Terrebonne Parish, LA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Under Terrebonne Parish Code Chapter 14, Article IV, undeveloped residential property inside a subdivided area cannot grow tall grass or weeds within the designated buffer zone, and owners of any undeveloped residential lot cannot let trash or junk accumulate anywhere on the property. Industrial, commercial and agricultural tracts face a narrower rule: the ordinance only reaches the outer 30 feet measured from every property line for grass and weeds, but bars junk and trash accumulation across the entire lot. Section 14-26 defines "tall grass" as vegetation over 12 inches high, measured perpendicular from the ground, and exempts hay production, established forest land held at least three years, wetlands and properly maintained composting containers.

If an owner ignores a nuisance warning, the planning and zoning director may enter the property under Section 14-69 after 10 days' notice by registered mail, cut the vegetation, and bill the owner under Section 14-70; unpaid bills become a lien on the property with the same ranking as an ad valorem tax lien. A repeat violation on the same parcel within 12 months lets TPCG do the work again without a fresh notice. Criminal enforcement runs through Section 14-302: a law enforcement officer with probable cause can summons the owner to City Court of Houma, where conviction carries a fine up to $500, up to 60 days imprisonment, or both.