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1. What can be done about student parties and related parking problems in our neighborhoods?

Loud parties are prohibited by the noise ordinance. If a party is ongoing and causing a nuisance, contact the Baton Rouge Police Department at 225-389-2000 or the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office at 225-389-5000. See the section on parking for information for what to do about parking in the streets and in yards.

2. How does single family zoning affect my property?

Single family zoning protects your neighborhood. Houses are not allowed to be used for businesses or multi-family housing. Single family homes that are being improperly used tend to generate more traffic on streets and create parking problems. Another major concern is the use of a home in a single family neighborhood as a party house, which is statistically more likely when the home is in violation of the single family housing ordinance.

Zoning districts and uses may be found in Chapter Eight of the Planning Unified Development Code.

3. What happens when residential single family dwelling violations are shown to exist by Permit and Inspections Division of the Department of Public Works?

All violations referred to the Parish Attorney’s office are pursued with some form of action until resolved. Some are determined to be qualified non-conforming uses on which no action can be taken. A few are determined to be compliant.

4. No owner is in residence in the duplex next to me. It is owned by a realtor. How does this conform to a “non-profit” basis described in single family zoning?

The scenario is that you live next to a duplex with two people in one apartment and one or two in the other. Duplexes are not single family structures. They can only be constructed in multi-family zones. If a duplex is in an A-1 zone, it is probably a non-conforming use and it is unlikely that anything can be done about them. However, many property owners will try to create garage apartments or other detached structures into rental living space, which is a violation of the single family ordinance.

5. Can a property that has been out of compliance for many years be “grandfathered” in and considered to be in compliance?

Yes. It is considered to be “legal nonconforming.” See statute LRS 9:5625.

6. Are there consequences to the property owner when issues occur with their tenants and/or property?

The owner and/or any tenant involved in committing the violation are liable and may be fined for the violation. Maximum punishments for violations of city ordinances are a $500 fine and/or up to six months of jail time at the judge's discretion.

7. Who is responsible for enforcing the Single Family zoning restrictions in neighborhoods?

Enforcement follows a flow chart. After being reported to 3-1-1 the report is sent to the Permit and Inspections Division of the Department of Public Works, which inspects the suspected violation and sends a letter notifying the residents and owner of their violation (if one indeed exists). The Inspector will then check back after a period of time adequate for the property owner or residents to correct the violation. If the property is still in violation, the Inspector will inform the Parish Attorney's Office, which will then prosecute the offenders. If necessary, the case will go to City Court. Please call the Planning Commission at 225-389-3144 to verify zoning.

8. Are rent houses businesses? Businesses are not allowed in A1 Zoning Districts. Could the laws be changed or strengthened to make these houses businesses officially?

The occupancy of a house by a single family (according to the statutory definition) is considered a single family use, regardless of the nature of the right of occupancy (ownership or rental).

The right to operate rental property in residential zones has been defended by court systems. Denying the right to rent property would create myriad problems, especially for young families who live in compliance to A-1 codes, but cannot afford to purchase a home in such a neighborhood.