Right-of-way obstructions (dumpsters, pods, construction equipment)
At a glance
- What: Ordinance sponsored by Willard's office to require permits for anything obstructing the public right-of-way, give NOPD citation authority, and raise fees.
- Where it stands: Adopted 4-0 by the Community Development Committee on October 20, 2026; the full council deferred Calendar No. 35,576 on October 15 to November 5.
- Key terms: application fee $40 to $80, daily fee $10 to $20, $500 fine, towing and storage at Public Service Commission rates, safety marking set by Public Works.
- Concerns raised: 340 complaints to 311 since 2022 with over a year to resolve; inconsistent permitting and enforcement; storage capacity for towed equipment; shipping containers the city cannot currently tow.
- Next: Public Works, Safety and Permits and NOPD write enforcement rules; 311 to use one category; cost-benefit study of in-house versus contracted towing.
- Presenter: Courtney Fleming. Public comment: Kathy Singleton.
Council ordinance
- Calendar No. 35,576, by Councilmember Willard, amends Sections 146-5, 146-584, 146-585 and 146-586 of Chapter 146 and Section 154-699 of Chapter 154 of the City Code to change the enforcement process for right-of-way obstructions, define the obstructions that need a permit, raise application and permit fees, and adjust towing and storage rates and fines for removed obstructions. Deferred to November 5, 2026. See also Permit Fee Increase Ordinance.
Sources
- City Council regular meeting minutes, October 15, 2026: https://cityofno.legistar1.com/cityofno/meetings/2026/10/1042_M_City_Council_26-10-15_MINUTES.pdf
- https://council.nola.gov/meetings/2026/committees/community-development/20261020-community-development/
- 2026-10-20 - Community Development Committee
Discussion time
About 17 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).
| Meeting | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-20 - Community Development Committee | 17 |
Log
- 2026-10-15 - City Council - Official minutes: Calendar No. 35,576 (introduced September 17, referred to the Community Development Joint Committee) deferred to November 5.
- 2026-10-20 - Community Development Committee - Presented and adopted 4-0 in committee (one vote taken verbally). Support from Public Works, Safety and Permits and NOPD.