Lafayette Parish, LA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 1 acre or more of land disturbance
- Land disturbance permit fee
- $30, valid one year
- First-offense fine
- $250 per day
- Applies to
- City of Lafayette and unincorporated parish
- Enforced by
- Public Works Director / CDP
Summary
Lafayette City-Parish bans any non-stormwater discharge into its storm sewer system and requires a $30 Land Disturbance permit for projects disturbing one acre or more, with an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan.
No person shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the MS4 any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater. This prohibition shall not apply to any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit ... or an LPDES permit ... issued to the discharger, provided that the discharger is, in the opinion of LCG, in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, variance, or order and other applicable laws and regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
The stormwater ordinance (Ch. 34, Art. V) applies citywide and parish-wide, 'city-parish' is defined as both the City of Lafayette and the Parish of Lafayette. It bars illicit discharges into the MS4 (storm drains, ditches, culverts), requires BMPs from commercial/industrial operators, and makes anyone disturbing one acre or more get a Land Disturbance permit from Community Development and Planning with a site-specific SWPPP before starting work. Public Works reviews permits within 30 days or they're deemed approved.
Violations & Fines
First offense $250/day, second offense $500/day, third and later offenses $1,000/day, each day a separate violation; unpaid fines accrue 1% plus 12% annual interest and can become a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover Broussard or Youngsville too?
Do I need a permit for a small backyard project?
What happens if I discharge wash water into a storm drain?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana environmental rules overview
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