New Orleans Considers Doubling Fines for Overgrown Lots in Fight Against Blight
Industry Update
January 8, 2024
Source: nola.com
New Orleans’ battle against blight could be ramping up in 2024 with harsher penalties and a streamlined enforcement process to curb properties with overgrown and trash-ridden lots.
Under a proposed new city ordinance, sponsored by Council member Oliver Thomas, property owners could face double the amount in fines — up to $1,000 per violation — for failing to cut the grass or remove debris and graffiti from lots across the city.
The changes follow a new state law that allows Orleans Parish to streamline code enforcement procedures, such as allowing public notices of violations, rather than relying on certified mail to reach property owners, who often live out of state and can be difficult to reach.
“We have to be able to tell people what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable here in our city,” Thomas said in an interview.
After five days have passed from notifying the owner, the city can begin working on the blighted property, eliminating time-consuming steps such as inspections and obtaining a signed affidavit.
The newly established Code Enforcement Department, that began Jan. 1 with Director Anthony Davis at the helm, can then bill owners for property maintenance work completed by the city. Previously that responsibility fell under the city tax collection office. Voters approved the new department last year, allowing it to have its own budget to tackle blight and to take over enforcement tasks from other agencies.
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