Slidell has been actively clearing, elevating, and rebuilding flood-prone properties for two decades. Many homes south of I-12 were catastrophically damaged by Katrina’s storm surge in 2005, and post-Katrina FEMA advisory elevations required new construction approximately one foot higher than the pre-storm standard. The City of Slidell has used FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants to demolish more than 26 flood-prone structures, and FEMA-funded demolition of repetitive-loss properties is ongoing. Big Easy Demolition handles residential teardowns, slab removal, interior demo, land clearing, and debris removal across Slidell and St. Tammany Parish. Call 504-688-4399 to get a site assessment scheduled.
Pre-Katrina slab homes that no longer meet current flood requirements are the primary driver of residential demolition activity in Slidell. Property owners replacing or elevating these structures need full teardown of the existing slab before new construction can begin. Ongoing FEMA-funded demolition of repetitive-loss properties adds to that volume, and commercial development activity throughout St. Tammany Parish drives demand on the commercial side.
Our Slidell demolition services include:
Replacement and elevation of older slab homes that no longer meet current flood requirements is the most common project type we handle in Slidell. The full scope typically includes structure removal, complete slab demolition, and site grading before the elevation contractor or new builder takes over.
Permit jurisdiction in the Slidell area depends on whether the property is inside Slidell city limits or in the unincorporated St. Tammany Parish area. Unincorporated parish properties go through St. Tammany Parish Permits and Inspections, reachable at 985-898-2574, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
The St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code was updated on August 2, 2024. Slidell requires a permit for “any development, including new construction, substantial improvements, demolitions, and excavations.” Flood zone identification (A, B, C, or V zones) is required on all permit applications — this is a specific field on the permit form and must reflect current FEMA flood zone mapping for the parcel.
Key requirements before permit issuance:
Big Easy Demolition coordinates all permit documentation and DEQ notification as part of our pre-demolition process.
Slidell demolition projects come with site conditions that contractors unfamiliar with post-storm coastal Louisiana often underestimate:
Flood-zone slab removal: Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas frequently require complete slab removal before a replacement structure can be permitted. Partial slab removal or leaving footings in place can create complications with new foundation design. We remove slabs to grade and haul all concrete.
Post-Katrina structural conditions: Homes south of I-12 that survived Katrina but were not fully repaired may have hidden structural damage in wall framing, subflooring, and pier connections. We inspect each structure before equipment approaches, particularly on properties that have changed hands since 2005.
FEMA documentation on repetitive-loss properties: Demolition of properties with FEMA repetitive-loss designations requires specific pre-demo and post-demo documentation. We are familiar with these requirements and coordinate the record-keeping during the project.
Elevated lot access: Post-Katrina homes built to new advisory elevations sit several feet above grade. Equipment access and debris staging require additional planning on elevated slab or pier-and-beam structures.
Which permit office handles Slidell demolition permits?
Properties inside Slidell city limits go through the City of Slidell. Unincorporated St. Tammany Parish properties go through St. Tammany Parish Permits and Inspections at 985-898-2574, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. Big Easy Demolition determines the correct jurisdiction for each property as part of our permit coordination service.
Why is flood zone identification required on the Slidell permit application?
St. Tammany Parish requires flood zone classification on all demolition permits because flood zone status determines what FEMA compliance documentation is needed for any replacement structure. Accurate flood zone identification on the permit protects the property owner through the full rebuild process.
How does Big Easy Demolition handle FEMA grant-funded demolitions in Slidell?
We have worked on FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant-funded projects and understand the documentation requirements. Property owners with an active FEMA grant should notify us at initial contact so we can align our process with the program requirements from the start.
Do you remove slabs as part of the demolition?
Yes. Full slab removal is a standard part of our residential demolition packages in Slidell. We also handle partial slab removal and concrete cutting when elevation or addition projects require it.
Call Big Easy Demolition at 504-688-4399 to schedule a site visit in Slidell or anywhere in St. Tammany Parish. We handle permits, DEQ notification, FEMA documentation, slab removal, and complete site cleanup. Most site visits are available 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!”
