Source: http://www.stpgov.org/code/content.php?parent=1289
Timestamp: 2013-06-20 00:34:05
Document Index: 761953876

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 1', '§ 1', 'Art. 1', '§ 1', 'Art. 1', '§ 1', 'Art. 1', '§ 1', 'Art. 1', '§ 1', 'Art. 1', '§ 1']

ARTICLE I IN GENERAL (Return to Table of Contents)
SEC. 14-001.00 Purpose and Definition
Note: Sections 14-001.00 through 14-009.00 repealed and replaced with Sections 14-001.00 through 14-011.00 per Ord. 04-0943, adopted 08/05/2004
The purpose of these Articles is to define and prohibit conduct that constitutes a “nuisance.” Conduct that is defined as a nuisance is expressly prohibited and shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable according to the penalties and provisions set forth in Section 14-009.00, which shall apply to all nuisances, unless a separate penalty is otherwise provided. In this regard, conduct that is a “nuisance” is hereby defined as any unlawful act or omission, or suffering or permitting any condition or thing to be or exist, which act, omission, condition or thing either:
(A)	Injures or endangers the health, safety or well-being of others; or
(B)	Essentially interferes with, obstructs or tends to obstruct or renders dangerous for passage any public or private street, highway, sidewalk, stream, ditch or drainage; or
(C)	Injures, damages, threatens to damage or tends to depreciate the value of any public or private property; or
(D)	Essentially interferes with the right of privacy within ones home or unreasonably interferes with the use of ones residential property, including sounds and noises as enumerated in Section 14-002.00(e); or
(E)	Actually causes, or imminently threatens to cause, material and substantial disruption within the community or is an invasion of the rights of others, including sounds and noises as enumerated in Section 14-002.00(f).
SEC. 14-002.00 Illustrative Enumeration
The following acts and/or omissions and the maintaining, using, placing, depositing, leaving or permitting to be or remain on any public or private property of any of the following items, conditions or actions are hereby declared to be and constitute a nuisance; provided, however, these enumera­tions shall not be deemed nor construed to be conclusive, limiting or restrictive:
(A)	Noxious weeds and other rank vegetation.
(B)	Accumulation of rubbish, trash, refuse, junk discarded or abandoned major appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges, or other machinery, metal, tin and/or other discarded or abandoned materials, metals, lumber or other things, on any vacant lot, or any portion of any occupied lot, neutral ground, street, sidewalk, drainage way or any public or private right of way. (Amended by Ord. No. 05-1175, adopted 08/04/2005)
(C)	Any condition which provides harborage for rats, mice, snakes and other vermin.
(D)	Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habita­tion, or kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health of people residing in the vicinity thereof, or presents a more than ordinarily dangerous fire hazard in the vicinity where it is located.
(E)	All noises and sounds, including animal noises, that are unreasonably loud and intrusive, raucous, jarring or disturbing and which essentially interfere with the right of privacy within ones home or unreasonably interfere with the use of ones residential property, which is defined to include single-family, duplex or multifamily dwellings, nursing homes, outpatient surgical facilities and similar facilities.
(F)	All noises or sounds that are unreasonably loud and intrusive, raucous, jarring or disturbing and which actually cause, or imminently threaten to cause, material and substantial disruption of the activities of such places as schools, courts, churches or businesses.
(G)	All obnoxious and/or dangerous odors and stenches, as well as the conditions, substances or other causes which give rise to the emission or generation of such odors and stenches.
(H) The carcasses of animals or fowl not disposed of within a reasonable time after death.
(I)	The pollution of any public well or cistern, stream, lake, canal or body of water by sewage, dead animals, creamery, industrial wastes or other substances.
(J)	Any building, structure or other place or location where any activity which is in violation of local, state or federal law is conducted, performed or maintained.
(K)	Any accumulation of stagnant water permitted or maintained on any lot or piece of ground.
(L)	Dense smoke, noxious fumes, gas, soot or cinders, in unreasonable quantities.
(M) Contractor s rubble, defined for the purposes hereof as the residue from construction, building demolition or razing of parts or the whole of structures and the residue of "do it yourself" repairs or other like operations including excavation.
(N) Building debris which is defined for the purposes hereof as plaster, roofing, concrete, brickbats, sand, discarded electrical wiring, lumber, pipes and fixtures resulting from construction repair, renovation or remodeling of any building, structure or appurtenance thereto.
