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Parish council adopts administrative-adjudication changes to tighten enforcement of property codes
Summary
The Plaquemines Parish Council unanimously approved amendments to Chapter 24 to clarify enforcement authority, add definitions for hazards, and create a discretionary process for vulnerable residents; supporters said the changes address enforcement gaps, while residents sought assurances about fairness and cost.
The Plaquemines Parish Council voted 7–0 on Dec. 17 to amend the parish administrative-adjudication ordinance to strengthen enforcement of codes regulating premises and structures.
Dr. Gooey, who led the presentation, said the changes do not rewrite underlying ordinances but close enforcement gaps the administration identified earlier this year. “All we’re doing is looking at areas in our existing ordinances that seem to have some shortcomings when it comes to enforcement,” Gooey said. He outlined new language adding “remove” after abate/repair and expanding definitions of hazardous conditions to cover threats to public health and safety.
The ordinance adds clearer procedures for hearings and an adjudication path, creates an enforcement division with updated hardware/software and staff, and establishes discretionary safeguards for residents with legitimate hardship. Gooey told the council the administration compiled a list of outside agencies and community partners to assist people who cannot afford remediation and that judicial review and hearing-officer processes are included in the ordinance.
During public comment, residents expressed concern about affordability and the risk of disproportionate enforcement in some neighborhoods. Clarence Bach said he wants consistent application across the parish and asked whether cleanup fines or parish cleanup charges would be imposed without recourse. Gooey and other council members said the process will be discretionary where appropriate and that a written, fair process will be used before any action.
Council members pressed that enforcement be meaningful. One member said enforcement money was added in the 2025 budget to ensure the ordinance produces results rather than remain “paper.” The council adopted the changes after a period of discussion and public input.
The ordinance took effect as adopted; the council said implementation will be accompanied by outreach explaining the complaint process and options for residents who need assistance.
