The City of Lake Charles announces the implementation of a stormwater management policy designed to meet federal and state mandated requirements. A phase-in period has begun.

A Grading Permit is required for any soil disturbance activity, such as clearing or leveling property or adding fill material that can impact stormwater runoff into storm drains, drainage laterals, or waterways. 

Effective November 1, 2016, the City’s Planning and Development Office will require proof that all stormwater erosion controls (best management practices) have been correctly installed prior to the issuance of a Stormwater Grading Permit or Building Permit. Proof of installation requires photographs be included with the Grading Permit application or be submitted via email to swgradingpermit@cityoflc.us. 

A Grading Permit Packet is available on the City’s website at www.cityoflakecharles.com under: “Departments”, “Permit Center”, “Forms”.  The forms are also available at the City’s Permit Center, 7th floor, 326 Pujo Street. The Grading Permit form can be filed at the Permit Center if you have all the required information on hand, including photos of the installed erosion controls.  The Grading Permit fee for sites less than one acre is $25; for sites greater than one acre, the fee is $50.  No fee will be assessed if the grading permit application is made as part of the construction/development review process.

Planning and Zoning office staff will host a public meeting on October 19 at 9 a.m. in the Lake Charles City Hall Council Chambers, 326 Pujo Street, to review the program in detail and answer any questions that residents and developers may have about the new policy. 

Please contact the Planning Department at (337) 491-1542 for more information.