Code Enforcement | Home

In 2008, the Downtown Development District was authorized by the City of New Orleans to enforce the laws referenced in the municipal code of ordinances and have them heard in administrative hearings.  Shortly thereafter, the DDD launched a code enforcement program to:

1.       Ensure that buildings Downtown look economically vibrant and viable for business;

2.       Encourage property owners to comply with City codes; and

3.       Enforce City codes and cite properties when necessary.

The DDD closely manages a code enforcement program that has six core phases:

Phase 1:  Assess & Record
DDD Public Safety Rangers assess Downtown properties and record code violations.  They also take before and after pictures of all recorded properties.

Phase 2:  Confirm & Notify
The DDD’s Public Safety Manager works with NOPD to confirm the initial assessment, notify property owners of violations and warn them of the actions that can be taken if the issue is not resolved in a timely manner.

Phase 3:  Support & Encourage
The ultimate goal of this program is compliance, not citation. Therefore, the DDD provides property owners with the support needed to come into compliance with city codes.

a.    The DDD makes it easy for property owners to access information and assistance.  All correspondences include the DDD’s Public Safety Manager's telephone number and e-mail address.

b.    Typically, a property owner is given 30 days to resolve the issue before an official citation is issued, but the DDD is willing to extend the deadline if there is a reasonable need to do so.

c.     The DDD also offers modest resources to help with some code violations.  Contact Patrick Thompson at (504) 561-8927 for more information. 

Phase 4:  Re-inspect & Record
The DDD re-inspects properties within 30 days, or at a mutually agreed upon time, and records all developments.

Phase 5:  Cite & Adjudicate
If re-inspected properties have not come into compliance with City codes, citations are issued and the case is forwarded to the City for adjudication. The DDD’s Public Safety Manager attends all legal hearings and provides supporting documentation and testimony as needed. 

Phase 6:  Track & Publish
The DDD maintains detailed records of its code enforcement activities and regularly posts statistics and additional information to the DDD’s website.

Everyone can support the DDD’s code enforcement efforts.

Here’s what you can do to help ensure that buildings Downtown are well maintained and meet basic safety standards:

a.    You can learn more about specific City codes here.

b.    You can ensure your building is in compliance with City codes and seek assistance from the DDD when needed.

c.    You can notify the DDD of code violations here.