Expressing community concerns about selective and inconsistent ordinance enforcement by the Denham Springs Building and Permit office, and ignored citizen complaints.
By LRA, published on 6-10-2025 updated on 6-10-2025.
Effective and equitable enforcement of city ordinances is fundamental to maintaining property values, public safety, and the overall quality of life in any community. However, residents of Shelly's Homesites, and Denham Springs at large, have expressed increasing concerns about the practices of the Denham Springs Building and Permit office's code enforcement, particularly regarding issues of selective enforcement and the handling of citizen complaints.
It is imperative that code enforcement operates with transparency, consistency, and a clear adherence to published municipal codes, rather than perceived arbitrary or politically motivated actions.
A prominent example of these concerns is the city's recent crackdown on watercraft storage within residential areas. Despite the absence of a clear, published ordinance explicitly prohibiting watercraft storage on private property, many homeowners have received citations, labeling their boats or jet skis as "abandoned" or "nuisances." This raises questions about whether these enforcement actions are based on legitimate legal grounds or an unwritten "ghost ordinance."
Learn More: Watercraft Storage Concerns
We call upon the Denham Springs Building and Permit office, and the City of Denham Springs, to review its code enforcement policies and practices. Transparency, consistent application of documented ordinances, and a responsive approach to all citizen complaints are essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring a fair and just environment for all residents.
Residents frequently report concerns about inconsistent application of ordinances, delayed responses to complaints, and a perception of selective enforcement by the Building and Permit office.
