§ 12:405. Maintenance of property.

(a)

Every owner of immovable property located in the parish and which is zoned within any classification other than rural shall maintain the property in such a manner that the property shall not attract rodents, reptiles, mosquitoes, vermin and other pests; and no owner of such immovable property shall allow any structure that is unoccupied and has not had running water or electricity for a period of at least two (2) weeks to exist in such a condition that it may be entered by means other than a key or forced entry, subject to the exceptions set forth below.

(b)

It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section if:

(1)

Grass or weeds are allowed to reach a height of more than twelve (12) inches over the majority of the immovable property and allowed to remain in such condition for more than two (2) weeks. This provision shall not apply to land used for the grazing of livestock or tracts of land of two (2) acres or more or a combination of contiguous tracts owned by the same owner totaling two (2) acres or more and which contains at least one (1) tract for which an active building permit is in effect.

(2)

A structure is allowed to remain unlocked or with open windows or doors or is in such condition that the doors and windows do not prevent access to the public. The provisions of this part shall not apply to utility buildings located on immovable property upon which there is an occupied dwelling, nor shall this provision apply to outbuildings or other structures which form part of a business establishment that is in operation, so long as such structure is not being used by any persons for criminal activity.

(c)

Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall pay a penalty of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) for a first violation; and upon a second violation within a two-year period, a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00); and upon a third and any subsequent violations within a two-year period, a penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

Enforcement of this section for shall be pursuant to the provisions of section 6:609, et seq. of the Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. No. 9452, § 1, 7-8-92; Ord. No. 14681, § 5, 6-10-09; Ord. No. 14723, § 1, 7-22-09; Ord. No. 14937, § 1, 6-9-10; Ord. No. 15271, § 3, 2-8-12; Ord. No. 15413, § 1, 11-14-2012)