Code Enforcement: Inspections & Violations

Overview

The Code Enforcement Division plays a critical role in maintaining the standards of safety, quality, and compliance in St. John the Baptist Parish. Our team is responsible for enforcing a variety of local ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations to ensure that all properties are safe, clean, and properly maintained.

Inspections

Our Code Enforcement Inspectors conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with the Parish Zoning Ordinances, Building Codes, and Environmental Regulations. These inspections can include, but are not limited to:

  • Building Inspections: Ensuring that construction projects comply with the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code and all local building codes.
  • Property Inspections: Checking for violations related to the maintenance and use of property, including unsafe structures, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, and overgrown vegetation.
  • Health & Safety Inspections: Addressing issues that may pose a threat to the health or safety of residents, such as fire hazards, sanitation violations, and unsafe living conditions.

Emergency Inspections - Instructions

Emergency inspections are generally for electrical issues that have occurred that were out of a homeowner or business owner’s control such as Acts of God, vehicle impact, burnt lugs, fire, etc. If the home or business is currently occupied and one of these instances have occurred, then an on call inspector can perform an inspection and call the utility provider for a reconnect. A permit is required. If the incident happened after business hours, then a permit must be obtained the next business day. Gas inspections will generally occur during normal business hours except when necessary for heat when extreme cold temperatures are expected. For a planned outage, work should be coordinated with the inspector to minimize outage duration.

Call South Central Planning @ (985) 851-2900 and select option 1 to be directed to the answering service who will contact the inspector on call.

Violations

When violations are detected during an inspection, the Code Enforcement Division works to resolve the issue through a fair and transparent process. Potential violations could include:

  • Zoning Violations: Properties used in ways not permitted by the zoning district or without appropriate permits.
  • Building Code Violations: Construction or renovation projects that do not adhere to the approved plans or meet required safety standards.
  • Environmental Violations: Issues related to stormwater runoff, waste disposal, or floodplain management.

Common Code Violations

  • Tall Grass and Weeds

  • Trash and Debris

  • Junked or Abandoned Vehicles

  • Hazardous or Unsafe Buildings

  • Work Without a Required Permit

  • Non-Permitted Use of Property

  • Illegal Residential Business

  • Improper Fencing

  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas

  • Sign Code Violations

Reporting Violations

We encourage the public to report any suspected violations of parish codes. To do so, residents can submit a complaint online or call our office directly (985) 359-1185. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including the address of the suspected violation and any specific concerns. Our team will assess the issue and take appropriate action.      

Upon both complaint and observation, Code Enforcement Inspectors conduct investigations of properties to determine whether alleged nuisance and zoning code violations are occurring within Parish.   For those found in violation of codes, enforcement actions can include:

  • Violation Issued: If an alleged violation is confirmed, the Division will notify the property owner and provide him/her with the opportunity to correct said violation within a specified time frame.
  • Direct Abatement: In cases that involve direct abatement by the Parish, such as a tall grass violation or, the property owner will be billed for the work performed and a lien placed against the property if the costs are not satisfied within the prescribed time frame.
  • Administrative Hearing: In cases that involve Administrative Hearings, should the Hearing Officer issue a judgment that recognizes the alleged violation, property owners will be assessed administrative fees, court costs, and associated penalties; as well as be given a time frame to correct the violation. Should the violation remain uncorrected, the Parish may abate the violation at the property owner's expense and a lien placed against the property.

By upholding these standards, the Code Enforcement Division ensures that St. John the Baptist Parish remains a safe, clean, and vibrant place for all its residents.

Request a Violation Invoice

To retrieve information regarding violation payments or to obtain a history of outstanding violations, please send a request for a Violation Payment Summary to code@stjohn-la.gov or call (985) 359-1195. To help ensure your request is addressed in a timely manner, please provide:

  1. your name;
  2. the current property owner's name;
  3. the address of the violation; and
  4. your preferred method of contact (i.e., phone, email, letter).

Please be advised that, if provided with sufficient information, requested information will be distributed to you in a timely manner, typically between one to two weeks per address.

For more details about inspections, violations, or to report a concern, please contact us at (985) 359-1195.  Our office is located on the 1st floor of the Government Building at 1811 W. Airline Hwy. in LaPlace. Office hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday excluding Government Holidays.

 

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