St. Martin Parish, LA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 24-170 lets the Parish Council condemn and cause to be demolished or removed any building or structure in the parish that is in a dilapidated and/or dangerous condition which endangers the public welfare. A property is deemed "dilapidated and dangerous" if it is abandoned and it unreasonably diminishes the value of neighboring property, is unreasonably offensive to the senses of persons of ordinary sensibility, or is in any way dangerous to the health and safety of others. The article gives "blighted" the identical meaning. Abandoned means vacant or not lawfully occupied, which covers premises left unsecured so vagrants or other uninvited persons could use them as harborage. Property that is uninhabitable and carries ad valorem taxes delinquent for three years or more is presumed abandoned, a presumption the owner can rebut.

Section 24-171 sets the procedure. A parish official or other person authorized by the parish president signs a written report recommending demolition or removal, and the president or a designee serves the owner with notice to show cause at a Council meeting. The notice states the date, hour and location and is served at least ten days before the hearing, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a marshal, sheriff, deputy or constable. If the owner is absent from the state, the notice goes to the occupant and to an attorney appointed by the parish president. In a grave public emergency, the Council can condemn after 24 hours notice. The notice is filed with the recorder of mortgages.

After the hearing, section 24-172 has the Council order demolition or removal within a set delay or, at its discretion, let the owner repair, in which case the decision must specify the nature of the repairs, the time allowed and the defects to be corrected. Section 24-173 lets the owner appeal by filing suit against the parish in district court within 60 days of the decision, tried de novo, while section 24-172(b) calls the decision final unless appealed within five days as provided. If the owner neither complies nor appeals, section 24-174 lets the parish demolish after notice of the start date. Section 24-175 gives the parish a lien and privilege for demolition, removal and later upkeep, which can include grass cutting, weed abatement and trash removal.