Why Louisiana Needs Stronger Building Codes for Coastal Regions

Introduction
As Louisiana’s coastal communities work to become more resilient while growing their economies, we need to ensure that their homes and infrastructure are built to withstand the Gulf’s increasingly intense storms and to reduce rising insurance costs. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple recently emphasized this point on the LaPolitics Report podcast, calling for enhanced building codes tailored to the state’s unique coastal risks. With other Gulf Coast states like Florida and Alabama already reaping the benefits of fortified construction standards, Temple sees an opportunity for Louisiana to follow suit and create more resilient coastal communities.

Rising Risks and the Coastal Housing Boom
Louisiana’s coast is an energy powerhouse for the nation, and its communities are vibrant cultures with a strong love of place. But along with these outstanding assets comes the reality of hurricane exposure, something Louisiana is all too familiar with. Temple points to neighboring Alabama, where fortified building codes have helped create stronger homes and more affordable insurance. In states like Alabama, coastal homes are required to meet strict construction standards, including robust roofing techniques designed to minimize storm damage. For homeowners, these protections offer peace of mind and practical financial benefits through reduced insurance premiums.

The Case for Enhanced Building Codes in Louisiana
The science is clear: improved building codes can mean the difference between enduring a storm in place or being forced to rebuild and possibly relocate. Temple believes that strengthening Louisiana’s coastal building standards isn’t just smart—it’s essential. “If you’re going to live in a coastal parish that is exposed to hurricane-force winds, we need to make sure those homes are built to withstand them the best we can,” Temple told LaPolitics Report. The commissioner’s goal? To bring Louisiana up to par with its Gulf neighbors while balancing the practical needs of builders and residents.

Striking a Balance Between Safety and Affordability
While tougher building codes are essential, Temple stresses the need to avoid overwhelming builders and residents with excessive costs. Affordability remains key. He advocates for standards that make homes both insurable and livable without pricing out middle-income families or small builders. Louisiana has already experimented with incentivizing resilience through discounts on insurance premiums for code-compliant homes, in particular the insurance industry standard known as Fortified Homes. Temple sees this as a successful model worth expanding.

Benefits Beyond Insurance Discounts
Enhanced building codes are about more than just insurance. For residents who build to these standards, the benefits are numerous: less interior damage, minimized repairs, and a quicker return home after a storm. “Your contents are going to stay dry. Your shingles are going to stay on your home. You’ll be able to get back in your home as soon as utilities return,” Temple explained. These are life-changing advantages for those who call Louisiana’s coast home.

Looking Forward: A Call to Action for Lawmakers
Temple’s push for stronger building codes isn’t just about mitigating storm damage—it’s about fostering long-term resilience. As the state’s lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session, Temple wants to see enhanced building codes become part of the conversation. This legislative agenda could mean real change for Louisiana’s coastal parishes, aligning the state with the protective measures that have proven successful elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.

Conclusion
Louisiana is no stranger to hurricanes, and as coastal populations continue to grow, it’s time to prioritize building standards that can withstand these natural threats. By taking cues from neighboring states and enacting comprehensive building codes, Louisiana can create a safer, more resilient future for its coastal residents. As Temple puts it, “Building codes are the way to go”—a sentiment Louisiana’s lawmakers should heed as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Enhanced building codes won’t eliminate storms, but they will make it easier for Louisiana’s communities to weather them. And that’s an investment worth making.

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