Home Projects Near The Levee: What Owners Should Know

Planning a project near the Westwego levee?

A simple call can save you time, money, and headaches. If you live close to the Mississippi River levee in Westwego, certain projects trigger review by the regional levee authority. Here is how to tell what applies to you and when to reach out before you dig.

What “near the levee” means

SLFPA-West oversees levee safety across the West Jefferson Levee District, which includes much of Westwego. Their rules focus on how excavation and structures can affect levee integrity.

Key distance rules

• Within 6 feet of the landside toe: No construction without levee authority review. See SLFPA-West’s permit guidance for details. Review the SLFPA-West permit rules.
• Within 300 feet of a levee or floodwall: Any excavation must be submitted for SLFPA-West review. Depending on scope, you may receive a free Letter of No Objection or need a permit. See activities that require review.
• Within 1,500 feet of a Mississippi River levee: Major excavation, such as in-ground pools, pile driving, soil borings, or wells, requires a permit. Confirm “major excavation” requirements.

If you are unsure whether your property is in SLFPA-West jurisdiction, check their facts page or call the permits team. View SLFPA-West’s jurisdiction overview.

Projects that usually trigger review

Different projects fall under different thresholds. When in doubt, call the permits team early.

Digging, trenches, and utilities

Utility lines, conduit runs, irrigation, drainage piping, and septic work involve excavation. If your trenching is within 300 feet of a levee or floodwall, SLFPA-West review is required. Check excavation rules.

Also, Louisiana law requires you to call 811 at least two business days before any digging so utilities can be located and marked. This is free and mandatory. Learn how Louisiana 811 works.

Pools and other major excavation

In-ground pools and similar deep digs are considered major excavation within 1,500 feet of a Mississippi River levee. Expect to apply for a levee permit, and do not start work until you have approval. See SLFPA-West’s permit thresholds.

Fences, sheds, decks, and demolition

Fence posts, small foundations, decking footings, and demolition within 300 feet of a levee or floodwall typically require levee review. Many small projects may qualify for a Letter of No Objection. Review examples that need submission.

Trees, large shrubs, and roots

Planting or removing large trees and roots within 300 feet of a levee can impact drainage paths. Submit your plans for review. For trees on the levee slope itself, contact the levee authority first. Federal guidance helps explain why vegetation near levees is limited. Read the Corps’ levee safety and vegetation background.

Crossing or working on the levee

Any pipe, conduit, driveway, or path that crosses a levee requires a permit. Do not assume short or shallow crossings are exempt. Confirm crossing requirements.

How to check your distance and get cleared

If your property backs up to the levee or sits near the river, assume you need to confirm distances.

• Start by sketching a simple site plan that shows your work area relative to the levee or floodwall.
• Call the SLFPA-West permits team to confirm whether your project falls within the 6-foot, 300-foot, or 1,500-foot thresholds. Use their contact page for the latest phone and email. Contact SLFPA-West permits.
• If requested, share your site plan, a short description of the work, excavation depth, and photos.

Call-before-you-dig checklist

Follow this quick workflow before you break ground in Westwego:

1. Confirm jurisdiction. If you are in the West Jefferson Levee District, SLFPA-West rules apply. Check SLFPA-West jurisdiction.
2. Ask SLFPA-West about your project. Describe the location, distances, and scope to learn whether you need a Letter of No Objection or a permit. Start with the permits page.
3. Call 811. Do this at least two business days before any excavation so utilities can be marked. Keep your locate ticket number. See homeowner steps for 811.
4. Pull city permits. Pools, fences, and major renovations often need municipal permits in addition to levee clearance. When in doubt, ask the City of Westwego. View Westwego building permit info.
5. Wait for approval. Do not start work until you have the levee authority’s Letter of No Objection or permit in hand.

Bottom line: if your project involves digging, roots, posts, or crossings near the levee, contact SLFPA-West and call 811. A short call can prevent delays or corrective work later.

Why these rules protect your property

Excavation, roots, and underground utilities can create seepage paths or disturb levee soils. That is why the levee authority restricts construction near the levee and reviews deeper digs. These safety practices protect homes, businesses, and the broader West Bank community. To understand the safety rationale and vegetation limits, review the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ levee safety materials. Explore levee safety guidance.

Ready to plan a project near the levee in Westwego? If you want local guidance on how these rules may affect your timeline or resale plans, reach out to Armstrong Realty. Our team is here to help you plan smart and move forward with confidence.

FAQs

How close can I build a fence or shed?

• Construction is not allowed within 6 feet of the landside toe, and work within 300 feet requires SLFPA-West review that may result in a Letter of No Objection or a permit. See the rule details.

Do small projects still require review?

• If they involve excavation within 300 feet of a levee or floodwall, yes, they must be submitted to SLFPA-West for review. Check examples that need submission.

Do I have to call 811 for shallow digging?

• Yes, Louisiana law requires calling 811 at least two business days before any excavation so utilities can be located and marked. Learn about 811 requirements.

Is an in-ground pool considered major excavation?

• Yes, in-ground pools within 1,500 feet of a Mississippi River levee require a permit, and within 300 feet they must at least be reviewed. Confirm pool permit requirements.

Who should I contact first if I am unsure?

• Start with the SLFPA-West permits team to confirm distances and requirements, then check City of Westwego permits. Find SLFPA-West contacts and city permit info.