(O)	Camps, buildings and structures determined to be unsafe or dangerous by the St. Tammany Parish Chief Building Official. (P)	The placing of fill material comprised in whole or in part of asphaltic and/or asbestos roofing shin­gles on any lot, place or area situated on Lake Pontchartrain or any water­way which has a current flow and is designated as a river or bayou on any official map of the State of Louisiana or any other body of water, depression or bed, whether or not there is a current flow present or water present within its bank, when such stream is identifiable on any official map of the State of Louisiana and the directional course of said stream indicates a dis­charge of water into Lake Pontchartrain, to deposit or place, or to permit the deposition or placement on such lot, place or area, or upon any river bank or seashore said lot, place or area any fill materi­al com­prised, either entirely or partly, of asphal­tic and/or asbestos roofing shingles. (Q) Tree cuttings and other associated debris in public or private drainage ways, drainage servitudes, ditches or natural or man-made canals. (R) The placing, throwing, sweeping, depositing or blowing of grass clippings, pine needles, pine cones, shrubs, brush, cut timber, the trimmings or clippings from hedges, shrubs, and/or other landscaping plants or trees, or any other yard debris, onto a public road or into any natural or manmade drainage channel, canal, easement, or roadside ditch. Any individual and/or company that is engaged in the business or regular activity that is commonly referred to as a landscape maintenance or grass cutting business shall be responsible to collect and properly dispose of all clippings, trimmings and/or other yard debris, rather than causing it, or allowing it to become, deposited on the roadway or into the drainage channel, canal, easement or roadside ditch. (Ord. 05-1175, adopted 08/04/2005)
SEC. 14-003.00 Fires For Yard Debris(A) Except as provided in (D) herein below, the burning of leaves and yard debris, such as pine needles, pine cones, shrubs, brush and cut timber shall not be a violation of this Chapter, provided that:
(1) The fire area shall not be greater than eight (8) feet in diame­ter;
SEC. 14-004.00 Notice To Abate
Whenever a nuisance is found to exist within the Parish, the sheriff, enforcement officers of the Parish Department of Planning and Permits, the parish health officer and the Chief of the applica­ble Fire Protection District, or any of their duly designated represen­tatives, shall have the authority to give written notice to abate the nuisance to the owner or occupant of the property upon which such nuisance exists or upon the person causing or maintaining the nuisance. Where the nature and circumstances of a particular nuisance violation warrants immediate enforcement, the sheriff’s office may arrest or issue a misdemeanor summons in lieu of the notice to abate. In addition, an enforcing official shall have the authority to summarily abate any nuisance which, by its nature, creates an immediate hazard to life and/or property.
SEC. 14-005.00 Contents of Notice
The notice to abate a nuisance issued under the provisions of this Article shall contain:
(A)	An order to abate the nuisance or to request a hearing within a stated time, which shall be reasonable under the circumstances.
(B)	The location of the nuisance, if the same is stationary.
(C)	A description of what constitutes the nuisance.
(D)	A statement of acts necessary to abate the nuisance.
(E) A statement that if the nuisance is not abated as directed and no request for hearing is made within the prescribed time, the Parish will abate such nuisance and assess the cost thereof against such person.
SEC. 14-006.00 Service of Notice
SEC. 14-007.00 Abatement by Parish
Upon the failure of the person upon whom notice to abate a nuisance is served pursuant to the provisions of this Article to abate the same, the enforcement officer or other duly designated officer of the Parish shall proceed to abate such nuisance and shall prepare a statement of costs incurred in the abatement thereof.
SEC. 14-008.00 Costs of Parish Declared Lien
Any and all costs incurred by the Parish in the abatement of a nuisance under the provisions of this Article shall constitute a lien against the property upon which such nuisance existed, which lien shall be filed, proven and collected as provided for by law. Such lien shall be notice to all persons from the time of its recording, and shall bear interest at the legal rate thereafter until satisfied.
SEC. 14-009.00 Penalties
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter; or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made hereunder, within the time fixed therein, shall severally for each and every violation and noncompliance, respec­tively, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than ONE HUNDRED ($100.00) DOLLARS nor more than FIVE HUNDRED ($500.00) DOLLARS, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both such fines and imprisonment. Unless specifically provided otherwise, each day that any violation of this chapter shall continue shall consti­tute a separate offense. The imposition of a penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation nor shall the violation be permitted to continue. All such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time, and when not otherwise specified, the applica­tion of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions. (Amended by Ord. No. 05-1175, adopted 08/04/2005)
SEC. 14-010.00 Unhealthful Materials, Weeds, Grass, Debris
(A) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any lot, place or area within all subdivisions, within one hundred feet (100 ) of all homes, business places or establishments and within one hundred feet (100 ) of the exterior right of way limits of all State Highways and Parish roads or streets in the Parish of St. Tammany, or the agent of such owner, to permit on such lot, place or area, or upon any sidewalk abutting same, any weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter, that may be growing, lying or located thereon.
(B) That the St. Tammany Parish Government, or its duly authorized representative, is hereby authorized and empowered to notify, in writing, the owner of any lot, place of area within the Parish of St. Tammany, or the agent of such owner, to cut, destroy and/or remove any such weeds, grass or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter, found growing, lying or located on such owner’s property, or upon the sidewalk abutting same; provided that such written notice shall be by Certified Mail, addressed to said owner or agent of said owner, at his last known address.
(C) That upon failure, neglect or refusal of any such owner, or agent of such owner to cut, destroy and/or remove such weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter, growing, lying or located upon such owner’s property, or upon the sidewalk abutting same, within ten (10) days after receipt of the written notice provided for in the preceding section, or within ten (10) days after the date of such notice, in the event the same is returned to the St. Tammany Parish Government by the U.S. Post Office because of its inability to make delivery thereof, provided the same was properly addressed to the last known address of such owner, or agent, the St. Tammany Parish Government, or its duly authorized representative, is hereby authorized and empowered to order by Parish personnel or by contract to pay for the cutting, destroying and/or removal of such weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter.
(D) That, whenever the St. Tammany Parish Government, or its duly authorized representative, has paid for the cutting, destroying and/or removing of such weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter, as set forth in the preceding section, the actual cost thereof, plus accrued interest at the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum from the date of the completion of said work, shall be charged to the owner of such property on the next regular tax bill forwarded to such owner by the Sheriff and Ex-Officio Tax Collector for the Parish of St. Tammany, if not paid by such owner prior thereto, which said charge shall be due and payable by said owner at the time of payment of such tax bill.
