Baton Rouge requires a stormwater management plan and drainage permit for construction or land-disturbing activities. Title 2, Chapter 8 establishes stormwater regulations controlling grading, drainage, and runoff to protect the city's drainage system and reduce flood risk.
Title 2 (Streets, Sidewalks, Basins and Drainage), Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances governs stormwater regulations. Section 2:362 requires construction site operators to obtain a stormwater permit before conducting grading, clearing, or land-disturbing work. Projects that disturb one acre or more must also comply with the Louisiana DEQ Construction General Permit (LAR200000). A Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) must address erosion controls, sediment barriers, and post-construction drainage. The East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Development oversees local permit issuance and inspections. Impervious surface increases require engineered drainage calculations. Development projects must demonstrate no net increase in peak runoff to adjacent properties or public drainage systems.
Violations of Chapter 8 stormwater rules can result in stop-work orders, mandatory corrective action, civil penalties up to $500 per day per violation, and referral to the Louisiana DEQ for unpermitted land disturbance.
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