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Lafayette · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Lafayette

Lafayette's own rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text for every value.

Ask about building in a flood zone in Lafayette See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Lafayette Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Lafayette's code says

Lafayette code What Lafayette's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • A development permit is needed before construction or development begins in any special flood hazard area.
    Applies: Inside any special flood hazard area.
    § 6-1821 · code text
    A development permit must be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 6-1812.
Building in a floodway
  • Fill, new building, substantial improvements and other encroachments banned unless a registered engineer certifies no base-flood rise; no manufactured homes.
    Applies: Areas designated as floodways.
    § 6-1839 · code text
    Encroachment, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other new development is prohibited, unless certification by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that the encroachment will not result in any increase in (the base) flood elevation during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
Height of the lowest floor
  • Lowest floor at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New homes or complete rebuilds in A zones and all other flood zones except AO.
    § 6-1834 · code text
    In an A zone, elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation, as determined by the community;
  • Lowest floor at or above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: Substantial improvement of a home in A zones and all other flood zones except AO.
    § 6-1834 · code text
    In an A zone, elevated to or above the base flood elevation; said base flood elevation shall be determined by one of the methods in Section 6-1823(b).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Lafayette flood zone?

Lafayette's code: A development permit is needed before construction or development begins in any special flood hazard area. (Inside any special flood hazard area.) (§ 6-1821); Lowest floor at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation. (New homes or complete rebuilds in A zones and all other flood zones except AO.) (§ 6-1834).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Lafayette's building in a flood zone rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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