Vermilion Parish, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 30-6 is the parish's vegetation clearance rule. Subsection (a) covers any landowner, tenant, lessee or other possessor of property, and it reaches two things: the growth of any vegetation and the placement of any object that would obstruct the sight of motorists trying to observe traffic. The rule applies at or near intersections of parish roads and at intersections of parish roads with state or federal highways. The code refers to a sight distance clearance diagram for the required clearance, so the measurements come from that diagram rather than from the printed text.

Enforcement runs on two tracks. Under subsection (b), a person found in violation is punished as provided in section 1-7. Under subsection (c), the Police Jury can remove any vegetation or obstruction that violates the chapter, and the removal is at the cost of the landowner, tenant, lessee or other possessor of the property where the vegetation or obstruction sits. Nothing in the section requires a prior notice period before the Police Jury acts.

Two neighboring provisions matter for anyone trimming. Section 30-8(b) requires any structure placed in a parish road right-of-way to have a four-foot radius clear zone in which vegetation is kept mowed or trimmed so it does not obscure visibility of the structure. If the owner does not maintain that zone, § 30-8(d) says no person, including the Police Jury and its employees, is responsible for damage to the structure. Once branches are cut, § 32-35 tells residents to place tree trimmings and hedge cuttings at the back of the road right-of-way, with no piece longer than six feet or wider than 18 inches in diameter.