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A Monthly Newsletter from the Department of Code Enforcement
July-August 2025
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 In the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, the region has changed in many ways. The people who call New Orleans home, who returned after evacuating, who rebuilt and continue to rebuild, represent the spirit of what makes the Crescent City a special place to live and thrive.
Ardell Walters, Code Enforcement Manager
Never say never. You always say, "That is never going to happen to me." I was not prepared to leave. I left the city with nothing, just the clothes on my back. I am now prepared for anything. I now know the true value of the kindness of strangers.
Soriah Cleveland, Title Researcher
I was 8 years old when Katrina hit. Since then, as I've grown, I've become more empathetic and aware of how disasters can really change the way the world looks at you.
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Kyron Leggins, Code Enforcement Inspector
Since Katrina, I've learned to have a car and hurricane evacuation fund ready every June 1st.
Natalie Ellis, Demolition Administrator
Nine months pregnant at the time of evacuating, Katrina brought a lot of changes very quickly. Since then, I've learned that hard times are temporary, and to remain present and in the moment. Things can change so fast.
Kimberly Reid, Code Enforcement District Supervisor
In a weird way, for me, Katrina was a blessing. It encouraged me to start a nest egg for my family so that if we had to evacuate again, we could be safe and secure for however long we need to be.
When Sabrina Smith started as an inspector with the city in 1990, she never would have thought 35 years later, she would retire as one of Code Enforcement’s longest serving inspectors. “When I started at the Health Department inspecting properties, I didn’t know how important the job was,” Smith remembers. “It was only until I started working hard that I saw how important our jobs are to keeping properties safe.” Director Anthony Davis with the entire Department of Code Enforcement celebrated Mrs. Smith’s retirement in early July. |
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Among cheers from the whole team, she thanked her colleagues and managers for keeping her motivated and pressing forward even as she realized it was time to spend more time with her mother, sister, son, and family.
Smith, devout, thanked God for seeing her through and encouraged younger inspectors to stick with it. “You never know what you might learn and how you might help people.” Even though her retirement closed a chapter for Smith, she is not finished with the book. “I won’t be saying goodbye to anyone. I’m saying: See you later!”
 Stormy Afternoons Mark Grass Season in NOLA
New Orleans summers can be hot and rainy. The city code prohibits "plant growth more than ten inches tall on the entirety of the lot, plot, or parcel." Weeds can also get hectic. It is important to remember the code defines weeds as "all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs."
Is it Overgrown or Maintained?
Some property owners may maintain lawns and lots that look overgrown, but are actually maintained as a part of larger ecological efforts to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths to New Orleans neighborhoods. Gardeners maintain these areas despite the vegetation looking less ornamental. Visit the LSU AgCenter online for helpful tips on keeping your lawn and community healthy!
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Hurricane Proof Your Property Right
As we get closer to the peak of hurricane season, remember to take care of parts of your property that might be aging or in disrepair like fencing, awnings, gutters, and roofs. If you rent or have vacant property, make sure they are maintained for the safety of your neighbors.
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Zip Code Search Added to Hearings Schedule
The Department of Code Enforcement, acting on advice from community members, has updated the Administrative Hearing schedule online to allow search by zip code. This provides more geographical context for code hearings.
Users can easily use the Zip Code column to find hearings scheduled for properties in that zip code.
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Employee of the Month - July 2025
Congratulations to Ms. Jana Rodney for her diligence and hard work in facilitating administrative hearings for the Department of Code Enforcement. With the professional efforts of Ms. Rodney and her hearing teammates, the department continues to increase blight reduction efforts across the city.
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Supervisor of the Quarter - Q2 2025
Congratulations to Ms. Kimberly Reid for her leadership and management of the demolitions program for the Department of Code Enforcement. Her fellow supervisors voted for her because she is always eager to help across divisions, and ensures inspection processes run smoothly.
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 (L to R) Jason Chaffin, Sabrina Smith, Tiera Smith, Toshia Norris, Evelyn Adams, Brandy Burton, Deisha LaGarde, Jana Rodney, Mia Nelson
Celebrating July & August Birthdays!
July:
Mr. Jason Chaffin, Ms. Jana Rodney, Mr. Keith Shelling , Ms. Sabrina Smith, Ms. Deisha LaGarde, Ms. Anna Lee, Ms. Brandy Burton, Ms. Jaunee Snear, Ms. Tiera Smith, Ms. Mia Nelson, Ms. Evelyn Adams, Ms. Toshia Norris, Mr. Winston Reid
August:
Mr. Howard Sheldon, Ms. Natalie Ellis,
Ms. Lauren Youngblood, Ms. Chanel Russell, Mr. Keith Ferrouillet (left, in picture), Ms. Ardell Walters (center) Ms. Ariane Patton (right)
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Code Enforcement in the Community
Join us in August and September in the community! We meet with neighbors and community leaders, sharing department updates and ways to keep the neighborhood safe, happy, and healthy.
The Department will be at special K20 Hurricane Katrina 20 years memorials between August 23-30. For more information on K20 events, visit here.
Civic Leadership Academy - September 25
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