The Coastal Use Permit (CUP) process is part of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP), which is an effort among Louisiana citizens, as well as state, federal and local advisory and regulatory agencies to preserve, restore, and enhance Louisiana's valuable coastal resources. The purpose of the Coastal Use Permit process is to make certain that any activity affecting the Coastal Zone, such as a project that involves either dredging or filling, is performed in accordance with guidelines established in the LCRP. The guidelines are designed so that development in the Coastal Zone can be accomplished with the greatest benefit and the least amount of damage. Here we provide information concerning the steps involved in applying for a CUP. Submitting an application for a CUP does not imply that a CUP will be required; application is simply one step in following the Rules and Procedures for CUP's so that the Coastal Zone will be protected.

Coastal Use Permits can be applied for and obtained from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The Coastal Use Permit (CUP) process is part of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP), which is an effort among Louisiana citizens, as well as state, federal and local advisory and regulatory agencies to preserve, restore, and enhance Louisiana's valuable coastal resources. The purpose of the Coastal Use Permit process is to make certain that any activity affecting the Coastal Zone, such as a project that involves either dredging or filling, is performed in accordance with guidelines established in the LCRP. The guidelines are designed so that development in the Coastal Zone can be accomplished with the greatest benefit and the least amount of damage. We are, therefore, providing the following information concerning the steps involved in applying for a CUP. Submitting an application for a CUP does not imply that a CUP will be required; application is simply one step in following the Rules and Procedures for CUP's so that the Coastal Zone will be protected.

Coastal Use Permit Applications and most associated documentation are available to the public through the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Strategic Online Natural Resource Information System (SONRIS) database. To access information concerning permits and applications, follow these steps:

1. Visit http://www.sonris.com/
2. In the left-hand frame, click Data Access
3. Under "Java Based" click CUP Inquiry
   *Please note: Java™ software required-download at http://www.java.com
4. In the main page window, click Search Coastal Use Permit Database
5. Enter as much or as little information as desired into the search fields and click Search
6. To access basic information about a search result, click the linked Permit Number under the "CUP NUM" column on the results page
7. To access detailed information including complete permit application; application drawings; GIS information; interagency & public comments; and copies of public notices & correspondence between agencies, applicants, and application agents, click the word Online under the "FILED" column on the results page
   *Please note: Only permits applied for in 2006 or later are filed online. If you need information on a permit that is not filed online, please call the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Division at (225) 342-7591.
   **Please note: some files require other software to access. Please visit the SONRIS Downloads Page for more information and links to software downloads.

What is the cost of a Coastal Use Permit?

On the State level, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources charges a permit fee of $20 for residential purposes and $100 for commercial purposes. "Commercial Purposes" includes ANY sort of business that will be conducted due to the work performed (e.g. constructing a wharf from which you will sell seafood).

On the Parish level, Chapter 12 of the Terrebonne Parish Code of Ordinances outlines the purpose and structure of the Coastal Impact Certificate program. A Coastal Impact Certificate is required for seismographic surveys; the construction of any well, well site, well platform, other mining operation, pipeline, canal; the dredging of canals, bayous, wetlands, lakes, bays, slips, shells or other excavation; the construction of bulkheads, drainage control structures, flood control structures, landfills, spoil areas, platforms, board roads, levees, battures; the construction of non-residential facilities requiring a coastal zone permit from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources or a Section 10/404 permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers; the construction of single-family residential structures requiring a coastal zone permit from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources or a Section 10/404 permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers; or any other type of structure or facility within the boundaries of the parish requiring a coastal zone permit from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources or a Section 10/404 permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. For a copy of the required application for a Coastal Impact Certificate, click here.

For more information on permit fees, refer to the Terrebonne Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources or contact the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Office of Coastal Restoration & Preservation at (985) 873-6889 or e-mail czm@tpcg.org.

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