A Resident’s Guide to Property Resources for Neighborhood Improvement

AboutNeighborhood Housing Services

Initially founded to serve a single neighborhood, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) has since expanded services region-wide, offering one-stop-shopping for comprehensive home-ownership services. Since 1976, we have worked to revitalize communities by increasing the number of homeowners and transforming vacant or substandard properties into sustainable home-ownership opportunities. We improve quality of life through informed community development initiatives, leadership development, education, outreach & collaboration.

NHS provides a holistic approach to community redevelopment, offering an array of services to impact neighborhoods and individual households and develop resident leadership. We offer classes to deliver basic personal finance management information and home-ownership education; one-on-one counseling to help people clean up their credit, avoid foreclosure, and learn sound financial management skills; and community building initiatives to foster leadership development and organize neighborhood capacity.

We also offer construction management: a tremendous resource for anyone undergoing a home renovation or rebuild project, at any level of income. It’s a great tool for anyone who doesn’t consider him/herself “construction savvy,” and doesn’t want the burden of monitoring their own home renovations.

The work we do empowers individuals and families. We help people make informed choices that will increase their long-term wealth; enhance their positive civic participation; and become leaders in their community. We invest in individuals, in neighborhoods, and in children – to create vibrant communities of choice, and to advance the evolution of the Greater New Orleans region.

4528 Freret StreetNew Orleans, Louisiana 70115

(504) 899-5900www.nhsnola.org

Property Campaign Manual | About

Table of ContentsPurpose

There are a lot of resources that can be useful when looking for information about properties and processes, but some are also confusing or hard to find. The purpose of this guide is to help residents be more involved in the process of turning a distressed property into a positive asset for the community. This guide will help you figure out where to learn about a property, how to participate in a public hearing, and help make New Orleans and its neighborhoods a great place to live.

Table of Contents

A Resident’s Guide to PropertyIntroduction 1Outcomes for a Distressed Property 2Improving Property in Your Neighborhood: First Steps 3Steps You Can Take in Code Enforcement How do you report a problem? 4 Once a property is reported/At a hearing 5 The Code Enforcement Process 6 How do I attend a hearing? 7 Attending a reset hearing 8Sheriff’s Sales/Tax Sales 9Demolition 10Looking Up Tax Information 12Other Useful Information/Resources 13Glossary 14

Neighborhood Housing Services | Table of Contents

We all love New Orleans and take pride in our neighborhoods. Yet, many areas have suffered from a great deal of stress environmentally, economically, and from population loss. When a property is abandoned or vacant, the residents who live nearby can suffer. Neglected property fosters unsafe and illegal activities, harbors health and environmental hazards, lowers property values, and jeopardizes community pride.

After identifying neglected property as a major concern of residents, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) embarked on a campaign to address this problem. The campaign includes surveying properties, working with residents to contact property owners, as well as coordinating with other public agencies to enforce housing codes and report violations.

NHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been providing education and assistance to homeowners for over 30 years. The goal of NHS is to revitalize communities by increasing the number of homeowners and transforming vacant or substandard properties into sustainable homeownership. They also work to improve quality of life through informed community building initiatives, leadership development, education, outreach, and collaboration.

Introduction

1Property Campaign Manual | Introduction

Title Outcomes for a Distressed Property

If Blighted

If Public Nuisance

Owner Keeps Property

Owner Sells Property

Property Guilty of Code Violations

Property has Unpaid Taxes

Owner Fixes Violations

Owner Pays and Redeems Property (Must be done within 3

years or 18 months if the property is declared

blighted)

Owner does not pay and Property Belongs

to Purchaser

Sold in Tax Sale

Owner Does Not Fix Violations

Owner Renovates

Owner Demolishes

New Owner Renovates

New Owner Demolishes

Expropriation

Government Abatement

Property Seizure

Sheriff Sale Distressed Property

Distressed Property: A distressed property is one that could be in poor condition or may be violating a housing or health code or has unpaid taxes.

Outcomes for a Distressed Property

What is distressed?A distressed property is on that could be in poor condition or may be violating a housing or health code or has unpaid taxes.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Overall Process2

Improving Property in Your NeighborhoodFirst Steps Residents Can Take

1) Try Contacting your NeighborIf you know who owns the property, consider reaching out to them to find out what their intentions are for the future. If he or she is in need of assistance, perhaps you know of some resources that would be helpful to them.

