St. Charles Parish committee debates tougher enforcement, inspections for adjacent-lot runoff ordinance

The St. Charles Parish legislative committee on Sept. 8 debated proposed amendments to the parish's adjacent-lot runoff ordinance (Section 7.3) that would broaden inspection authority, require certified drainage plans and add staged construction inspections.

Committee members and staff said the changes are intended to protect residents who experience new or increased runoff after neighboring construction; parish officials warned the proposed enforcement duties would require more staff and could expose the parish to liability and increased costs.

Supporters said the current rule leaves some residents without relief when approved drainage later fails or is altered during construction. Councilmember O'Daniels said she has worked with planners and legal to draft language that would allow the Department of Planning and Zoning to inspect, identify deficiencies and require corrective work. "Failure to maintain drainage per the approved plan as set forth in this section is subject to inspection and shall be considered a violation of the building permit as issued and may be subject to enforcement actions," O'Daniels said during committee discussion.

The proposed amendments would: require…