§ 30-51. Policy and definitions.

(a)

This article is intended to serve the public interest by providing methods of dealing with waste and hazardous nuisances in the unincorporated areas of Caddo Parish that have become threats to the health, safety and welfare of the public.

(b)

It is not the intent of this article to dictate aesthetic preferences or community standards.

(c)

It is not intended that the provisions of this article be applied to sites containing hazardous materials, industrial waste, or other toxic substances or materials. Sites so identified shall be referred to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the state department of environmental quality (DEQ) for further action.

(d)

Areas of compliance will include community subdivisions for residential housing and all building site as prescribed in the parish's subdivision ordinance (25,000 sq. ft. areas).

(e)

Definitions:

(1)

Agent shall mean any person or entity who has written authority to act in place of the owner as defined herein.

(2)

Deleterious growth and obnoxious matter shall mean:

a.

Weeds, grass, or saplings allowed to grow around any exterior wall of any structure, or stands of bamboo which generate any type of vermin or which may provide cover for criminal activity; weeds, grass or vegetation, in excess of 18 inches in height, other than cultivated trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens.

b.

Lumber, trash, debris, limbs or vegetation reasonably calculated to be a hazard or which poses or may potentially pose a threat to the health or safety of anyone.

c.

The keeping, retaining, or depositing on, or the scattering over the premises of any of the following: Lumber, fallen trees, limbs, trash, garbage, debris, glass or building material.

(3)

Junk shall mean:

a.

Abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment, including, but not limited to, automobiles, boats, motorcycles, motor homes, furniture, appliances, cans or containers;

b.

Standing water in any receptacle.

(4)

Occupant shall mean any person who lives in, resides in, conducts or operates a business in, or uses any building, house, structure or grounds.

(5)

Owner shall mean the recorded owner or owners of any building, house, structure or grounds, as recorded in the records of the tax assessor's office.

(6)

Party in interest shall mean any person or corporate entity shown in the public record to have a lien or mortgage on the property.

(Ord. No. 5455 , 1-8-2015)