New Orleans, LA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)

" The BFE, or base flood elevation, is defined at § 78-55(3) as "the elevation of surface water resulting from a flood that has a one percent chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year," shown on the FIRM for zones AE and VE. For non-residential buildings that use flood-proofing instead of elevation, § 78-81(b) requires certification from a registered professional engineer or licensed architect, and the flood-proofed level must be at least one foot above the standard set in subsection (a).

Historic structures get a carve-out under § 78-81(c): buildings within the Historic District Landmarks Commission, Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission or Vieux Carré Commission jurisdiction, or listed as contributing to a National Register district, may build to either the BFE shown on the FIRM or 18 inches above highest adjacent grade, whichever is higher. Section 78-80 requires every building permit for new construction or substantial improvement to have the required mean sea level elevation of the lowest floor imprinted directly on the permit, and § 78-82 makes the director of safety and permits responsible for confirming the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures actually sits at or above that minimum before work is signed off. S. 38:84 and the city's participation in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.