2) Look into Possible Code Enforcement ViolationsThe property may be in violation of the city’s housing standards which may make it either a public nuisance or a blighted property. It might be a fire hazard, not have the facilities or equipment required by the housing code, have a negative impact on theneighborhood (health, safety, or economic strength), be abandoned or have an infestation of rodents.

What characterizes a public nuisance?Large amount of trash on lotPlants are taller than 18 inchesAbandoned automobiles, appliances, furniture, etc.Unsafe conditions for children, unstable foundation, uncovered holes and unsecured building materialsRats and other small animals can find food and shelter easily on the siteObjects on the site that can hold standing water

What characterizes blight?Unsafe, unsanitary, or unhealthy living conditionsConstitutes fire hazardLacks facilities or equipment required by the housing codeForms a negative impact on the neighborhood in terms of public health, safety, or economic livelinessAn abandoned propertyAn infestation of rodents

The biggest difference between blight and a public nuisance is the outcome. For additional information, see chart on page 7.

3Property Campaign Manual | Code Enforcement

Steps You Can Take in Code EnforcementHow Do You Report a Problem?

Report the problem online.

ONLINE STEPSThe best way to report a violation is online at www.cityofno.com. 1) On the left, there will be a button that says, “Find or Report.” 2) In that list, click on “report a code violation.” You can ask to remain anonymous.

orCALL (504) 658-2299

Types of Problems You Can Report

Drug Activity Open/Unsecured Windows & DoorsVagrants RodentsHigh Weeds Partial Collapse/Structural ProblemsTrash/Debris

TipMake sure to record the violation number when you file a report.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Reporting Violations4

Steps You Can Take in Code EnforcementWhat Happens When a Property is Reported?

The City will send an inspector to the property.

The inspector will identify whether or not the site is breaking the City’s housing code.

If the property is in violation of the code, the property owner will receive a letter.

The property owner will be expected to go to a hearing about the property 30 days later.

During these 30 days the property owner can fix the problem.

Neighbors can gather information, prepare for the hearing, and can plan to attend the hearing.

5Property Campaign Manual |After Reporting a Violation

What happens at a hearing?

At a hearing, it’s determined if the property is guilty or not guilty of a violation.

If the property owner can show that he or she fixed the problems, then they are innocent and the case is dropped. If the property owner has not fixed the problems, he or she is found guilty.

If they are found guilty a couple things occur:1) The owner has to pay fines until it is fixed.2) The property owner has 30 days to fix the problem.3) A second hearing (also called a reset hearing) will take place to make sure the property has been fixed. Residents can also attend this meeting.

If the problem still isn’t fixed:1) Liens can be placed on the property2) Then the nuisance may be removed or the property demol ished by the city at the owner’s expense. 3) The property may undergo expropriation or Sheriff Sale

What is expropriation?If a property is declared blighted and the owner does not fix it up, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority will then take owner-ship of the property and eventually put it back into circulation.

Helpful information about attending a code enforcement hearing as a neighbor:

• On hearing days, multiple properties are scheduled to begin at 9:15 am or 1:15 pm.

• It can take several hours before a property is called for it’s official hearing.

• If the property owner does not appear, the hearing will not take place. If the condition of the property has not improved, the judgement is guilty.

The Code Enforcement Process

Types of Violations

Building code violations refer mainly to unoccupied structures.

Health code violations refer mainly to occupied structures

Neighborhood Housing Services | Code Enforcement6

Case Closed

-Judgment signed & recorded -Daily fine issued -Notice of 30 day appeal

-Liens issued & recorded

Inspection Report Filed/

Sweep Conducted

Administrative Hearing

Transfer to NORA for Expropriation

Enforce Lien

Enforce Fines

Foreclosure Sale

Guilty

Public Nuisance and/or Blight

Property has been

brought into compliance

Reset Hearing

Scheduled

Owner demostrates progress on property;

Owner compliance agreement created.

Eligible for City Abatement

of Public Nuisance

Steps You Can Take in Code EnforcementHow do I Attend a Hearing?