(E) That if the full amount due the Parish of St. Tammany is not paid by such owner within ten (10) days after the cutting, destroying and/or removal of such weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthful growths over fifteen inches (15") in height, trash, debris, refuse, discarded or noxious matter, as set forth in the two preceding sections; then, and in that case, the St. Tammany Parish Government, or its authorized representative, shall cause to be recorded in the Mortgage Office of the Parish of St. Tammany, a sworn statement showing the cost and expense incurred for the work and the date, place or property on which said work was done, and the recordation of such sworn statement shall constitute a lien and privilege on the property, and shall remain in full force and effect for the amount due in principal and interest, plus costs of court, if any, for collection, until final payment has been made; said costs and expenses shall be collected in the manner fixed by law for the collection of taxes, and, further, shall be subject to a delinquent penalty of ten percent (10%) in the event same is not paid in full on or before the date the tax bill upon which said charge appears becomes delinquent, sworn statements recorded in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be prima facie evidence that all legal formalities have been complied with and that the work has been properly and satisfactorily done, and shall be full notice to every person concerned that the amount of that statement, plus interest, constitutes a charge against the property designated or described in the statement and that the same is due and collectible as provided by law.
(F) In addition to the above remedies, violations of the provisions of this ordinance, or failure to comply with any of its requirements, shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction therefore be fined not less than FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00) per day, and in addition, shall pay all cost and expenses involved in the case; however, the maximum aggregated fines are not to exceed FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00). Each day such violation continues shall be considered as a separate offense all in accordance with Section 1-008.00 of the Parish Code of Ordinances.
(G) The Director of Permits and Inspections, the Director of Planning and all persons appointed as acting inspectors of the Parish of St. Tammany are empowered to serve a citation upon persons charged with violations of any provision contained in this section or to post a notice of violation at the place of violation.
(H) As used in this section, the term “citation” shall mean a written or printed notice served upon the person charged with a violation. Such citation shall include, but may not be limited to, the following information:
1) The name of the person creating the violation or the owner or person in charge of the premises at which the violation occurs,
2) The date and place of violation,
3) A short description of the violation followed by the number and section of the ordinance or Code article provision violated,	4) The date and place at which the person shall appear and a notice that if the person does not respond to the citation a warrant shall be issued for such person’s arrest,
5) A notice that the person charged may be represented by counsel, that he may plead guilty or not guilty, and that he has a right to a court hearing.
SEC. 14-011.00 Prohibited Tree Cuttings and Associated Debris
It shall be unlawful for any individual, tree trimming company, public utility company or other company, and its employees, engaged in tree trimming operations to leave or permit to remain on any public or private drainage ways, drainage servitudes, ditches or natural or man-made canals any tree cuttings and other associated debris. Except as otherwise provided herein, individuals, tree trimming companies and public utility or other companies shall be responsible to contemporaneously remove all such tree cuttings and other associated debris resulting from tree trimming operations.
(A) Emergencies: During times of emergencies, because of damage occasioned by such events as hurricanes, tornadoes, force majeure or other catastrophic events, when such tree trimming operations are necessary to restore such things as power, or other public utility services, tree cuttings and other associated debris shall be permitted to remain for a reasonable time under the circumstances. Clean-up of trees and limbs that are broken and blown over by forces such as wind and rain or structural failure shall not be the responsibility of said utility companies or their tree contractors. The responsibility for clean-up of trees and debris due to wind or rain or structural failure shall belong to each respective individual property owner. However, under no circumstances shall post storm tree trimming activities result in debris being placed in and left to remain in any drainage way, drainage servitude, ditch or natural or man-made canal.
(B) Contemporaneous removal: Except in cases of emergencies, which shall not include pre-storm activities, all tree cuttings and other associated debris shall be removed from the location where the activity is being conducted contemporaneously with the tree trimming activity of that particular day and no tree cuttings and associated debris shall be permitted to remain at the site.
(C) Notice: Whenever the public nuisance set forth in this Section exists within the parish, in violation of Section 14-002.00 of this Chapter, the enforcing agency shall order the company creating the nuisance to immediately remove all cuttings and other associated debris from the site. Such order shall:
(2)	Specify the public nuisance and its location;
(3)	Specify the corrective measures required and the enforcement measures that may be taken;
(4)	Provide for compliance within ten (10) days from the service thereof; and
(5) Provide for an opportunity for a pre-enforcement hearing and extension of time by written request received by the enforcing agency within ten (10) days.
(6) The order or notice shall be served upon a domestic or foreign corporation by personal service upon the designated agent or by sending the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address of the designated agent as shown on the records of the secretary of state. If the corporation has failed to designate an agent, if there is no registered agent by reason of death, resignation or removal, or if the person attempting to make service certifies that he is unable, after due diligence, to serve the designated agent, service may be made by (i) service on any officer, or director, or any person named as such in the last report filed with the secretary of state, (ii) by personal service on any employee of suitable age and discretion at any place where the business of the corporation is regularly conducted, (iii) or by any other method of service authorized by law for service of lawsuits in civil cases.
(D) Within the ten-day period following service of notice, the company shall either remove all tree cuttings and associated debris or apply to the enforcing agency for a pre-enforcement hearing and request for extension of time, which shall set forth the reasons why such an extension should be granted. If the company fails to remove the cuttings and associated debris, within the ten-day period of notification, and fails to timely request a hearing and extension of time, the parish may have the cuttings and associated debris removed, at the expense of the company.
