Gretna, LA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Cure window before city cuts
- 5 days after notice
- Per-square-foot charge
- $0.0558
- Minimum charge
- $100.00
- Cost overage surcharge
- 25 percent
- Cutting frequency
- monthly or as needed
Summary
In the City of Gretna, if weeds, grass or vegetation on a vacant lot are not cleared within five days of a violation notice, the building official can cut and remove the growth directly and bill the owner under Gretna Code of Ordinances § 24-93(b), a per-square-foot charge with a $100.00 minimum.
(b)Abatement of weeds by city. Notwithstanding whether any injunctive or other judicial relief is petitioned for in accordance with the provisions of this article, if the violation consists of weeds, grass or other vegetation on any lot, lots or other parcel of land and is not abated within five days of the notification made in accordance with section 2-1, then the building official of the city is hereby authorized to cut, destroy and remove all such grass, weeds and other deleterious or unhealthy growths of vegetation on a monthly basis or whenever required for compliance with section 24-92 of this code, and the property owner, as shown on the latest property assessment rolls, shall be assessed a charge for the cutting, destruction and removal in accordance with the following schedule:(1)A charge of $0.0558 per square foot, but not less than a minimum charge of $100.00, shall be assessed.(2)If the costs to the city for the cutting, destruction and/or removal exceeds the amount of $100.00, the owner of the property shall be assessed the actual cost, plus a surcharge equal to 25 percent of the costs to cover inspection and administrative costs.
Full Breakdown
Section 24-93(b), Abatement of weeds by city, addresses vacant and unimproved parcels specifically: regardless of whether the city also pursues an injunction or judicial abatement order under Article IV of Chapter 24, if a violation of the 12-inch height limit in § 24-92 consists of weeds, grass or other vegetation on any lot, lots or parcel of land and is not abated within five days of notification under § 2-1, the building official is authorized to cut, destroy and remove the growth on a monthly basis or as needed for compliance.
00, the owner instead pays the actual cost plus a 25 percent surcharge covering inspection and administration. The work may be performed by city employees or an independent contractor at the building official's discretion under § 24-93(c). This mechanism is distinct from the criminal misdemeanor penalty in § 24-92 itself: the city can recover its costs from the vacant-lot owner through this direct billing and lien process, separate from and in addition to any Mayor's Court citation, and § 24-94 requires that the owner first receive certified-mail, personal, or published notice identifying the violating parcel before either process begins.
Violations & Fines
Beyond the misdemeanor fine under § 1-8 (up to $500.00) for the underlying § 24-92 violation, an owner who lets the five-day cure window lapse is billed $0.0558 per square foot of the lot, minimum $100.00, or actual city cost plus a 25 percent administrative surcharge if higher, per § 24-93(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who cuts weeds on an unmaintained vacant lot in Gretna?
How much does Gretna charge to cut a vacant lot?
Can the city hire a contractor to clear my vacant lot in Gretna?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gretna
Compare Gretna 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.