If you have determined that the property you have been researching already has a violation on file and a scheduled code enforcement hearing, it may be valuable to attend the hearing in person. You can find out about attending upcoming hearings in several ways.

ONLINE STEPS1) A schedule of code enforcement hearings is listed on the website:http://www.cityofno.com/Portals/CodeEnforcement/portal.aspxor go to http://www.cityofno.com and click on “Departments and Agencies” and select “Code Enforcement”

2) Once on the code enforcement website, you can scroll down to the section “Schedule of Code Enforcement Hearings” and select “click here to view a list of these properties”

3) This will show you a list of dates. For each date, you can select “download” and a document will open that will show you a schedule of properties and property owners as well as the date, time, andlocation for the code enforcement hearing. If you cannot go online, you can find out about upcoming code enforcement hearings in the Times-Picayune newspaper. You can also call the Office of Code Enforcement to find out about upcoming hearings. The phone number is (504) 658-4300.

7Property Campaign Manual |Attending Hearings

The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication in the Office of Community Development, City of New Orleans, is scheduled to hear the following cases at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans LA, 70127.

The purpose of these hearings is to determine if the properties at the locations listed below should be declared blighted pursuant to the provisions of Section 28-38 of the City Code or a public nuisance pursuant to the provisions of Section 28-37, et seq., of the City Code.

If the property is declared blighted, it is eligible for expropriation and if the property is declared a public nuisance, it is eligible for demolition.

Property Address Number Dir. Street Name Suffix Contact Name on Record

Contact Address on Record

Contact City, State and Zip Code on Record

Case Number

Hearing Date

Hearing Time

3940 3rd St. Wilfred J. Vosberg Jr. P.O. Box 925 Boutte, LA 70039 10-00375 3/18/10 1:15 PM 1321 Annette St. William L. Byrd 1321 Annette Street New Orleans, LA 70116 10-00376 3/18/10 1:15 PM 6470 Argonne Blvd. Jerry Mar, LLC. 8705 W. Metairie Avenue Metairie, LA 70003 10-00377 3/18/10 1:15 PM

1522 Athis St.1522 Athis, LLC C/O Gerard Metzger 829 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA. 70113 10-00337 3/18/10 9:15 AM

2215 Caffin Ave. Mandy G. Kirk 5447 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70116 10-00378 3/18/10 1:15 PM 2524 Dauphine St. James M. Thorrick P.O. Box 70172 New Orleans, LA 70172 10-00379 3/18/10 1:15 PM

2218 Desire St. Columbus Smith Jr. 2600 General Collins Avenue New Orleans, LA. 70114 10-00338 3/18/10 9:15 AM

2224 Desire St. Alcus Williams Jr. 2224 Desire Street New Orleans, LA. 70117 10-00339 3/18/10 9:15 AM

2224 Desire St. (Accessory Bldg) Alcus Williams Jr. 2224 Desire Street New Orleans, LA. 70117 10-00340 3/18/10 9:15 AM

2300 Desire St. Marijojuana Dukes ET AL 6001 Downman Road New Orleans, LA. 70126 10-00341 3/18/10 9:15 AM 2308 Desire St. Deborah D. Jones 5204 Forest Park Lane Algiers, LA. 70131 10-00342 3/18/10 9:15 AM

2308 Desire St. (Accessory Bldg) Deborah D. Jones 5204 Forest Park Lane Algiers, LA. 70131 10-00343 3/18/10 9:15 AM

Neighborhood Housing Services | Reset Hearings

Steps You Can Take After the HearingAttend a Reset Hearing

Look to see if there is going to be a second hearing or reset hearing to make sure code violations have been fixed.

After a property has had its hearing, the owner may have the opportunity to make the necessary repairs according to an agreement made with the court. Then a reset hearing will be set to evaluate if the repairs have been made.

Online StepsTo check for reset hearings, you can check on the code enforcement website. http://www.cityofno.com/Portals/CodeEnforcement/portal.aspx1) Scroll down to “Upcoming Reset Dates” and click on “Upcoming Reset Dates”. A document will open with a list of properties and their reset dates.

8

Where Do I find a Hearing For a Specific Property?

If you are looking for one specific property and don’t want to check the internet/ city hall every day there is an easier way.

