Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Coastal Zone Management Use Permits Required

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: R.S. 49:214.21 et seq.
Regulator: Office of Coastal Management
Permit type: Coastal Use Permit
Coastal zone: 20 coastal parishes
Max civil penalty: $12,000 per violation

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

The State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978 (La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq.) requires Coastal Use Permits for development within the Louisiana Coastal Zone. The Department of Energy and Natural Resources administers permits statewide.

§214.30. Coastal use permits A.(1) No person shall commence a use of state or local concern without first applying for and receiving a coastal use permit. Decisions on coastal use permit applications shall be made by the secretary, except that the local government shall make coastal use permit decisions as to uses of local concern in areas where an approved local program is in effect. Conditions set forth in a coastal use permit shall supersede any and all variances or exceptions granted by the commissioner of conservation in accordance with R.S. 30:4(E)(1) for activities within the coastal zone as defined by R.S. 49:214.24.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under R.S. 49:214.21-214.42, any use of coastal lands or waters that has direct and significant impact, including dredging, filling, levee construction, bulkheading, and shoreline modification, requires a Coastal Use Permit (CUP) from the Office of Coastal Management within the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. Routine activities, normal residential repair, and certain agriculture are exempt. Coastal parishes may adopt Local Coastal Programs to issue permits for limited uses, but state oversight and consistency review remain mandatory. Federal projects must obtain federal consistency determinations under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, which Louisiana administers.

Violations & Penalties

Conducting permitted-activity work without a Coastal Use Permit, exceeding permit conditions, or failing wetland mitigation can result in cease-and-desist orders, restoration mandates, and civil penalties up to $12,000 per violation under R.S. 49:214.36.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Coastal Use Permit for a new dock in Louisiana?

Most new docks, bulkheads, and shoreline structures within the Louisiana Coastal Zone require a Coastal Use Permit unless they qualify as a single-family residential dock under specific size and impact thresholds.

Which parishes are in the Louisiana Coastal Zone?

The Coastal Zone covers all or parts of approximately twenty coastal parishes, including Cameron, Vermilion, Iberia, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Orleans.

Sources

Louisiana R.S. 49:214.21 - Coastal Zone Management

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