Bossier Parish, LA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Owner fails to clear weeds after § 58-2 notice
- Owner's window
- 15 days after certified letter to do it themselves
- Penalty
- Actual cost plus $50 per trip
- If unpaid
- Lien filed, ranks with ad valorem tax lien
- Repeat offense
- $50 for second offense, rising $50 each time
Summary
When an owner in an approved unincorporated Bossier Parish subdivision fails to clear obnoxious weeds or growth after notice, Code § 58-3 lets the parish do the cutting itself, bill the owner the actual cost plus a $50.00 penalty per trip, and file a lien if the bill goes unpaid.
(a)If any owner of any lot, place, area or other property, whether vacant or with structures located thereon, within the limits of a subdivision in the unincorporated area of the parish fails to cut, destroy and remove obnoxious weeds, grass or other unhealthy growth or obnoxious matter in the manner required in this chapter, after giving proper notice, the parish shall charge the owner the actual charge, cost or expense for the cutting, destruction or removal of such weeds, grass or other deleterious, unhealthful or obnoxious matter, plus a penalty of $50.00 per trip. ... (b)No such work shall be undertaken by the parish until the owner of the lot, place, area or other property where the weeds, grass or other obnoxious matter are to be removed as shown on the last assessment roll of the parish has had an opportunity to do the work himself within 15 days after receipt of a registered or certified letter from the police jury addressed in accordance with the tax rolls of the parish.
Full Breakdown
Bossier Parish Code § 58-3, Remedies, gives the parish an enforcement path once an owner of a vacant or improved lot in an approved subdivision fails to cut, destroy, and remove obnoxious weeds, grass, or other unhealthy or obnoxious matter required by § 58-2. Before the parish can act, § 58-3(b) requires that the owner shown on the last assessment roll be given the chance to do the work himself, with 15 days to act after receiving a registered or certified letter from the police jury sent to the address on the tax rolls. 00 per trip, on top of the underlying cost. S. 9:4821(1), and can ultimately be added to the property's annual tax bill.
Violations & Fines
An owner who lets a subdivision lot's weeds or obnoxious growth go uncut after the notice and 15-day opportunity required by § 58-3(b) faces the parish performing the work itself, plus the actual cost of that work and a $50.00 penalty per trip billed to the owner. If the resulting statement is not paid within ten days, and remains unpaid a month later, the charge can be recorded as a lien on the property and, under § 58-4, repeat appearances before the property standards board add escalating fines starting at $50.00 for a second offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I ignore a weed cleanup notice on my vacant lot?
How much notice do I get before the parish acts?
Can the parish put a lien on my property over unpaid weed cutting charges?
Does the $50.00 penalty apply every time the parish has to mow my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bossier Parish
Compare Bossier 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.