Online StepsOn the City of New Orleans website, www.cityofno.com, the top right corner has a section called “My CNO.” 1) Click on “register here” the first time, and “log in” every time thereafter. This is a free account that gives you better access. 2) Once you’ve set up your account, you can search in the top right corner. If you type in the street name, all related hearings show up as events. If a hearing has passed, you can read the result on this same page. NOTE: All information about a property may not be updated on the website.

The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication for the Health Department also holds hearings every Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 9:00am. To go to one of those hearings, go to the City Hall on 1300 Perdido St, Suite 8E18.

Steps You Can Take After the HearingWhat are Sheriff’s Sales? Does the property have unpaid taxes or is it going to be

sold in a tax sale?

If the property is sold, the original owner has three years to redeem the property from the purchaser. In New Orleans, if the property is blighted or abandoned, then the amount of time the owner has to redeem the property is reduced to 18 months. An original owner of a property redeems it from a purchaser by paying that person the sale price plus a 5% penalty and 1% interest per month from the date of the sale until the date it is redeemed. If the original owner does not make this payment, then the purchaser gets full ownership of the property. If no one bids on the property, then it is adjudicated to the city or municipality. If you buy the property and make investments during the 3-year or 18 month redemption period and the property is reclaimed by the original owner, those investments can not be recovered. Bidding on tax sale properties is done exclusively online at www.neworleans.onlinetaxsale.com.

9Property Campaign Manual | Sheriff’s Sale and Tax Sale

A Sheriff’s Sale occurs when the government sells real estate or other property for a variety of reasons including foreclosure or other legal issues. In New Orleans, the sale is conducted by the Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff’s Office. Sales are made through a public auction and awarded to the highest bidder. What makes a property eligible for Sheriff’s Sales (lien foreclosure)?a. No homestead exemptionb. Must not have been thru tax sale in the previous 3 yearsc. Must have a blight judgment rendered against it

Neighborhoods can take initiative in selecting the properties that will be addressed through Sheriff Sales. Selected properties should be monitored as they go through the code enforcement process. Neighborhoods can contact their councilperson on a monthly basis with properties they would like to see enter this process.

What items need to be in the file that the neighborhood presents to the councilmember to initiate a Sheriff’s Sale?a. Photo and copy of current tax bill.b. Judgment of blight certified by the Notorial Archives. ($32)

What is a Tax Sale?A tax sale occurs when a property has delinquent taxes and the city sells the property to recover these taxes. This is done through a public sale. The sale price of the property is the amount of the owned taxes plus any accrued interest, costs, and other statutory impositions.

How can I find out about upcoming Sheriff’s Sales?

Sheriff’s sales occur every Thursday at noon unless otherwise advertised. Each piece of property and the auction date is advertised in the Times- Picayune newspaper 30 days beforehand and again on that Monday. They are also advertised in a second publication such as the Louisiana Weekly. Upcoming lists of properties for sale are also available three weeks before the auction in two places: in the Real Estate Division of the Sheriff’s Office and on the Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.civilsheriff.com/RealEstateSales.asp.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Demolition

Steps You Can Take After the Hearing

10

Will The Property be Demolished?

Once a property is adjudicated and declared a public nuisance, the property may be up for demolition. If the owner is against the demolition, s/he has 20 days from receiving a notice of demolition to write an official objection to the Department of Code Enforcement: Office of Housing Code EnforcementAttn Mr. Hillary Carrere1340 Poydras St. Suite 1100New Orleans, LA 70112

If the owner shows serious intent to bring the property back up to code, or the property is in the historic register, New Orleans might take the property off the demolition list.

Online StepsIf you want to know if the property you are learning about is on the demolition list, you can write to the above address or 1) go to www.cityofno.com2) Click in the center of the page on the tab “demolition” and then “Click here to view a list of these properties.” 3) To learn which properties are historic or the owner showed serious effort, click on “Click here to view a list of properties removed from the demolition process.”

The Neighborhood Conservation District Committee (NCDC) is the committee responsible for reviewing demolition applications. It publicizes its upcoming meetings and decisions on property.

