Sunset Drainage District flood elevation standard
St. Charles Parish
Summary
Since 2013 the parish has required elevations 8-11 feet above ground in parts of the Sunset Drainage District, driving more than 207 variances. The fix returns to the 1992 FEMA maps but bars any new floor below sea level, aiming for zero variances going forward. Existing vested permits are honored.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 24, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could save builders in Bayou Gauche and nearby areas significant fill and construction costs while keeping homes above sea level.
Owners of vacant, platted lots in the Sunset Drainage District who want to build without seeking variances.
Homeowners who built to the lower elevation could face insurance spikes if the higher standard is later enforced.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Parish Council 6:00 PM (trimmed) - Aug 24, 2026
The council reset minimum building elevations in the Sunset Drainage District to the 1992 FEMA maps, ending hundreds of repeat variance applications, and barred construction below sea level parish-wide.
SCP Planning & Zoning Commission 6:00 PM (trimmed) - Aug 7, 2026
Since 2013 the parish has required elevations 8-11 feet above ground in parts of the Sunset Drainage District, driving more than 207 variances. The fix returns to the 1992 FEMA maps but bars any new floor below sea level, aiming for zero variances going forward. Existing vested permits are honored.
SCP Zoning Board of Adjustment 6:00 PM (trimmed) - Feb 19, 2026
A builder and a board member raised a systemic problem: the same flood data appears to produce two different required base elevations, leaving builders like Troy Barrios caught mid-construction. The board warned many residents may face the same issue and wants parish answers.
Related development
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