(E) Notice presumed from refused certified mail: For purposes of this Section, when service of notice by certified mail has been refused, the company is deemed to have received notice in accordance with the provisions of this section, and the ten-day period commences to run on the date of refusal.
(F) When immediate action is required: Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the parish, without notice and opportunity for pre-enforcement hearing, from removing, or having removed, at the expense of the responsible company, any cuttings or associated debris that is actually blocking drainage or ingress and egress, or which otherwise presents an imminent threat to public safety.
(G) Requirement of bond: Any company that has been determined to have violated the provisions of this Section, on at least two occasions, may be required to post bond, in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND ($5,000.00) DOLLARS, which may be applied to satisfy the costs of any future violations of this Section.
(Sections 14-001.00 - 14-011.00 Ord. 04-0943, adopted 08/05/2004)
ARTICLE II ABANDONED OR INOPERATIVE VEHICLES ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY (Return to Table of Contents)
The regulations and provisions of this Article shall not preclude, supercede or repeal any enforcement measures taken, or procedures and regulations adopted, in accordance with the authority granted under La.R.S. 32:473.1 and St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13, Division I, Section 13-002.00. The regulations contained within the Sections of this Article shall be considered as additional and/or supplemental regulations to those contained in Chapter 13, Division I, Section 13-002.00.
The accumulation of abandoned, inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles on public and/or private property are also found to create a condition tending to reduce the value of property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, to create a harborage for rodents and insects, and to be injurious to the health, safety and general welfare. Further, an abandoned, inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicle on public property, particularly on a street, shoulder, sidewalk, neutral ground or right of way constitutes a traffic hazard and imminent threat to public safety. Therefore, the presence of such abandoned, inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles on public or private property, except as may be expressly hereinafter permitted, is declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
SEC. 14-017.00 Definitions
(b) Abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles on private property means a motor vehicle, situated upon any occupied or unoccupied private property, which is totally inoperable and is so damaged or dismantled as to be a total loss. The term “total loss” shall mean that the cost to repair a damaged or dismantled motor vehicle exceeds the value of such vehicle, as determined by any recognized national appraisal book. Lack of current and/or valid registration, inspection sticker, or license plate alone does not constitute abandoned, inoperative condition.
(e) Motor Vehicle or vehicle shall mean every device by which persons or things may be transported upon a public highway or bridge, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, and includes a “motor vehicle”, which is commonly referred to as a car, any passenger vehicle, truck, tractor, tractor-trailer, truck-trailer, motor home, motorcycle, trailer or semi-trailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power. A trailer or semitrailer shall be a separate vehicle.
(g) Owner of the premises means the owner of the land on which the vehicle is located, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.	(h) Secured motor vehicle means any abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles on private property, which is completely enclosed within a building, garage, or under a carport, or is otherwise covered and placed at the rear of a residence or other primary structure that is located on the property in such a manner that the vehicle is not otherwise visible from the street or other public or private property.
(i) Unoccupied property means vacant land and property upon which there is a residential or commercial structure that would constitute “blighted property,” a “derelict and dangerous structure,” or be considered “vacant or not lawfully occupied,” although “secured,” as those terms are defined in Ordinance C.S. No. 05-1104, adopted May 5, 2005, and set forth in St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article III. (Ord. 06-1325, adopted 07/06/2006)
SEC. 14-019.00 Exceptions
(d) Any antique vehicle retained by the owner for collection purposes, as defined herein, rather than for salvage or for transportation; and (e) Any motor vehicle stored as the property of a member of the armed forces the United States who is on active duty assignment. (Ord. 06-1325, adopted 07/06/2006)
-In the case of an abandoned motor vehicle on public property: Warning, this vehicle has been posted for being in violation of parish ordinance Section 14:018.00(a), an abandoned motor vehicle on public property, and must be removed, within seventy-two (72) hours following the date and time shown on this notice, or the vehicle will be removed and stored, at the owner’s expense, and disposed of in accordance with law.
-In the case of abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles on unoccupied private property: Warning, this vehicle has been posted for being in violation of parish ordinance Section 14:018.00(b), an abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobile or motor vehicle on unoccupied private property, and must be removed, within fifteen (15) days following the date and time shown on this notice, or the vehicle will be removed and stored, at the owner’s expense, and disposed of in accordance with law.
(d) A statement that the vehicle is in violation of parish ordinance Section 14:018.00(b), an abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobile or motor vehicle on occupied private property, and that the vehicle must be removed or secured, within fifteen (15) days of the date of this notice, or a request for administrative hearing must be requested, in writing, within fifteen (15) days following the date of this notice. The vehicle may be secured, and the nuisance abated, by completely enclosing the vehicle within a building, garage, or under a carport, or by covering the vehicle and placing it at the rear of a residence or other primary structure that is located on the property in such a manner that the vehicle is not otherwise visible from the street or other public or private property. Warning, if the vehicle is not removed or secured, within fifteen (15) days of the date of this notice, or an administrative hearing requested, within fifteen (15) days of the date of this notice, and the Administrative Hearing Officer thereafter determines that you are in violation of the ordinance, the Administrative Hearing Officer may order the vehicle to be removed and stored, at the owner’s expense, and disposed of in accordance with law.