Online Steps1) Go to the City of New Orleans website, www.cityofno.com, click on “Demolition” 2) At the bottom, “View NCDC website.” 3) Once there you can see when the meetings are, click to download the agenda, or click to download how each person voted. The disposition chart shows what the outcome was with the property: approved for demolition or not and why.

Title Other Useful InformationHow do I Find Out if The Property Has a Building Permit?

ONLINE STEPS

To find out if the property has acquired a building permit from the City, follow these steps:

1) Go to the Office of Safety and Permits website at http://cityofno.com/Portals/Portal37/portal.aspx

2) Click on “Permit Access Database” on the right-hand side of the screen

3) Once you have entered the permit database, click on the “Permits” tab.

4) Under the General Search toolbar, select “Search by Address”

5) The search will produce a list of similar addresses that link to permit records, if a permit has been issued to the property, you can click on the record number and view the details of the permit including a project description,

If there are no permits associated with the property, think address link will produce no results

11Property Campaign Manual | Building Permits

Title Other Useful InformationHow do I Look Up Tax Information?

1) You Can Get Information From The Tax Assessor’s Office.

Online StepsA site that will give you information on the property is the assessor’s office. This site will show you exactly what taxes were paid, when the property was purchased, but remember- the information might not be the most up to date. 1) You can go to www.nolaassessor.com.2)Click on “search records” in the top blue bar, agree to use the data for information only, and then choose a search with the data you have. If you have the owner’s name, click on “search by owner name. Similarly, if you have the address, click on “search by location address.”

The tax bill number is important to have. This information is useful to show if the owner paid his/her taxes and how much the property is worth as you try to build the case showing the property is or is not a public nuisance.

2) You Can Also Get Information From The Treasury Bureau.

You can also look up what taxes the property might owe through the treasury’s office. Online Steps1) Start at the city’s website, www.cityofno.com. On the left, click on “pay real estate taxes” or “pay taxes.”

2) On the next page, you’ll be asked to choose real estate or business personal property tax and put in the tax bill number. You have the tax bill number from the other site. Click on “find my taxes.”

If the property owes taxes you might have a stronger case for why it’s a public nuisance. Similarly, if you are trying to prove your property is not a nuisance, showing that you’ve paid all your taxes can help.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Tax Information12

Code Enforcement in Your Neighborhood Other Useful InformationWhat if I Don’t Have Access To a Computer?

If you don’t have a computer at home, or can’t get to the library, there are some non-internet resources you can use.

If there is a neighborhood association, you may be able to ask them about what is happening with the property and who owns it.

You can also request tax bills and details from the Bureau of the Treasury by calling (504) 658 2299 , or visiting/ sending a letter to:

City of New Orleans, Bureau of the Treasury1300 Perdido StRm 1W38New Orleans, LA, 70112

Legal ResourcesSoutheast Louisiana Legal ServicesSoutheast Louisiana Legal Services is a non-profit free legal program for low-income individuals.

1010 Common St., Annex Bld., Suite 1400ANew Orleans, LA 70112Phone: (504) 529-1000 or (504) 520-1008 or (877) 521-6242Fax: (504) 529-1009

For help with Succession/Title Clearing Issues, Contact Jovandra Larks at the New Orleans office at (504) 529-1000 Ext. 274

Community ResourcesThe Neighborhood Partnership Network is a non-profit organization consisting of a citywide network of organizations that was established after Hurricane Katrina to facilitate neighborhood collaboration, increase access to government information, and strengthen the voices of individuals and communities across New Orleans.

Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN)4902 Canal St, Rm 301New Orleans, LA 70119504-940-2207www.npnnola.com

What Are Additional Resources?

13Property Campaign Manual | Resources

TitleClean-and-Lien Program – The Clean-and-Lien program applies only to structures in Housing Opportunity Zones (HOZs). After an administrative enforcement hearing determines that a code violation exists for a property and the Administrative Hearing Officer issues a final order, a private contractor will secure the blighted property by boarding windows, gutting, cutting the grass, filling holes, terminating utilities, draining and filling pools, and resolving and capping sewer lines. To pay the costs of this securing and maintenance, the City will then place a lien on the property for that amount. Website: http://www.rebuildrecoveroneneworleans.com/our-progress-projects-Clean-and-Lien-Program.aspx

Chapter 28 of the City Code – Chapter 28 of the City Code is where to find the building code requirements for unoccupied housing. The complete City Code can be found at http://library3.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=10040&doc_action=whatsnew.

