Metairie Code Definitions - Jefferson Parish

General Governance and Administration Louisiana 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In Metairie, Louisiana, most local ordinance definitions appear in the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances or in chapter-specific definitions adopted by the Parish Council. Start with the official consolidated code to find the precise legal meaning of terms that affect zoning, permits, business licensing, and public safety. The consolidated code is available online from the parish-designated code publisher and provides chapter headings, defined terms, and cross-references for enforcement and permitting.[1]

Definitions control how enforcement and permitting apply to local activities.

Where definitions appear

Definitions that govern Metairie usually appear in:

  • General definitions chapter that applies parishwide.
  • Chapter- or article-specific definitions (for zoning, building, health, parking).
  • Administrative regulations, permits, and forms that further define procedural terms.

When a term appears both in a general definitions chapter and in a chapter for a specific subject, the specific chapter definition typically controls that subject unless the code states otherwise.

Searching the code and citing definitions

Action steps to locate a definition:

  1. Search the consolidated code for the term and note the chapter and section number.
  2. Confirm whether a chapter-level definition overrides or supplements a general definition.
  3. If unclear, contact the enforcing department named in the ordinance for an authoritative interpretation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Definitions themselves usually do not carry penalties, but how a defined term is used in an ordinance can trigger enforcement by Jefferson Parish departments. Specific penalty amounts and procedures are set in the ordinance sections that use the defined terms; the parish code and enforcement offices are the controlling sources.[2]

If a definition affects licensing or zoning, acting before obtaining required permits can result in fines or stop-work orders.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general definitions; specific sections set fines where applicable.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page and must be read in the operative ordinance section.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to abate, stop-work orders, civil penalties, and referral to parish court or municipal court processes are used depending on the ordinance.
  • Enforcer: Jefferson Parish Department of Code Enforcement, Permits and Inspections, Planning and Development, or other named departments depending on subject matter; contact links are provided below.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints may be submitted to the listed enforcement office; see departmental contact pages for forms and submission methods.
  • Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are set in the specific ordinance or administrative rule; if an appeal period is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: ordinances often allow variances, permits, or reasonable-excuse defenses where specified; availability is set in the operative rule or permit process.

Applications & Forms

Many definitions relate to permits and applications. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission instructions appear with the permit or license chapter. If no form is listed with a definition, no form is required for the definition itself; check the permit or licensing chapter for required applications.

Permit chapters typically list forms, fees, and submission offices in the same chapter.

Common violations involving definitions

  • Operating without a required permit because a use was misclassified under the code definition.
  • Performing construction that exceeds the defined scope of a permitted activity.
  • Parking or traffic rules misapplied due to unclear vehicle-use definitions.

FAQ

Where do I find the legal definition of a term used in a zoning decision?
Search the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances for the zoning chapter definition and check any chapter-specific definitions; contact Planning and Development for interpretation.
Does a general definition apply if a chapter gives a different meaning?
Generally the chapter-specific definition controls for that subject unless the code explicitly states otherwise.
Who enforces definition-related violations in Metairie?
Enforcement depends on the subject: Code Enforcement, Permits and Inspections, or Planning typically enforce violations tied to definitions.

How-To

  1. Open the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances and search for the keyword or term.
  2. Note the chapter and section citation for the definition.
  3. Read the ordinance section that uses the term to see applicable penalties and procedures.
  4. If unclear, contact the department named in the ordinance for official guidance and to request permit or variance forms if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitions in the parish code determine how rules apply in Metairie.
  • When in doubt, contact the enforcing department named in the ordinance for an authoritative interpretation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances (consolidated)
  2. [2] Jefferson Parish Department of Code Enforcement

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