An officer of the enforcing agency is authorized to enter private property, without the consent of the owner of the premises, for the purpose of investigating and/or posting any motor vehicle, when the enforcing officer reasonably believes that there is a violation of this ordinance. Following the posting of any motor vehicle and/or service of written notice, an officer of the enforcing agency is authorized to enter private property, without the consent of the owner of the premises, for the purpose of removing any motor vehicle that is determined to be in violation of this ordinance and authorized to be removed. The removal, storage and disposition of any motor vehicle, which is found to be in violation of this ordinance and subject to removal by the enforcing agency, shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
The Parish may employ its own personnel, equipment and facilities for the removal and/or the storage of any vehicle determined to be in violation of this ordinance or may employ such persons, equipment and facilities for the purpose of removing, storing and disposing of any such vehicles. Sec. 14-022.00 Penalty for failing or refusing to comply
In the case of one or more abandoned junk, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles on occupied or unoccupied private property, each vehicle found to be in violation of this ordinance shall constitute a separate offense. Each day that the nuisance remains, following expiration of the time to remove or secure the vehicle, or to apply for an administrative hearing, shall constitute a separate offense and a civil penalty of Fifty ($50.00) Dollars per day shall be imposed. In all cases where a vehicle has been determined to be in violation of this Article, and the vehicle is removed and stored by the enforcing agency as authorized, the owner shall be responsible for all costs and charges associated with the removal, storage and disposition of such vehicle. If a vehicle is removed and stored by the enforcing agency, and the vehicle is subsequently claimed by the owner or representative, the owner or representative, upon claiming the vehicle, shall be responsible for the payment of all costs and charges associated with the removal, storage and disposition of a said vehicle. The costs and charges associated with the removal and storage of a vehicle shall not exceed the amount of two hundred ($200.00) dollars, for removal, and thirty ($30.00) dollars per day storage.
(a)	By registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the last registered owner of the vehicle, or to the owner of the private property as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.
(c)	The notice shall include a copy of any posting notice that was placed on the vehicle.
(d)	The notice shall inform the owner of the vehicle that unless the vehicle is claimed in person, by the owner or representative of the owner (the insurer, lien holder, mortgage holder, or agent with written authority of the owner), within three (3) months of the mailing of the notice, the vehicle shall be considered abandoned and, therefore, public property to be disposed of in accordance with the provisions set forth in subparagraph three (3) below.
(e)	The notice shall inform the owner of the costs and charges that must be paid upon claiming the vehicle.
(f)	For purposes of this Article, when the owner of the premises, or owner of the vehicle, has been sent notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and such certified mail is refused, the owner is deemed to have received notice in accordance with this provision, as of the date of the refusal.
SEC. 14-024.00 Right to enter upon private property
SEC. 14-025.00 Notice to owner or occupant to abate public nuisance on occupied or unoccupied premises.
Whenever any public nuisance, as provided for herein, exists on occupied or unoccupied premises within the parish in violation of Section 14-021.00, the enforcing agency shall order the owner of the vehicle, or the owner or the occupant of the premises whereon such public nuisance exists, to abate or remove the same. Such order shall: Be in writing; Specify the public nuisance and its location; Specify the corrective measures required and the enforcement measures that may be taken; Provide for compliance within fifteen (15) days from the service thereof; and Provide for an opportunity for a pre-enforcement hearing before the Parish Director of Planning by written request received by the enforcing agency within ten (10) days of receipt of notice. The order shall be served upon the owner or occupant of the premises by serving him personally or by sending the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address of the premises or of the owner if different from the premises, and the address shown by the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles for the vehicle in question. Within the fifteen-day period after service of notice, the owner or occupant of the premises or the owner of the vehicle shall abate the nuisance by (1) removing the nuisance from the premises, or (2) enclosing the vehicle as provided in Section 14-023.00(a). It shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant of the property or owner of the vehicle to notify the enforcing agency as soon as the vehicle has been removed or enclosed. Upon notification, the enforcing agency will set up an appointment in order to verify that compliance has taken place. If owner or occupant of the premises or the owner of the vehicle fails to abate the nuisance within the fifteen-day period of notification and fails to timely request a hearing, the enforcing agency may issue a misdemeanor summons to the owner or occupant of the premises or may seek to have the vehicle removed from the premises by means of injunctive relief and imposition of civil penalties. SEC. 14-026.00 Notice presumed from refused certified mail
SEC. 14-027.00 Failure or refusal to comply
SEC. 14-028.00 Removal from occupied premises when owner’s whereabouts are unknown or notice is returned unclaimed
SEC. 14-029.00 Removal of vehicles from private property
ARTICLE III BLIGHTED PROPERTY, DERELICT AND DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND OTHER DANGEROUS STRUCTURES PROHIBITED (Return to Table of Contents)
In addition to and in accordance with the determination made and the authority granted by La. R.S. 33:4754, to secure and remove any building or other structure which, by reason of its nature or condition, endangers the public welfare or safety, La. R.S. 33:1236(49), relating to the repair and condemnation of buildings, dwellings, and other structures that have become derelict and present a danger to the health and welfare of residents of the parish, and La.R.S. 14:107.3, relating to criminal blighting of property, which means those commercial or residential premises, including lots, which have been declared vacant, uninhabitable, and hazardous by the administrative hearing officer, any such building or other structure which, by reason of its nature or condition, endangers the public welfare or safety, any such buildings, dwellings and other structures that have become derelict and present a danger to the health and welfare of residents of the parish, and any commercial or residential premises, including lots, which have been declared vacant, uninhabitable, and hazardous by the administrative hearing officer are hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance, which is expressly prohibited and which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this part.