Code Enforcement – Code Enforcement is responsible for determining if buildings are in violation of the City’s building codes. Inspectors are sent to examine properties in question and if violations exist a hearing is set. Phone Number: (504) 658-4300 To report a property: Dial 3-1-1 or (504) 658-2299

Glossary311 or (504) 658-2299 - Information/ Connection to City Departments, this is the number to report a violation or ask for information on a hearing. Abatement – If a property has been abated, a violation or public nuisance has been fixed or removed.

Administrative Adjudication – Administrative Adjudication is the process by which an administrative agency issues an order. For example, during a Code Enforcement hearing, the hearing process which decides if a property is innocent of guilty of a violation is a process of administrative adjudication.

Administrative Hearing – Administrative hearings are held to determine if a property is innocent or guilty of a code violation.

Appeal – If a judgment has been made on a property declaring it a public nuisance or blighted, the property owner has 30 days to challenge the decision (appeal). An appeal is filed with the Civil Districts Court at (504) 592-9250.

Assessor – The office responsible for determining the value and taxes on all properties. The office also has public information on addresses, property owners, market values, and assessed values. Orleans Parish Assessor’s OfficeCity Hall - Room 4E011300 Perdido St.New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504)-658-1300 Fax: (504)-658-1303Website: www.nolaassessor.com

Neighborhood Housing Services | Glossary14

Code Enforcement in Your Neighborhood

Expropriation – Expropriation occurs when a property is declared blighted and the owner does not fix it up. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority will then take ownership of the property and eventually put it back into circulation.

Historic District Landmark Commission (HDLC) - The HDLC is in charge of ten of New Orleans’s designated historic districts and properties. Much of what they do is helping homeowners of historic buildings make appropriate repairs. Historic District Landmark Commission 1340 Poydras St. Suite 1152 Phone: (504) 658-7040 Fax: (504) 658-3802 Website: http://www.cityofno.com/pg-99-1-hdlc-home.aspx

Health Department –Works to improve the health and safety of residents. It is also involved with code enforcement issues that deal with unhealthy or dangerous properties. Health Department 1300 Perdido Street, Suite 8W03, New Orleans, LA 70112 Wesley P. Taylor, Director wptaylor@cityofno.com 504-658-2596 Connie Daniels, Division Administrator cmdaniels@cityofno.com 504-658-2608

Health Code Enforcement – A property or an environment that does not meet the city’s health and safety standards will face code enforcement hearings.

Glossary

Homestead Exemption – A Homestead Exemption, when applied for, allows tax appraisal on a primary residence to be reduced. This results in lower property taxes.

Housing Opportunity Zone (HOZ) –This is an area of focus the City (through the “Clean and Lien” project) identified because of the large number of blighted/ public nuisance properties. Homeowners in the designated HOZs are often eligible for “soft” second mortgages.

Interim Nuisance Abatement Program (INAP) – The INAP works the same as the Clean-and-Lien Program but is for vacant lots in Housing Opportunity Zones.

Inspection – An inspection occurs when a building code violation has been reported. Code Enforcement sends an inspector to determine if the property is in fact breaking one of the codes. If it is, the property is cited and a hearing is scheduled.

Lien – When someone or an agency has a legal claim to someone’s property in order to recover debt or another obligation. An example is a tax lien when someone has a legal claim to someone’s property if he or she does not pay the property taxes owed.

Lot Next Door Program –The Lot Next Door program allows residents who live directly to the right or to the left of a property owned by NORA the first opportunity to purchase that property. Website: http://www.noraworks.org/Lotnext.htm

15Property Campaign Manual | Glossary

TitleNCDC (Neighborhood Conservation District Committee) – The NCDC is the committee responsible for reviewing all applications for building demolition. http://www.cityofno.com/pg-37-31-neighborhood-conservation-district-committee-meetings.aspx

New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) – NORA is responsible for city redevelopment and revitalization. Its powers include acquiring property through negotiation, gift, or expropriation, selling or leasing the property, issuing bonds, and providing security to support neighborhood development. New Orleans Redevelopment Authority 1340 Poydras St. Suite 600 Phone: (504) 658-4400 Fax: (504) 658-4551 Website: http://www.noraworks.org/default.htm

Notice of Violation – A Notice of Violation is the letter a property owner receives after an inspector determines the property is in violation of the building code. It discusses the hearing and compliance.

