The City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

High Grass and Weeds: Twelve inches (12") is the height limit for grass and/or weeds. This includes the front, back, side yard, fence lines, and rights-of-way (area between the sidewalk and curb).

Acreage over five (5) acres which can be maintained or cut by a standard bush hog, tractor, lawnmower, etc., must be maintained within a perimeter of a minimum of one hundred feet (100') from any property line adjacent to developed property.

Lots or tracts of mostly undeveloped, unchanged, unimproved wooded/forested property which is adjacent to developed property which cannot be easily maintained or cut by a standard bush hog, tractor, lawnmower, etc. is required to have up to a five (5) foot buffer provided adjacent to developed property.

Trash and Debris: Property owners, residents and businesses are required to keep property free and clear of all trash, rubbish, refuse and debris.

Sanitation and Maintenance of Swimming Pools: All swimming pools shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Maintenance shall include the draining of the pool and chemical and equipment maintenance of the pool to prevent stagnation and other health hazards. All pools with a depth greater than twenty-four (24) inches must be provided with a barrier in compliance with the building code.

Junk/Inoperable Vehicles: It shall be unlawful for any person or business to allow storage of any junk or inoperable vehicle on any private property in the City of Lake Charles unless stored in a building or which is otherwise not visible from public view unless in connection with a licensed dismantler, junk salvage/wrecker yard or licensed vehicle dealer or repair facility. The term "junk” means any motor vehicle which five (5) years old or older, extensively damaged, and apparently inoperable. The term “inoperable” means any motor vehicle that is unlawful to operate on any public right of way or in a condition of neglect.    Ordinance Number: 15417 -An ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lake Charles regarding abatement and removal of junk and/or inoperable vehicles and parts thereof.

Abandoned or Junk Materials: It shall be unlawful to store or abandon any junk, discarded or abandoned major appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges, or machinery or other metal, tin or other discarded items, on any vacant lot, or any unused portion of any occupied lot.

Stockpile of materials: It shall be unlawful for persons owning or occupying any lot or tract of land to stockpile any materials used for landscape improvements, for raising property elevations, or for shoreline stabilization for more than 90 days without a building or grading permit. Grass and weed maintenance is required on all piles.