§4755.4. Powers of the commission

In order to accomplish its purpose as further delineated in R.S. 33:4755.1(C), the commission shall have the power:

(1) To hold adjudicatory hearings in accordance with R.S. 49:950 et seq. to determine whether a violation of any of the following has occurred:

(a) The Building Code of the city of New Orleans, Ordinance No. 17,525 C.C.S., as amended.

(b) The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the city of New Orleans, Ordinance No. 4264 M.C.S., as amended.

(c) Chapters 28, 30, 37, 48, and 54 of the City Code of the city of New Orleans.

(d) The Fire Code of the city of New Orleans, Ordinance No. 4912 M.C.S.

(e) Any other ordinance or regulation of the city applicable to vacant substandard structures.

(2) To issue and enforce subpoenas in its name requiring attendance and giving of testimony by witnesses and the production of books, papers, and other documentary evidence as specifically provided in R.S. 49:956.

(3)(a) Upon its finding that such a violation has occurred, to order the owner or other responsible party to remedy the violation by repair or demolition of the structure, to impose any civil penalty, including fines and filing of liens with interest against property in favor of the city, or any combination of the foregoing.

(b) No fine imposed by the commission shall exceed the amount set for such violation of the ordinance.

(c) The rate of interest assessed on any lien shall not exceed the rate of legal interest as provided in R.S. 9:3500 and shall be computed from the date of recordation of the lien until the lien is cancelled.

(d) For the purposes of this Subpart, "owner or other responsible party" shall mean the owner, executor, administrator, agent, or other person or persons who may have a vested or contingent interest in the structure.

(4) To institute civil proceedings to hold any person in contempt for failure to comply with any order or decision of the commission or to enforce any order or decision of the commission in the Civil District Court for the parish of Orleans, or both. The commission's petition for civil enforcement may request declaratory relief, temporary or permanent injunctive relief, any other civil remedy provided by law, or any combination of the foregoing.

Acts 1984, No. 920, §1, eff. July 20, 1984.