Code Enforcement

Blighted Property Flowchart

Grass Cutting and Unsightly Property Process 

  • Complaints may be filed via the St. James Parish Work Order System or by calling the Citizen Service Center at (225) 562-2500. A name, valid email address and phone number must be given. 
  • A work order number will be given to track the progress of the complaint.
  • Within the first week, the property is investigated by parish officials. 
  • A letter is sent to the property owner giving thirty days to correct the violation. 
    • The letter details the violation(s), corrective action(s), and the owner’s right to appeal as well as photos of the property and a copy of the ordinance.  
  • The property is inspected again after the first thirty (30) days, and a certified letter is sent with the same information if the property is still in violation of the ordinance giving an additional fourteen (14) days from the receipt of the letter. 
    • Two current pictures will be taken after the first thirty days. 
  • After fourteen (14) days, if the property is still in violation, the property violation will be posted in the official journal for two weeks.
  • After the property owner has been notified three times, all information will be sent to a contractor. 
    • The contractor will provide before and after pictures and an invoice for service. 
  • The property owner will receive an invoice giving thirty (30) days to pay. 
  • The work order will be closed out once the invoice is received. 
  • After thirty (30) days, all costs will be added to the annual valorem tax bill. 
  • Notification for properties will only be done once every twelve months.  

 

Blighted and Nuisance Process 

  • Complaints may be filed via the St. James Parish Work Order System or by calling the Citizen Service Center at (225) 562-2500. A name, valid email address and phone number must be given. 
  • Within the first week, the property is investigated. 
    • At least two pictures will be taken. 
    • The property owner information is obtained. 
  • A structure analysis is completed by South Central Planning and Development. 
  • A letter is sent to the property owner giving thirty days to correct the violation. 
    • Letter includes recommendations from a Building Code Official 
    • The letter has the violation(s), corrective action(s), and the owner’s right to appeal. 
    • Two pictures of the property. 
    • Copy of the ordinance according to the violation. 
  • The property is inspected again after the first thirty (30) days, and a certified letter is sent with the same information if the property is still in violation of the ordinance giving an additional fourteen (14) days from the receipt of letter. 
    • Two current pictures will be taken after the first thirty days. 
  • After fourteen (14) days, if the property is still in violation, the property will be sent to the local newspaper for two weeks and posted on the St. James Parish website and Facebook page. 
  • A 3’X4’ placard is placed on the property stating that the property is condemned, consecutively with the information in the official Parish journal. 
  • After the property owner has been notified three times all information will be sent to a contractor. 
    • The contractor will provide before and after pictures and an invoice for service. 
  • The property owner will receive an invoice giving thirty (30) days to pay. 
  • The work order will be closed out once the invoice is received. 
  • After thirty (30) days, all costs will be added to the annual valorem tax bill. 
  • Notification for properties will only be done once every twelve months.