Vermilion Parish, LA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 30-3 is the parish's core rule on blocking the public way. Subsection (a) bars anyone from obstructing, in any manner, a parish roadside ditch or right-of-way, and it names backfilling, depositing of material and plowing as examples. The prohibition is tied to hazard: the obstruction must create a hazard to the public. Subsection (b) adds a second offense, damaging the surface of any parish road or right-of-way so as to create a hazard.

The Police Jury does the cleanup itself and sends the bill. Under subsection (d), when the Police Jury responds to the incident it can charge the person who caused or contributed to the damage or obstruction for every remedial action needed to remove, abate, clean up and restore the road right-of-way. Subsection (e) requires a detailed invoice, subsection (f) lets the Police Jury use any reasonable means to collect, and subsection (g) entitles it to recover the costs together with all costs of court and reasonable attorney fees.

Other chapters in the Vermilion Parish Code fill in the picture. Section 30-2 requires anyone who puts mud, debris or another foreign substance on a parish road or right-of-way to remove it immediately, and never later than sunset, with a minimum remedial charge of $250.00. Section 32-45 makes it unlawful to place nails, tacks, bottles, rocks, bricks, paper, trash or other debris on any sidewalk, paved street, gutter or drainage ditch, except for Police Jury maintenance crews and public utility companies. Section 32-48 bars sweeping paper, trash, litter, dirt or other material into roads, streets, sidewalks or other public ways. Section 30-4 restricts mailboxes in the right-of-way to those that conform to AASHTO standards from the Roadside Design Guide.