Baton Rouge prohibits overgrown weeds and brush as a fire and public-health nuisance. Vegetation exceeding 8 inches is a general code violation; in recognized subdivisions grass and weeds must not exceed 12 inches for more than two weeks. Enforcement is by Neighborhood Improvement and the Blight Court.
Title 12 (Nuisances), Chapter 5 (Weeds) of the City-Parish Code of Ordinances declares overgrown vegetation a public nuisance. Grass or weeds reaching 8 inches trigger a general violation; within platted subdivisions the threshold is 12 inches sustained beyond two weeks. Title 8, Chapter 16, § 8-1609 (Fire Prevention – Exterior Premises) requires combustible brush, weeds, and debris to be cleared from lots to reduce fire spread risk. The Bureau of Neighborhood Improvement (BNI) responds to complaints and can issue notices of violation. Repeat or unresolved violations may be referred to the Baton Rouge Blight Court. Property owners are responsible for maintaining all portions of their lot, including drainage ditches.
First violation: $125 fine; second violation within two years: $250; third and subsequent violations within two years: $500. Blight Court may impose additional remediation costs.
Baton Rouge, LA
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Baton Rouge, LA
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Baton Rouge, LA
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See how Baton Rouge's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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