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1. How do I report a code or zoning violation?

Report a code violation by calling 311. The complaint is routed to the appropriate department and inspected for blight violations. If there is a blight violation, the property owner is sent notice to clear the violation within 15 days and assigned a blight court date. If the violation has not been cleared by the blight court date, the court issues a judgment against the property owner and assess a fine and costs. The Department of Development is then authorized to clear the blight violation and place a lien on the property for the cost of clearing the blight violation.

2. I recently received a letter regarding a blight violation. Who do I contact?

The letter is a notice to the property owner or resident that there is a violation of one or more City/Parish ordinances. If the violation has not been corrected within the allotted time frame indicated on the notice, the resident or business must appear before the blight court judge on the day and time indicated on the letter. If you have questions about the notice, you may contact the Department of Development, Neighborhood Improvement at 225-389-8680.

3. Where is blight court held?

Blight Court is held on the 9th Floor of City Hall at 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA.

4. What is the condemnation process?

After a dilapidated structure has been identified and reported to the Department of Development, Neighborhood Improvement through 311, the property is inspected for structural damage. If the structure meets the criteria for condemnation, notices are sent to the last known owner of record. A period is given to respond, and then the property is brought before the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council at a public hearing to decide if the property should be condemned and demolished.

5. How tall can weeds or grass grow before the City/Parish will intervene?

Weeds and brush that reach of height of eight inches are considered a nuisance and a violation of the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances. The accumulation of weeds and overgrown brush creates health and safety hazards and increases the likelihood of pests and rodents in the area.

6. If a property has a blight judgment or condemnation order against it, does that mean the City/Parish owns the property?

No. The City/Parish does not own the property. The property owner still owns the property and is responsible for maintaining it. Blight judgments may be paid to the East Baton Rouge Finance Department and condemnation liens may be paid to the Parish Attorney’s Office. Please include case numbers and property addresses on all payments.

7. My neighbors’ tree is overhanging onto my property, what can be done?

The City does not have the authority to intervene when tree limbs hang over on to a neighboring property. The City encourages neighbors to work the issue out together. Owners of any property within the City are responsible for pruning tree branches so that they do not obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection. To report obstructions of sidewalks, signs and other items caused by overhanging trees or to report dead, diseased or dangerous trees, please call 311.