Calcasieu Parish Code Enforcement – Drainage Regulations

Note: This is the eighth article in a series on code enforcement in Calcasieu Parish. This article highlights drainage regulations.

Drainage is a hot topic. It’s a regular concern for some residents, and sometimes major events (like the May 2021 floods) bring it top of mind for everyone.

It’s important for entities like the parish to maintain its drainage laterals and that we consider it in conversations about development and zoning regulations. But did you know people sometimes impact drainage? It’s such a collaborative effort, the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances outlines several regulations specific to the subject. These regulations are crucial to Calcasieu Parish’s efforts to maintain infrastructure, prevent flooding, and ensure public safety. These rules, detailed in section 21 of the parish’s Code of Ordinances, protect both natural and man-made drainage systems that residents rely on daily. Here’s a closer look at key provisions and what they mean for our community.

Preventing Obstructions in Drainage Systems

Sections 21-1 and 21-2 of the ordinance addresses the prevention of blockages in drainage canals and ditches. These rules are straightforward but often overlooked, especially regarding seemingly small items like leaves. Leaves and Debris

Depositing leaves, trash, or any debris in ditches, waterways or other drainage laterals is illegal. Whether it’s metallic objects, glass, or organic material, anything that clogs drainage canals can cause significant issues for homes, businesses, and even roads during heavy rains or other flooding events. 

Bottom line: Don’t rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into drains or ditches. Don’t dump things like crawfish shells into waterways. Ensure your trash cans are tightly closed to prevent garbage from entering drainage laterals.

Protecting Waterways

Section 21-2 prohibits altering or obstructing natural waterways. Residents are not allowed to reroute rivers, bayous,  ditches, or other natural drainage features intended for public common use. Disrupting the free passage of water and natural debris can lead to costly environmental and infrastructural consequences for residents across the parish. So while it might seem harmless to divert some water from a nearby bayou to your garden, it’s illegal, and it could result in undesirable consequences.

Managing Waterways Responsibly

Private property owners must also comply with some key drainage regulations.

Field Drainage

Section 21-13 prohibits draining fields or enclosed land into public ditches. Landowners are responsible for providing their own drainage ditches to sufficiently direct water into natural drainage areas without using public infrastructure for unauthorized purposes.

Flooding Roads

Under Section 21-15, intentionally inundating public roads with water is a punishable offense. This regulation aims to protect the safety of motorists and prevent unnecessary damage to public roads.

Material Removal

Sections 21-16 prohibits removing dirt, rocks, or surface materials from public rights-of-way for personal use. Such actions can destabilize drainage systems and lead to long-term damage. So while it might seem like no big deal to use dirt from the side of the road to shore up your backyard, it could mean long-term drainage consequences for your neighbors and legal trouble for you!

Enforcement and Penalties

Violating drainage regulations comes with consequences. Sections 21-9 and 21-14 outline penalties for offenses such as obstructing waterways, unauthorized drainage, and material removal. Below is a chart outlining specific penalties residents may face.

Offense	Fine	Additional Penalties
Obstructing waterways	$250 for first offense	Up to $500 and/or legal action for repeated offenses
Unauthorized drainage	$500	Mandatory restoration of affected areas
Removal of material from rights-of-way	$100 per cubic yard removed	Community service and/or additional fines for repeat violations

Protecting Public Spaces from Unauthorized Vehicle Use

Section 21-20 highlights another critical rule: the prohibition of motorized vehicles on land used for drainage or retention ponds, like the newest drainage pond at the corner of East McNeese Street and Louisiana Avenue. These areas are maintained by the parish to manage water effectively, and unauthorized vehicle traffic can cause erosion or other damage. Such damage can prevent the drainage feature from functioning as intended, ultimately causing flooding issues for buildings around it.

Why These Rules Matter

Drainage is a significant issue in Calcasieu Parish, including for many District 8 residents. 

Inefficient drainage impacts everyone. Waterways that cannot drain effectively can lead to flooded homes, damaged infrastructure and unsafe road conditions. By following these regulations, residents contribute to a safer, more resilient community.

How Residents Can Take Action

Residents play an essential role in maintaining effective drainage systems. Here’s how you can help.

1. Properly dispose of leaves. Avoid blowing leaves or grass clippings into drains, and don’t leave your branches or other yard debris in ditches. Instead, bag them for yard waste collection or composting, or bundle large pieces of debris for pickup by Waste Management.

2. Respect public spaces. Don’t dump debris or remove materials from public rights-of-way.

3. Mind your drainage. Ensure your property’s water runoff follows the rules and doesn’t impact public infrastructure.

4. Report issues. If you see illegal dumping, blockages, or other drainage violations, report them to the Calcasieu Parish Code Enforcement office. Remember that some areas inside city limits may be maintained by that municipality.

Questions?

For further information or to clarify any questions related to drainage regulations, review the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances. Have specific questions or topics you’d like to see covered?  Let me know!