For purposes of this ordinance, any property defined as “blighted property,” “derelict and dangerous,” “otherwise dangerous to human life” or “vacant or not lawfully occupied” shall constitute a public nuisance. Any property that is determined to be a public nuisance, following due notice and a hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions set forth herein, shall be ordered by the hearing officer to be secured and repaired, or the violation corrected, or, depending upon the circumstances, shall declare the property condemned and order it to be demolished and removed. Additionally, the hearing officer shall have all such other authority as set forth herein after.
Sec. 14-030.01 Standards and DefinitionsA. Blighted Property. For the purposes of, and in order to meet the provisions of, R.S. 14:107.3:
(3) "Public nuisance,” for purposes of blighted property, means any garage, shed, barn, house, building, or structure, that by reason of the condition in which it is permitted to remain, may endanger the health, life, limb, or property of any person, or cause any hurt, harm, damages, injury, or loss to any person in any one or more of the following conditions:
(1) The phrase "derelict and present a danger to the health and welfare,” as used herein, shall include, but not be limited to, buildings or structures which have any of the following characteristics:
(i).	Those which have interior walls or other vertical structural members that list, lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity falls outside the middle third of its base.
(ii).	Those which, exclusive of the foundation, show thirty-three (33) percent or more of damage or deterioration of the supporting member or members or fifty (50) percent of damage or deterioration of the non supporting, enclosing or outside walls or covering.
(iii).	Those which have improperly distributed loads upon the floors or roofs or in which the same are overloaded, or which have insufficient strength to be reasonably safe for the purpose used.
(iv).	As a result of deterioration, inadequate maintenance, damage by fire, wind or other causes so to have become dangerous to life, safety, morals or the general health and welfare of the occupants or people of the parish.
(b)	Those which are unhealthful, as follows:
(i).	Those which are so dilapidated, decayed or unsanitary or which so utterly fail to provide the amenities essential to decent living that they are unfit for human habitation, or are likely to cause sickness or disease, so as to work injury to the health, morals, safety or general welfare of those occupying such building.
(ii).	Reserved (c)	Those which constitute a fire hazard, as follows:
(i).	Those buildings containing electrical wiring and appliances in dangerous and defective conditions likely to cause fire. Electrical wiring and appliances installed or in use which are not in compliance with the provisions of any ordinance of the parish regarding such wiring or appliances and the installation thereof shall be deemed dangerous and defective.
(ii).	Those buildings containing gas plumbing or appliances in dangerous or defective condition likely to cause fire. Gas plumbing or appliances installed or in use which are not in compliance with the provisions of any ordinances of this parish regulating such plumbing and appliances and the installation thereof shall be deemed dangerous and defective.
(iii).	Those buildings which contain combustible or explosive matter or accumulation of rubbish, trash or unnecessary accumulation of waste paper, boxes, shavings or any highly flammable materials especially liable to fire, therein, or in close proximity thereto.
(iv).	Those buildings containing numerous openings in the walls or other unstopped spaces throughout, attributable to vandalism or general disrepair, which increased the risk of conflagration in the area.
(v).	Those buildings which are vacant and have windows, doors or other openings which remain unsecured permitting entry by unauthorized persons.
(vi).	Those buildings which contain other fire hazards in violation of the National Fire Prevention Act, the state fire marshal act, the building code, and provisions of the Code or other ordinances of this parish if the violation is of such a nature that the building constitutes a danger to its occupants and/or others.
(d)	Those which are otherwise dangerous to human life:
(i).	Those, regardless of their structural condition, which have during times that they were not actually occupied by their owners, lessees or other invitees, been left unsecured from unauthorized entry to the extent that they may be entered and utilized by vagrants or other uninvited persons as a place of harborage or may be entered and utilized by children as a play area.
(ii).	Those which have part thereof which are so attached that they may fall and injure members of the public or property.
(iii).	Those which are not provided with adequate egress.
(iv).	Those buildings existing in violation of any provisions of this Code, the building code, the fire code, or other ordinances of this parish if the violation is of such a nature that the building constitutes a danger to its occupants and/or others. C. Vacant or Not Lawfully Occupied: “Vacant or not lawfully occupied” building or other structure shall include but not be limited to any premises which is not actually occupied by its owner, lessee, or other invitee, and has been left unsecured or inadequately secured from unauthorized entry to the extent that the premises may be entered and utilized by vagrants or other invited persons as a place of harborage or any premises which by reason of dilapidation, deterioration, state of disrepair, or other such status is otherwise detrimental to or endangers public safety, health or welfare. The property does not have to have been declared blighted.
D. Secured: For the purposes of this Section, the term "secured" shall mean the closing of the building or structure by means of placing or attaching boards or other materials over doors, windows, and other means of entrance in order to prohibit persons from entering the building or structure and in order to maintain it in its present condition without further damage to such building or structure or danger to the public welfare and safety. (1) A building that is boarded up, fenced or otherwise secured in any manner may, nevertheless, be deemed to be a dangerous building under the foregoing criteria if:
(a).	The building constitutes a danger to the public even though secured from entry; or
(b).	It is found that the means utilized to secure the building are not adequate to prevent unauthorized entry of the building.
