First and foremost, we suggest you politely speak with your neighbor. They may be unaware that their behavior is a concern to you. Tact is always the best approach, especially if there is no violation of the law, or if enforcement would require expensive legal action.
If this approach isn't successful, here are some situations in which you have other options.
A mobile home is being parked on the street for extended periods. This is a violation of City ordinances. You can contact parking dispatch at 311 to request a police officer to investigate.
An old car is being parked on the street for extended periods. Unless the vehicle can't be driven, this is usually not a violation of the law. If you want a police officer to investigate whether the vehicle meets the criteria for an abandoned vehicle (which is a violation), call 504-822-2222.
An alley is not being cleaned properly. If the debris is causing standing water, the City's mosquito control department may be able to assist. To request their assistance, call 504-658-2400. Or, if you suspect it is giving safe haven to rodents, call the City's rodent control department at 311..
You suspect someone is violating the subdivision building restrictions. If you cannot resolve the issue amicably, your option is to take your neighbor to court. This is described in paragraph 17 of the Lakewood South building restrictions, which reads: "Enforcement shall be by proceedings at law or in equity against the person or persons violating, or attempting to violate, any covenant, either to restrain violation or recover damages."
A dog is being walked or exercised without a leash. Chapter 18-14 of Article II of the New Orleans City Ordinances states that "Dogs which are properly licensed and vaccinated may be allowed outside of an enclosure if they are kept on a secure leash and accompanied by its owner or keeper. Any dog that is found "running at large" can be impounded and the owner or keeper ticketed. Dogs who roam present a nuisance or a danger to the public and may be in danger of being hit by a car, being attacked by another animal, abuse from strangers. An animal that is impounded is done so to protect himself and the public." Call the Louisiana SPCA at 944-7445. Note: a police officer can also issue a citation to someone walking a dog without a leash.
A neighbor's pet is leaving excrement on your lawn. Chapter 18-13 of the City Ordinances states that "As a pet owner you are required to remove your pets excrement from public or private property. Any person who is in violation of this section, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 and no less than three seven-hour days of trash cleanup duties. Do yourself and your community a favor and make sure you carry a bag with you when you walk your companion animal." Call the SPCA.
A neighbor's pet bites someone. Chapter 18-167 states "Animals that have bitten someone go through a 10 day quarantine period as required by state law. Animals that have proof of a current rabies vaccination, may be quarantined at the owners home, with the approval of the LA/SPCA. Unvaccinated animals are confined at the LA/SPCA at the owner's expense. If deemed necessary by the LA/SPCA the quarantined period may be extended." Call the SPCA.
A neighbor's dog is aggressive or dangerous. Chapters 18-292:296 state "There are two classifications of aggressiveness in dogs: dangerous and vicious. Whether a dog is classified as dangerous or vicious depends on the circumstances surrounding the incidence(s). If the dog is allowed to be returned to the owner, very specific requirements must be met concerning the enclosure the dog is to be kept in, thus protecting the public as well as other animals from the dog." Call the SPCA.
A neighbor's dog barks excessively. Section 66-203 of
the Noise
Ordinance states "Specific nuisance noises prohibited. In
addition to
the general prohibitions set out in this article, the following
specific acts
are declared to be in violation of this article: (1)
Animals. It
shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any animal or fowl to
allow
frequent or continuing noise which disturbs a reasonable person of
normal
sensitivity. Contact the New Orleans Police Department (not the
SPCA) for
enforcement at 504-821-2222.
A tree in front of your house, between the sidewalk and street,
needs
trimming. You need to send a letter to Parks and Parkways,
attention
Tree Maintenance, email it to pkwebm@new-orleans.la.us.)
Describe what needs to be done. Include your name, address and
phone
number. They will inspect the tree and make a determination,
notifying you
by email. Unfortunately, even if the request is approved, you
then go onto
a waiting list and it may take a year or more before the work is
done. If
you can't wait, and are willing to pay for the work yourself, then you
can hire
a licensed contractor who will do an inspection and obtain the
necessary
permit.
A tree in front of your neighbor's house, between the sidewalk and street, overhangs your property and needs trimming. You follow the same procedure as above, except that the letter also needs to include the name and address of the neighbor, along with their approval for the trimming (as evidenced by their signature on the letter as well as yours.)
The roots of a tree between the sidewalk and street are breaking your sidewalk. Sidewalk repair is the responsibility of the homeowner. However, when the old concrete is removed, you can request the Department of Parks and Parkways to grind down the roots before the new sidewalk is poured. To start the process, write them a request before you have the old sidewalk removed. The address is: Tree Department, Parks and Parkways, 2829 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122. They will grind the roots without charge after performing an inspection, and after the old concrete is removed.
Entergy workmen shut off power to my house and I wasn't notified in advance. Our LPOA Entergy Liaison is Denise Thornton. Should you experience this problem, please contact her so that she can report it to Entergy.