Imminent Health Threat Demolition Resident Assistance Program
Fact Sheet
BACKGROUND
On February 1, the New Orleans City Council passed Ordinance number 22499 M.C.S. The Ordinance, authored by Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, amended and reordained Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of New Orleans, to add a new Section designated as Section 26-263, Condemnation of Public Safety and Welfare.
The Ordinance allows the City to demolish or remediate property deemed an imminent health threat 30 business days after the posting of the notice.
The Mayor’s Imminent Health Threat Resident Assistance Program, beginning Wednesday, August 22 through Saturday, August 25, 2007 will allow homeowners the opportunity to submit proof of abatement to reverse a demolition condemnation.
DEFINITION OF IMMINENT HEALTH THREAT
According to City Council Ordinance No. 22499, following an inspection of the structure the determination is made on whether or not the property is a "serious and imminent threat to public health, safety and welfare...by reason of being unremediated, ungutted, open to the public, unsafe, unsanitary or conducive to ill health."
ELIGIBILTY
Any property deemed an Imminent Health Threat and condemned for demolition.
TIMELINE
Program Period: August 22, 2007 – August 25, 2007
Deadline to Comply with Ordinance: August 25, 2007
HOW DO I REVERSE THE DEMOLITION CONDEMNATION?
To reverse a demolition condemnation, beginning August 22 through August 25, the property owner must submit in person or by certified mail proof (photos) that they have gutted and secured the structure. The photos must document the following:
- Inside of the property gutted and contents removed;
- Grass cut in front, back, side yards and
- All doors shut and secured
Upon receipt of proof, the property will be scheduled for a follow-up inspection to validate the remediation claim. Failure to comply with the Imminent Health Threat Ordinance by August 25, 2007 will result in the demolition of the property.
HOW DO I SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION?
A property owner can submit documentation in person or by certified mail.
In Person:
New Orleans, LA (August 22-25, 2007)
- Office of Code Enforcement
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1100
- St. Bernard Recreation Center
1500 Lafreniere Street
Houston, TX (Saturday, August 25, 2007)
- Journey Home Center
3611 Ennis Street, Suite 113/114
Houston, TX 77004
Certified Mail:
- Office of Code Enforcement
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1100
New Orleans, LA 70112
WHO DO I CONTACT?
If property owners have any questions about the designation of their condemnation notice or the necessary steps they must take to reverse the demolition condemnation, they may contact the city’s Bureau of Code Enforcement at 504-658-4300 or 504-658-4200.