LaPlace was Louisiana’s hardest-hit parish per capita when Hurricane Ida made landfall in 2021. Nearly 5,000 owner-occupied homes and approximately 3,700 renter-occupied units in St. John the Baptist Parish were affected, with entire subdivisions flooded by up to four feet of water. Post-storm demolition and rebuild activity is still ongoing, and Big Easy Demolition has been part of that recovery work. We handle full residential teardowns, slab removal, interior demo, land clearing, and debris removal throughout LaPlace and the surrounding St. John the Baptist Parish area. Call 504-688-4399 to schedule a site assessment.
LaPlace’s demolition needs are primarily driven by flood damage, FEMA compliance requirements, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ida. Flood-damaged structures, condemned properties, and slabs requiring full removal account for the majority of projects we see in this area. The Army Corps of Engineers’ West Shore Lake Pontchartrain levee project, an 18.5-mile earthen levee system expected to provide 100-year storm surge protection for approximately 60,000 residents from LaPlace to Garyville, is expected to reach full completion in 2028 — once online, it will reshape the development landscape for the area.
Our LaPlace demolition services include:
Flood-damaged slabs requiring complete removal as part of full site clearance are a routine part of LaPlace demolition work. FEMA grant-funded demolition of repetitive-loss properties has also been active in the parish, and we are familiar with the documentation requirements for those projects.
LaPlace is an unincorporated community in St. John the Baptist Parish. All demolition permits are issued through the St. John the Baptist Parish Planning and Zoning Department, located at 1801 West Airline Highway, LaPlace. Phone: 985-536-7643.
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area compliance is central to the permit process here. Properties subject to Design Flood Elevation requirements must document compliance as part of the permit application. This affects the majority of residential parcels in LaPlace given the parish’s flood zone mapping.
Louisiana DEQ Form AAC-2 (asbestos notification) is required statewide for structures built before 1981 and must be submitted at least 10 working days before demolition begins. Post-Ida structures that were later condemned or abandoned sometimes have incomplete ownership documentation. We can help property owners identify what records are needed before the permit process begins.
LaPlace presents a specific set of challenges that make experienced, local-aware demolition contractors essential:
Flood-compromised structural integrity: Structures that sat in four feet of standing water have compromised framing, subflooring, and foundation anchoring. What looks stable from the outside may be significantly weakened at the structural connections. We assess every storm-damaged structure before any mechanical equipment approaches.
Slab removal in flood zones: Many post-Ida teardowns require complete slab removal so that replacement structures can meet current Design Flood Elevation requirements. Slab removal and site grading are integrated into our full teardown packages.
Abandoned and partially cleared properties: Some Ida-affected structures were partially cleared or have had multiple contractors involved. We assess the existing condition and scope of remaining work before providing pricing on any site with prior demo activity.
FEMA documentation requirements: Demolition tied to FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants requires specific pre-demo documentation, photo records, and sometimes third-party inspection. We are experienced with FEMA-funded demolition projects and can coordinate the required documentation.
Where do I get a demolition permit in LaPlace?
St. John the Baptist Parish Planning and Zoning Department handles all permits for unincorporated LaPlace. The office is at 1801 West Airline Highway, and the phone number is 985-536-7643. Big Easy Demolition coordinates the permit application as part of our standard service.
Does flood zone status affect the demolition permit in LaPlace?
Yes. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas have additional documentation requirements tied to Design Flood Elevation compliance. This affects most residential parcels in LaPlace. We flag these requirements during the pre-permit review so there are no surprises.
Can Big Easy Demolition help with FEMA-funded demolition projects?
Yes. We have worked on FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant-funded demolitions and understand the documentation, photo, and inspection requirements. Property owners working through a grant program should inform us at the first call so we can align our process with those requirements.
What is the DEQ asbestos notification requirement?
Louisiana DEQ Form AAC-2 is required statewide for any structure built before 1981. It must be filed at least 10 working days before demolition begins. We file this on your behalf as part of pre-demolition preparation.
Call Big Easy Demolition at 504-688-4399 to schedule a site assessment in LaPlace or anywhere in St. John the Baptist Parish. We handle permits, DEQ notification, FEMA documentation coordination, and complete debris hauling. Site visits can typically be scheduled within 48 hours.
“Big Easy Demolition was very quick to respond and provided excellent demo services at very short notice. I recommend them to anyone in need of demolition service at a very reasonable rate.”
“Big Easy Demolition is the way to go! I had renovation debris and they cleaned everything up nicely. They were very professional and they showed great service and care.”
“We hired Big Easy Demolition for an interior demolition project. They started and completed the job on time and cleaned up at the end of each day. They are easy to deal will and go the extra mile for you.”
“They handled the demolition of our old commercial building efficiently and safely. Their team managed everything from obtaining permits to clearing the debris, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for complete demolition services!”
“We needed selective demolition and interior gutting for our historic home renovation, and they exceeded our expectations. They were meticulous in preserving the original features while removing the old materials. Their expertise made all the difference!”
“After some major landscaping changes, Big Easy Demolition came through with concrete removal and site cleanup. Their crew worked efficiently and left our yard looking pristine. Their attention to detail and quick turnaround time were impressive!”
“Big Easy Demolition did an excellent job clearing land and excavating for our new home construction. They worked with precision, ensuring all the stumps, rocks, and debris were completely removed. The site preparation was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service!”
“We called Big Easy Demolition for an emergency demolition after a storm severely damaged our garage. They responded promptly, securing the site and safely removing the structure in no time. Their professionalism and urgency made a stressful situation much easier to handle!”
