special flood hazard area without full compliance with the chapter.

Sec. 18-40 requires a development permit, applied for on forms from the director of public works, with plans in duplicate showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of proposed structures, landscape alterations, and manufactured homes relative to the flood hazard area, plus the proposed lowest-floor elevation, any floodproofing elevation for nonresidential structures, an engineer's or architect's floodproofing certification where used, and a description of any watercourse alteration. Sec. 18-39 names the director of public works as floodplain administrator, responsible for reviewing permit applications, confirming other required federal or state approvals such as Clean Water Act Sec.

404 permits, and, where no floodway is designated, blocking development in Zones A1-30 and AE that would raise the base flood elevation more than one foot. Sec. 18-41 sends variance requests and appeals of the administrator's decisions to the parish commission, with further appeal to the First Judicial District Court within 30 days of the commission's ruling.