Lafayette Parish, LA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit, occupied areas
- 12 inches
- Height limit, outlying tracts
- 24 inches
- Ag/forest buffer required
- 50 feet
- Administrative fee
- $250 plus contractor cost
- Territorial reach
- City of Lafayette + unincorporated parish
Summary
Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government bans weeds, grass or noxious growth over 12 inches on lots within occupied neighborhoods, or 24 inches on outlying tracts -- covering both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish.
No tenant or occupant of any leased, occupied or unoccupied lot, place, property or area shall permit any noxious weeds, grass, or deleterious, unhealthy or noxious growths more than 12 inches in height to grow, stand or accumulate on any portion of any lot, place or area leased or occupied by the person, or on any abutting sidewalk or neutral ground; nor shall such person allow a lot, place or area of any abutting sidewalk or neutral ground to become a haven for rodents or other dangerous animals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 97-28 sets two height limits: 12 inches for noxious weeds, grass or deleterious growth on lots within the city limits and occupied subdivisions or neighborhoods, and 24 inches for lots outside those occupied areas. The rule binds owners, tenants and occupants alike, and it reaches abutting sidewalks and neutral grounds. Agricultural, forest and woodland parcels get a partial exemption but still must cut a 50-foot buffer along boundaries adjoining occupied subdivisions or public streets. Per Sec. 97-27, the article expressly governs 'the City of Lafayette' and 'the unincorporated Parish of Lafayette' together -- it is not limited to areas outside city limits.
Violations & Fines
Public works can enter after notice, cut the growth, and bill the owner a $250 administrative fee plus contractor costs; unpaid charges become a lien added to the property tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Lafayette city limits?
What happens if I don't cut overgrown weeds after notice?
Are farm or forest properties exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana property maintenance overview
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