House Bill No. [insert number] enacts R.S. 33:5062.2, which grants the governing authority of Orleans Parish the power to regulate or prohibit the growth and accumulation of grass, noxious weeds, and other harmful materials on sidewalks, banquettes, and properties within the parish, excluding railroad rights-of-way. The bill stipulates that any costs incurred by the parish in enforcing these regulations will be charged to the property owner of the abutting property or the lot in question. Additionally, the parish must provide property owners with an opportunity to address the issue themselves within five days of receiving notice before undertaking any removal work.

The legislation also allows the parish to bypass the notice requirement if the property owner has been notified within the past 24 months and has failed to take action. After the work is completed, the parish will send an invoice to the property owner, and if payment is not received within one month, the outstanding amount will be added to the property taxes owed. The tax collector is required to maintain a record of these charges, which will serve as legal notice to potential buyers or lenders regarding the property.