Do I need a floodplain permit for repairs after a storm?

Repairs that change elevation, foundation, or drainage may require a floodplain permit; consult Jefferson Parish Planning to confirm.

Where can I find the official ordinance language?

The Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances contains the floodplain and environmental rules; view the code on the municipal code host linked above.

What if my property is in a coastal zone or wetland?

Additional environmental review may be required; coordinate with parish planning and state coastal or natural resources agencies as instructed by the parish.

How do I report an alleged violation?

Report suspected violations to Jefferson Parish Code Enforcement or Planning via their official contact forms or phone lines listed on parish pages.

Metairie Floodplain & Environmental Review Rules

Land Use and Zoning Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026

Metairie, Louisiana sits within Jefferson Parish and is subject to parish floodplain and environmental controls for development, reconstruction, and land alteration. This guide explains how local floodplain rules and environmental impact review apply in Metairie, who enforces them, where to find official rules and maps, and the practical steps property owners and developers must follow to seek permits or appeal decisions.

Scope & What Counts as a Floodplain Project

Floodplain and environmental review typically applies to new construction, substantial improvement, placement of fill, changes to drainage, and activities that affect wetlands or natural buffers. If your proposed work alters ground elevation, drainage patterns, or coastal/wetland areas, expect a review for flood risk and potential mitigation.

Legal Sources and How to Verify

The controlling local ordinance language is maintained in the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances; specific floodplain standards are found in the parish code and in the Parish Floodplain Management program pages Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances^[1] and Jefferson Parish Floodplain Management and Planning^[2]. Consult FEMA maps to confirm flood zones for a given parcel before applying for permits FEMA Flood Map Service Center^[3].

Always check current parish pages and mapped flood zones before submitting plans.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility lies with Jefferson Parish departments identified in the parish code and floodplain program, typically Planning and Code Enforcement divisions; specific enforcing office contact information appears on parish pages cited above Jefferson Parish Floodplain Management and Planning^[2].

Monetary fines: exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: whether fines increase for repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: may include stop-work orders, orders to remove or restore work, and civil enforcement actions; specific remedies and processes are not specified on the cited page.
Enforcer and inspections: Jefferson Parish Planning/Code Enforcement conducts inspections and issues orders; use parish contact pages for complaints and inspections scheduling.
Appeals and review: administrative appeals are handled per parish procedures; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page.

If you receive a notice or stop-work order, contact the parish enforcement office immediately to learn deadlines for appeal.

Applications & Forms

The parish maintains application processes for floodplain development review and permits; official form names, fee schedules, and exact submission instructions are not specified on the cited page and must be obtained from the parish planning or building services office Jefferson Parish Floodplain Management and Planning^[2].

How-To

Verify the parcel’s flood zone on FEMA’s Map Service Center and save the map report.
Contact Jefferson Parish Planning to determine whether your project requires a floodplain development permit.
Prepare application materials: site plan, elevation info, and any environmental impact statements requested by the parish.
Submit the application and fees following parish instructions and respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Schedule inspections as required; if ordered to stop work, follow remedial requirements or file an appeal within the parish deadline.
If denied, pursue the parish administrative appeal process and keep records of submissions and communications.

FAQ

Do I need a floodplain permit for repairs after a storm?: Repairs that change elevation, foundation, or drainage may require a floodplain permit; consult Jefferson Parish Planning to confirm.
Where can I find the official ordinance language?: The Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances contains the floodplain and environmental rules; view the code on the municipal code host linked above.
What if my property is in a coastal zone or wetland?: Additional environmental review may be required; coordinate with parish planning and state coastal or natural resources agencies as instructed by the parish.
How do I report an alleged violation?: Report suspected violations to Jefferson Parish Code Enforcement or Planning via their official contact forms or phone lines listed on parish pages.

Key Takeaways

Always check FEMA maps and parish requirements before starting work.
Official permit names, fees, and appeal time limits must be confirmed with Jefferson Parish offices.
Non-monetary enforcement such as stop-work orders is commonly used; respond promptly to notices.