St. Martin Parish, LA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 24 sets three height lines for noxious weeds, grass and other deleterious, unhealthy or noxious growths. Section 24-66(a) bars a tenant or occupant of a leased or occupied lot from letting growth stand over 12 inches, and the duty reaches any abutting sidewalk or neutral ground. Section 24-66(b) is tighter inside dedicated subdivisions: all lots must stay at a height not to exceed one foot, occupied or unoccupied. Section 24-67(a) gives the owner of a lot not leased or occupied by another person a limit of two feet, again covering abutting sidewalks and neutral ground.

Section 24-65 applies the article to all unincorporated areas of the parish and directs enforcement in "clearly established residential areas on state highways and parish roads" in addition to recognized subdivisions. Two exceptions sit in section 24-67. Naturally forested areas are not to be disturbed unless they abut an occupied lot, and then only to the extent of 50 feet adjacent to that lot; if the woods are determined to harbor rodents or other harmful animals, the owner must take appropriate action to eliminate them. Unoccupied property used for commercial farming, designated as such by occupancy and continuous use, is excluded from the article, though in no case can the owner let it become a haven for rodents or other dangerous animals.

Section 24-68 starts enforcement. The Parish Council notifies the owner or the owner's agent in writing, by certified mail to the last-known address, to cut, destroy or remove the growth along with any trash, junk or debris. One notice of nuisance complaint is issued in any 12-month period. A repeat violation in the next 12-month period brings a notice of removal, and parish or contracted abatement within seven days is authorized. Under section 24-69, if the owner has not acted within 15 days after receiving the notice, or within 15 days after the notice date when the post office returns it undelivered, the Council can order the work done by parish forces or by contract. Section 24-70 charges the cost to the owner and collects it the way taxes are collected, with the same penalties and delinquencies. Section 24-71 has the parish designee record a sworn statement of the cost in the parish mortgage office when the bill is unpaid ten days after demand, creating a lien and privilege on the lot.