(a)	If a building or structure has, upon inspection, been found to be in violation of the provisions set forth herein above, the building shall be posted with a violation notice in accordance with Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12(b) and written notice of the hearing shall be made in accordance with the provisions Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12 of this Code.
(b)	After completion of the presentation of testimony by all parties appearing at the scheduled hearing, the hearing officer shall make written findings of fact as to whether or not the building or structure constitutes “blighted property,” “derelict and dangerous,” “otherwise dangerous” or vacant or not lawfully occupied” according to the definitions and standards set forth in Sec. 14-021.01 herein above.
(1)	That the building shall be vacated if same is occupied and the hearing officer finds that the building is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the health, safety or welfare of its occupants;
(2)	That the building shall be either repaired or demolished and removed (at the owner’s option), if it can reasonably be brought into compliance by repair;
(3)	That the building be demolished and removed if it cannot reasonably be repaired; and (4)	If the building is unoccupied and the condition of the building is such that it may be brought into compliance by securing it from unauthorized entry, then the order may provide that it be secured and be kept secured and may include or adopt written specifications that must be complied with in securing the building and the order may provide that the building be demolished and removed if it is not secured in compliance therewith.
The persons having an interest in the property shall be given a reasonable period of time in which to comply with the hearing officer’s order, such period not to exceed thirty (30) days, unless, in the judgment and discretion of the hearing officer, it is determined that a greater period of time is necessary. The order shall state the date by which the action ordered must be completed, and state that the Parish agency or department having enforcement responsibility shall cause the building to be vacated, repaired and/or demolished if the persons having an interest in the property do not comply with the order. The order of the hearing officer shall be served on all persons having an interest in the property as provided in Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12(i) of this Code.
( c)	If the persons having an interest in the property fail to comply with the order of the hearing officer within the time specified in the order for compliance, the Parish agency or department having enforcement responsibility shall cause such building to be vacated, repaired and/or demolished pursuant to the order of the hearing officer.
(d)	In any instance in which an order had been issued that a building be brought into compliance by securing the building and the owner complies with the order by securing the building, the hearing officer’s case file shall, nevertheless, remain active for a period of three (3) years from the date of signature of the order. The Parish agency or department having enforcement responsibility may request that the hearing officer reconvene the hearing if he receives evidence that the building has not remained secured and is in contravention of this Article. Upon notice to the owner, lien holders, occupants and other persons having an interest in the property, the hearing officer shall reconvene the hearing. If the hearing officer finds that the building remains a dangerous building notwithstanding the owner’s efforts to secure it, he may issue a revised order that the building be demolished.
A.	In cases where it reasonably appears that there is immediate danger to the health, life or safety of any person unless the building is immediately repaired, vacated, demolished or secured, the Parish agency or department having enforcement responsibility shall report such facts to the director of the department of inspection and code enforcement. If the director finds that there is in fact an immediate danger to the health, life or safety of any person unless the building is immediately repaired, vacated, demolished or secured, he shall cause the immediate repair, vacation, demolition or securing of such building, without any requirement for notice to the owner or interested parties in advance.
B.	Whenever the director causes a building to be repaired, vacated, demolished or secured pursuant to this section, he shall cause a notice, as described in Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12(b), to be posted on the building.
Further, whenever the director causes a building to be repaired, vacated, demolished or secured pursuant to this section, he shall also cause notice to be given to the owners and lien holders of the building, all persons having possession of any portion thereof, and all other persons who may have an interest in the building that a hearing will be held concerning the orders issued in connection therewith. The notice shall set forth the specific conditions which render the building an immediate danger, within the standards set forth herein above, the date, time and place of such hearing, that all persons having an interest in the building may appear in person and/or be represented by an attorney, and may present testimony and may cross-examine all witnesses. The notice shall comply with the provisions set out in Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12 of this Code, however, the hearing shall be held as soon as it is reasonably possible, but in no case later than ten (10) days after the director of the Parish agency or department having enforcement responsibility has caused the building to be repaired, vacated, demolished or secured, unless all persons having either an ownership interest or a possessory interest in the building request a continuance of the hearing. At such a hearing, the burden shall be upon the parish to show that there was an immediate danger to health, life or safety necessitating immediate action, and whether the building constitutes a dangerous building within the provisions of this article at the time of the hearing. After completion of the presentation of the testimony by all parties appearing, the hearing officer shall make written findings of fact as to whether or not the building was an immediate danger to health, life or safety necessitating the action taken by the director of the department of inspection and code enforcement, and whether the building was a dangerous building within the provisions of this article. If the hearing officer finds that there was an immediate danger to public health, life or safety that required the action that was taken, all administrative expenses and any cost of repair or demolition shall be calculated and assessed to the owners of the building, and shall constitute a lien and privilege on the land on which the building stands or stood, which shall bear legal interest at the rate provided by law. If the hearing officer finds that the building, at the time of the hearing, constitutes a dangerous building within the provisions of this article, he shall issue an order for its abatement as set out in Sec. 14-021.02 above. The provisions of Sec. 14-021.02, above, and Ch. 1, Art. 1 § 1-012.12 shall be applicable to any such order.
B.	With respect to the provisions of this Section, any and all requirements to assess or levy fees, costs, liens and the like may be waived by the Office of the Parish President.
C.	With respect to the provisions of this Section, any and all requirements for notice may be waived by the Office of the Parish President.
