Ascension Parish, LA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Two separate provisions cover abandoned vehicles in unincorporated Ascension Parish. On public property, Code § 20-2 makes it unlawful to abandon any automobile, truck, or other motor vehicle on parish roads, canals, drainage areas, rights-of-way, servitudes, or other publicly controlled areas; a vehicle left there more than 72 hours may be towed and stored at the owner's expense, and if it sits unclaimed for more than 10 additional days the parish can sell it at public auction to cover removal and storage costs. On private property, §§ 11-110 through 11-118 declare that unregulated storage of abandoned, inoperative, dismantled, junked, or wrecked vehicles, and white goods like refrigerators and washers, is a public nuisance because it lowers surrounding property values, invites blight and plundering, and creates fire hazards.

The sheriff or the parish code enforcement office, as the enforcing agency, can enter the property to investigate and must serve the owner a written order under § 11-114 specifying the violation and giving 15 days to remove or fully enclose the vehicle, with a right to request a pre-enforcement hearing before the parish director of planning within 10 days. Certified mail that is refused still counts as valid notice, with the 15-day clock starting on the refusal date under § 11-115. Vehicles fully enclosed in a garage or carport, stored at a licensed salvage business, or kept as an antique or special-interest vehicle 25 years or older for collection purposes are exempt under § 11-112.

If the owner's whereabouts are unknown, the parish can advertise for the owner twice within 30 days before taking possession under state law per § 11-117.