News

October 10, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Waives Permit Fees for Flood-Related Repairs

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in conjunction with the New Orleans City Council, today announced a waiver for building permit fees associated with structures damaged by severe flooding on July 10, 2019.

Several hundred homes and businesses experienced damage across the city on the morning of July 10 as a result of heavy rainfall, which in some areas exceeded nine inches within a short time frame. Homeowners and business owners who received damage, many whom are making their way through the flood insurance claims process, are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or visit City Hall to speak with representatives from the Department of Safety and Permits, who can provide details on permits and regulations required to rebuild safely. Fees associated with these permits will be waived.

“Inspections and permits are tools that help ensure property owners are able to rebuild safely and get back to their normal lives,” said Department of Safety and Permits Director Zachary Smith. “We hope this fee waiver will lessen the financial burden for those affected by the July 10 flooding and quicken their recovery process.”

The majority of the structures damaged by July 10 flooding are at ground level and would not meet current building elevation codes adopted in 2016. In accordance with the City’s floodplain management regulations, structures that are more than 50 percent damaged or structures that will be substantially improved, will need to be brought into compliance through flood protection measures. While many damaged structures may not meet those thresholds, the City encourages all development to come into compliance, which requires structures to be elevated one foot above Base Flood Elevation or three feet above the nearest adjacent curb, whichever is higher. Alternatively, in certain structures, it may be more prudent to convert the ground floor back to storage area only, installing appropriate flood venting and elevating mechanical and electrical equipment to current elevation code.

“While the July 10 storm was unusually severe, we have to be prepared to see more frequent high-intensity rain events like this,” said New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director (NOHSEP) Collin Arnold. “I encourage all residents to understand the flood risk on their properties, get flood insurance, and consider mitigation options available.”

The July 10 rain event was rare in the significant amount of rain that fell in a short time, leading to widespread flooding. However, due to the changing weather patterns associated with climate change, the Louisiana Office of State Climatology warns that high-intensity rain events are likely to occur more frequently in Southeast Louisiana. NOHSEP encourages all residents and businesses to understand their flood risk, insure their property with flood insurance, and take measures to reduce their risk. These measures can include installing green infrastructure (like a rain garden or permeable pavement), elevating utilities, abandoning non-compliant basement areas, and/or elevating structures. For more information and to search the flood risk at your address, visit ready.nola.gov/rain

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