Wes Crain, Director

The mission of the Division of Planning and Development is to administer land-use regulations and infrastructure, recovery, and environmental grants as well as to facilitate economic development projects. In tandem with the Division of Engineering and Public Works, the division serves in a lead role informing sound development practices, mitigating flood risk, and developing and enforcing various local ordinances that promote strong quality of life in Calcasieu Parish.

Permit Required Before Start of Construction in Any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

Before making repairs, rebuilding or demolishing, check with your building official and floodplain administrator for permitting requirements in your area. Each locality has different requirements. Permits protect owners, residents, communities and their buildings by making sure construction meets current building codes, standards, flood ordinances and construction techniques.

Permits also provide a permanent record of compliance with elevation, and/or retrofitting requirements, which is useful information when selling a home and getting a quote for flood insurance.

SFHA zones include Zone A, AO, A1-A30, AE, A99, AH, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, AR/A1-A30, V1-V30, VE and V. 

For more information about permitting requirements for NFIP-participating communities, visit https://www.fema.gov/glossary/permit-floodplain-development#

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