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Staff presents FEMA‑required Chapter 26 floodplain ordinance updates; board to consider final action Nov. 18
Summary
Planning staff reported proposed additions to Chapter 26 of the Calcasieu Parish Code to align with FEMA/NFIP requirements on lower‑level enclosures, venting/openings, and permitted non‑habitable uses; the board received the report and will consider final action Nov. 18.
Calcasieu Parish planning staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 26 of the parish code Oct. 21 to bring local floodplain language into alignment with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Dana Watkins, development manager and floodplain manager, said FEMA’s audit after recent hurricanes identified missing ordinance language about lower‑level enclosures and the Code of Federal Regulations requirements. Watkins explained that the ordinance additions clarify that spaces used solely for parking, storage or building access (other than basements) cannot be used for habitable purposes and that enclosed lower portions must include required openings or venting so that floodwaters can flow without damaging a building’s structural integrity.
Watkins asked the board to receive the report; she said the timeline calls for the board to consider final action at its Nov. 18 meeting with a recommendation to the police jury on Nov. 20. Board members confirmed the change is primarily verbiage to codify already enforced practices and noted FEMA asked the parish to add missing language.
No public comment was recorded on the item during the report. The board received the report and scheduled final action for Nov. 18.
