East Baton Rouge Parish, LA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Code Sec. 12:651 (Title 12, Ch 11)
- Notice to cure
- 15 days before Blight Court
- Penalty
- Up to $500 and/or 30 days
- Enforcement
- Parish Attorney / 311 code enforcement
- Lien
- City clears, liens cleanup cost
Summary
East Baton Rouge Parish runs an active blight program. Code Sec. 12:651 defines blight to include junk, trash, inoperable vehicles, illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, pests, and dilapidated structures. Owners get 15 days to clear, then face Blight Court.
"Blight" encompasses conditions upon or affecting premises, which are hazardous to the health, safety or welfare of the public, and includes accumulation of junk, trash, debris, inoperable vehicles, illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, pest infestation, dilapidated structures, and condemned properties.
Full Breakdown
The consolidated City of Baton Rouge / Parish of East Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances, Title 12, Chapter 11, Sec. 12:651 defines "blight" as conditions hazardous to public health, safety or welfare. Reports go through 311 to the Parish Attorney's Office Code Enforcement and Department of Development, Neighborhood Improvement (225-389-8680). If a violation is found, the owner is sent notice to clear it within 15 days and assigned a Blight Court date. If not cleared, the court enters judgment, assesses a fine and costs, and the Department of Development is authorized to clear the violation and place a lien on the property for the cost of the abatement.
Violations & Fines
Blight is a misdemeanor; up to $500 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment. City clears the violation and liens the property for cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as blight in Baton Rouge?
How do I report a blighted property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Baton Rouge Parish
Compare East Baton Rouge Parish to another location·View the Louisiana property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.