(2) Any fine, costs and interest on costs incurred by the parish shall be paid prior to cancellation of the lien. The rate of interest shall not exceed the rate of legal interest, as provided in Civil Code Article 2924, and shall be computed from the date of recordation of the lien until paid or enforced.
(3) The lien obtained by the parish shall not only include the costs provided for in Subsection A of this Section but shall include all attorneys’ fees and all costs incurred in the locating of the owner, notification of the owner, and the enforcement and collection of the amount secured by the lien.
(4) In accordance with R.S. 33:4754, the parish s privilege and lien shall prime all other liens or privileges against the property filed after the notice to the owner is filed with the recorder of mortgages pursuant to this Section, regardless of the date on which the parish s lien and privilege is perfected, except that parish s lien and privilege will not prime other tax liens against the property.
(2) If within six months after the filing of the lien provided for in this Section, the property owner fails to pay such lien and any interest thereon, the director of finance or equivalent officer of the parish may offer for sale and subsequently sell or otherwise convey such property. The procedure for notice, advertisement, and sale of the property shall be governed by the law applicable to the sale of real property for delinquent municipal or parish taxes except that the property owner s right of redemption shall be limited to six months from the time the property is sold. Redemption by the original owner shall require reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the purchaser in the purchase and renovation of the property in addition to payment of liens placed on the property pursuant to this Section, interest thereon, and any amounts required by law applicable to the redemption of property sold for delinquent taxes.
C. (1) The governing authority of the parish may request and the adjutant general may assign subject to the approval of the governor, national guard personnel and equipment to assist in the removal and demolition of condemned buildings, structures, or public nuisances. The provisions of this Subsection shall be applicable when the budget for the demolition and removal of condemned structures has been expended by the governing authority of the parish. However, the request must be accompanied by documentation that all procedural protections and substantive restraints have been adhered to by the parish.
(2) In the event all procedural protections and substantive restraints have been adhered to by the parish, the parish and its personnel and the national guard and its personnel shall not be liable to the owner of the building, structure, or public nuisance for any damages sustained resulting from the demolition of the building, structure, or public nuisance.
ARTICLE IV NOISE AND SOUND (Return to Table of Contents)
SEC. 14-035.00 Investigating and Enforcing Noise Violations
It is hereby declared that at certain levels, sounds may be detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of the citizenry. Therefore, St. Tammany Parish prohibits sounds that constitute a nuisance, as defined in Section 14-001.00(d) and (e), and illustrated in Section 14-002.00(e) and (f). In the investigation and enforcement of the provisions relating to sound, consideration shall be given to the time, place and manner or nature of the sound complained of ( i.e. - emergency work, impulsive sound or amplification). Additionally, to aid the enforcing agency in determining if the particular sound constitutes a nuisance as defined in Section 14-001.00(d) and (e), and illustrated in Section 14-002.00(e) and (f), the following definitions and decibel levels are established.
SEC. 14-136.00 Definitions
(A)	Decibels: Decibel shall mean a unit of level when the base of the logarithm is the tenth root of ten and the quantities concerned are proportional to power.
(B)	Emergency Work: Emergency work shall mean work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity or work required to protect persons or property from an imminent exposure to danger or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.
(C)	Impulsive Sound: Impulsive sound shall mean a sound of short duration. Usually less than one second, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay. Examples of sources of impul­sive sound include but not limited to explosions, drop forge impacts, and the discharge of firearms.
(D)	Sound: Sound shall mean an oscillation in pressure, parti­cle displace­ment, particle velocity or other physical param­eter, in a medium with inter­nal forces that causes compres­sion and rarefaction of that medium. The descrip­tion of sound may include any charac­teristic of such sound, including duration, intensity and frequen­cy.
(E)	Sound Level: Sound level, in decibels (dB), is the sound measured with the (A) weighting and slow response by a sound level meter.
(F)	Weekend: Weekend shall mean Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and include holidays as established by the Parish.
(G)	Weekday: Weekday shall mean any day Monday through Thurs­day.
(Ord. 04-0943, adopted 08/05/2004)
SEC. 14-137.00 Readings of dB(A) by Zoning District
An increase of 10 dB(a) is allowed for impulsive sounds.
To determine the sound level, three readings will be taken at the complainant s dwelling or structure and the mean of these read­ings will determine the actual decibel count.
(A)	A1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, PUD, RC, and MH
Maximum dB(A)
Daytime -	7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends.	65
Nighttime -	9 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays.
10 p.m. to 8 a.m. weekends.	60
(B) C-2. C-3. and ID
Daytime -	7 a.m. to 11 p.m. entire week.	70
Nighttime -	11 p.m. to 7 a.m. entire week.	60
(C) M-1, M-2. and M-3
Daytime -	7 a.m. to 11 p.m. entire week.	75
Nighttime -	11 p.m. to 7 a.m. entire week.	65
(D) LC. C-l. R. and SA
SEC. 14-138.00 Special Notes And General Statements
(A) Special events permitted by the Parish shall be exempt from the Sound Control Ordinance.
(B) Emergency Work or sounds from an emergency vehicle shall be exempt from this Sound Control Ordinance.
(C) Construction activity and general maintenance shall be exempt from daytime decibel restrictions but the maximum nighttime sound levels shall apply in all instances.
(Ord. No. 93-1841, adopted 10/21/93; amended by Ord. 04-0943, adopted 08/05/2004)