A Mid-City neighbor sent in this photo this afternoon and explained that this illegal parking lot was just installed on Bienville Street between Carrollton & David St. There is no permit and it was installed over a storm drain, on city property, and on top of an old oak tree’s roots.
The location of the zoning violation is at 4136 Bienville Street. The building is an owner-occupied duplex.
Click on the photo for a larger view.
http://katrinafilm.com/public/wordpress/?p=2397
On September 12th the City of New Orleans will begin aggressively fining those who insist on placing signs on public property. To learn more about bandit signs and how you can help fight blight, please visit the link below:
http://business.fsjna.org/steps-to-stomp-out-blight/
The New Orleans City Council recently passed legislation that prohibits the placement of signs on public streets, sidewalks, and neutral grounds is part of a city-wide effort improve the quality of life in the New Orleans for locals and visitors alike.
In an effort to allow businesses and individuals time to remove any signs already on public property before incurring fines and penalties, we strongly encourage the removal of any signs erected or posted or those which list your band or business name/venue, phone numbers or addresses. This amnesty program runs between Monday, August 29th and Friday, September 9, 2011.
Starting on Monday, September 12th, the City will use its resources to enforce the existing City Code (Section 134) which prohibits the placement of signs, placards, posters or other advertisement on public right-of-way such as on neutral grounds, parks, playgrounds or the area between the sidewalk and the curb unless written consent is granted by the City. This includes a prohibition of such items on utility poles, light standards, street signs, parking meters and trees. Any unlawful posting will be removed and disposed. According to this law, it is also unlawful to distribute or cause to be distributed, any commercial product samples, commercial advertising brochures, leaflets, pamphlets or commercial literature of any kind on the streets and sidewalks of the City.
We are mindful that cultural businesses may host musical groups, have gallery openings or other such events that require advertising. However, the law requires that you keep signs off of public property and do not distribute fliers on public streets and sidewalks. Alternative forms of free or low-cost advertising such as social media, local resources such radio stations, publications, on-line listings, phone applications, etc. are also encouraged.
Section 134 of the City Code also provides for penalties associated with violations, “the existence of any illegal sign on the public right-of-way constitutes prima face evidence that any individual or entity depicted or advertised on an illegal sign caused, authorized, allowed, or is allowing the placement or posting of the signs on public property and is in violation of this section.” Violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not more than $25.00 per sign, per violation and/or community service. If the violation involves the posting of signs on trees, the fine is $50.00 per sign and/or community service. The Code also authorizes the Department of Sanitation or Parks and Parkways “to invoice any individual or entity depicted or advertised on the illegal sign for the cost of removal of the sign”.
Focus on Removing Litter and Bandit Signs to Begin September 12th
NEW ORLEANS, LA-Today, the City announced that on Monday, September 12, 2011, the Department of Sanitation will begin stronger enforcement of
City quality-of-life laws regarding littering, illegal dumping, and
signs or posters posted unlawfully on public rights of way, commonly
referred to as “bandit signs.” The City Code has been amended in regard
to some of these provisions as recently as June 2011.
City law specifically prohibits the placement of any sign, placard,
poster or other advertisement on public rights-of-way including on
neutral grounds, parks, playgrounds, trees, utility poles, light
fixtures, street signs, and parking meters. It also provides guidelines
related to the collection and disposal of solid waste and specifies
penalties and fines for littering and illegal dumping.
“Removing litter and bandit signs across the City is a beautification
effort that will improve our quality of life,” said Mayor Mitch
Landrieu. “Over the next 18 months, we have an unprecedented series of
national and international events that will showcase New Orleans, so it
is critical that we put our best foot forward as our City takes center
stage.”
The City will institute an amnesty period from Monday, August 29th
through Friday, September 9th. Individuals and businesses who have
dumped trash illegally, littered, or posted bandit signs should utilize
this time period to remove them. During the amnesty period the City will
not issue fines.
At the conclusion of the amnesty period, teams of City employees will be
dispatched throughout the City to photograph, count, log, remove and
dispose of bandit signs and litter. Any bandit sign will be removed,
disposed of, and the owner will receive a fine of $25 per sign, or $50
per sign if attached to a tree. Community service is possible for repeat
offenders. Fines for littering and illegal dumping range from $150 to
$5,000, with the possibility of community service and jail time for
repeat offenders. These penalties are determined by the City’s Municipal
Court.
City Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, “We are all
very excited and proud to show our City in its best light. In order to
make the next 18 months and beyond as spectacular as possible, we will
all have to commit to strong enforcement – from top to bottom.”
“I look forward to this aggressive enforcement of nuisance laws,” said
District B Councilmember Stacy Head. “Eradication of these signs will
reduce litter and visual clutter and improve livability in all
neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Central City that has been
plagued with these signs.”
“This increased effort to enforce these quality of life issues will be
beneficial not only to our visitors, but to our residents who live and
work in our communities on a daily basis,” said District C Councilmember
Kristin Gisleson Palmer. “The French Quarter, Marigny and other historic
areas, are especially impacted. With greater enforcement, we will
uphold the beauty and unique nature of these important neighborhoods.”
District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, “Keeping our
neighborhoods neat and clean is important to our quality of life. The
residents of District D look forward to the results of this push by the
administration to fight litter, illegal dumping, and nuisance signs.”
Political and campaign signs may be posted 48 hours prior to an election
and remain for 48 hours after the closing of the polls for the election.
Realtors may post signs 24 hours before and after an open house takes
place.
For more information or questions about bandit signs or littering and
dumping fines, please contact the Department of Sanitation at
sanitation@nola.gov or call (504) 658-3800.