Office of Recovery and Development Administration (ORDA) – The ORDA is responsible for managing and coordinating all recovery efforts in New Orleans including long-term community redevelopment, infrastructure modernization, and equitable and continual growth for the city. Phone: (504) 658-4200Website: http://neworleans.iprojweb.com/basedefault.aspx

Public Nuisance Property – Whether or not a property is a public nuisance is determined during a Code Enforcement hearing. A public nuisance occurs when a property has significant negative impacts on the surrounding properties and residents.

GlossaryReset Hearing – A reset hearing is a follow-up to the first hearing. It reviews whether or not a property owner has fixed the problems with the property. If the owner can demonstrate that the property is in the process of being brought up to code, the property is considered a ‘work in progress’ (WIP) and future hearings are scheduled until the property is brought into compliance with Chapter 28 of the City Code for occupied housing.

Soft Second Mortgage—The Soft Second Mortgage program is meant to fill in the gap between what a home purchaser can afford and the actual cost of the home. Funding for the mortgage comes from three different programs: The First Time Home-Buyer Fund, The Homeowner Opportunity Fund, and the Welcome Back Fund. Eligibility is determined based on need, household income, and whether or not the home with within a Housing Opportunity Zone. The Finance Authority of New Orleans is in charge of the Soft Second Mortgage Program. Finance Authority of New Orleans 618 Barronne St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: (504) 524-5533 or (877) 524-5533 Website: www.financeauthority.org

Sweep – The Code Enforcement Department focuses on a particular area and puts every property in violation of a code through the enforcement process. The idea behind a sweep is to address one neighborhood at a time and stabilize it. By fixing the blight, current and future residents will invest in the community.

Unsecured - means open or unsealed doors, windows, or other access points into a property.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Glossary16

Title What is Code Enforcement?

GlossaryOther Useful Phone Numbers

City Hall Switchboard (504) 658-4000

Code Enforcement Department (504) 658-4300

Department of Environmental Affairs (504) 658-4070

Department of Public Works (504) 658-4000

Health Department (504) 658-2500

Historic District Landmark Commission (504) 658-7040

Housing Department (504) 658-4200

Mayor’s Office (504) 658-4900

Mayor’s Office of Public Advocacy (504) 658-4000

New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA)(504) 658-4400

Rodent, Mosquito and Termite Control (504) 658-2400

Safety and Permits Department (504) 658-7130

17Property Campaign Manual | Glossary

Neighbhorhood Housing ServicesConstruction Management Services

NHS believes that in addition to building new homes it is also critically important to assist existing homeowners improve and maintain their homes.

Our Construction Management Services do exactly that: support and assist homeowners seeking to repair or renovate their home. Our construction specialists perform a feasibility study, put the job out to bid to trusted contractors, and monitor the job on a weekly basis. Because our oversight process is so thorough, jobs are regularly completed on time and on budget. This service, which bears a fee of 3 - 6% of the project cost, is charged on a sliding scale based on the income of the homeowner.

The NHS Design/Build Center’s team utilizes a comprehensive process that assists in protecting the interests of homeowners. Our Construction Specialists act as technical advisers to customers and coordinate the construction process from the initial feasibility study and the development of a scope of work, throughout the competitive bidding and contract process, and provide oversight until construction completion.

Our process significantly reduces the risk of contractor fraud and increases the likelihood that that the job is done on time and according to specification because our Construction Specialists will not authorize any payments to the contractor without our professional inspection and the home-owner’s approval.

These easy-to-use services are available to all homeowners and home-buyers throughout the New Orleans area. Contact Neighborhood Housing Services at 504.899.5900 or www.nhsnola.org for more information.

Neighborhood Housing Services | Construction Managment Services18

About Neighborhood Housing Services and NeighborWorks

NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. Together, with national and local partners, such as NHS, NeighborWorks creates new opportunities for residents while improving communities.

Property Campaign Manual © (Pending) 2010 Neighborhood Housing Services