Knowledge Base

Per Sec. 12:351 of the Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances, the owner or agent of a property/lot within a recognized subdivision of the City-Parish is required to maintain the height of grass and weeds so that they do not reach a height of more than twelve (12) inches and remain at that height (or higher) for more than two weeks.

This does not apply to land used for:

1. The grazing of livestock or other agricultural purpose; or
2. Tracts of land of two (2) acres or more, except for any portion of the tract which is within one hundred (100) feet of any zoning district that allows for a residential use; or
3. A combination of contiguous tracts owned by the same owner totaling two (2) acres or more and which contains at least one (1) tract for which an active building permit is in effect.

If someone is found to be in violation of the tall grass/weeds ordinance as described above, the fine is $125.00 for the first violation; $250.00 for a second violation within a two-year period; and $500.00 for a third and any subsequent violations within a two-year period. If a complaint is made and a property owner or agent is found to be in violation of the above ordinance, in addition to the aforementioned fines, the City-Parish is authorized to remove the overgrown grass or weeds and levy the costs associated with such removal onto the property owner via tax lien or assessment. For more information, please contact the Code Enforcement division at (225) 389-8680, or to otherwise file a complaint related to overgrown grass or weeds on a property, please contact 3-1-1.