Port Allen Property Code Enforcement Balances Citizen Concerns with Legal Requirements
Four Properties Under Review as Residents Seek Clearer Reporting Process
PORT ALLEN - The city is reviewing four properties for potential condemnation while residents seek clearer procedures for reporting blighted properties and code violations.
Current Cases
Mayor Terecita Pattan confirmed four properties are currently under evaluation by inspector Mr. Altazan: 451 Harry Brown, 1205 Avenue C, 1134 12th C, and 241 Atchafalaya. The inspector will present reports at the August council meeting after adjusting his schedule to accommodate new employment.
"He explained to me that he does have a job now and he needed to give them notice," Pattan said. "So, I told him that he could go ahead and look at the properties and he could bring them to the August meeting."
The delay reflects practical challenges in the condemnation process, where the city relies on a part-time inspector to evaluate properties against legal standards for condemnation.
Citizen Concerns
Resident Lucy Crochet raised concerns about both the condemnation process and general code enforcement during Wednesday's council meeting, questioning how citizens can effectively report problem properties.
"My question still is how as a citizen, any of us in the city, who do we come to? Is there a form? Can we say we would like this checked?" Crochet asked, specifically referencing 1433 Rosedale Road.
Crochet described ongoing issues with unmaintained properties affecting neighborhood quality, including tall grass, non-working vehicles, and deteriorating structures. She noted the property has been problematic for years, even after she previously assisted an elderly resident with basic repairs.
Process Clarification
City Attorney Evan Alvarez outlined the multi-step legal process required for condemnation:
- Initial Report: Citizens contact administration or council members
- Official Inspection: City sends qualified inspector to evaluate property
- Notice to Show Cause: Property owners receive certified letters requiring appearance at council meeting
- Public Hearing: Inspector presents findings; property owners can respond
- Council Decision: Determination of condemnation and required actions
- Enforcement: If owners don't comply, city can hire contractors and bill property owners
The attorney stressed that condemnation represents "an extremely harsh remedy" with significant legal requirements and potential liability for the city.
Legal Limitations
The attorney stressed that condemnation represents "an extremely harsh remedy" with significant legal requirements and potential liability for the city.
"We are defending a lawsuit right now for a house that was torn down that we had nothing to do with," Alvarez said. "We didn't hire the people. We identified it for condemnation and we notified the property owner, and that property owner hired a private contractor who tore down the wrong houses and they are suing us."
The case illustrates risks in property enforcement when legal procedures aren't followed precisely.
Administrative Response
The Chief Administrative Officer confirmed he's aware of the Rosedale Road property Crochet referenced, with city staff conducting inspections and monitoring grass cutting compliance. However, he noted the property doesn't currently meet legal standards for condemnation.
"I don't think the house meets the condemnation legal standard," he said. "However, if something has changed, then we'll perform another inspection."
Enforcement Challenges
The discussion revealed tensions between citizen expectations for neighborhood maintenance and legal requirements for municipal action. Different violations—tall grass, junk vehicles, and condemnable buildings—require separate processes and standards.
"You could have grass growing up this high on a perfectly working car that there's absolutely nothing wrong with. So, the issue there is grass, not the car," Alvarez explained. "You could have a junky car on perfectly manicured grass. That's a completely separate issue."
Moving Forward
Mayor Pattan emphasized the need for community responsibility alongside municipal enforcement, noting that property maintenance requires both individual accountability and city support for those unable to maintain their properties.
The administration encouraged residents to contact city hall, council members, or the chief administrative officer with specific concerns, though no formal reporting process was established during the meeting.
Property owners facing condemnation proceedings have rights to due process and legal representation throughout the review process. The August council meeting will include presentations on the four properties currently under evaluation.
