LAPLACE — No vehicle may be parked and in place in St. John the Baptist Parish before 8 a.m. the day preceding a Mardi Gras parade, and no vehicle can be left in place after 8 a.m. the day following the parade, according to Section 40-7 of the Parish Code.

The ordinance extends to private landowners who choose to block public lands and rights-of-way in front of their residences and businesses using any type of barricade.

Neutral grounds along designated parade routes are to be left open for the use of the general public and parade viewers.

Parked vehicles, trailers, etc. and cable or rope barricades will not be permitted in these areas, and violators will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Ladders, tarps, blankets, benches and chairs are allowed along the parade route as long as public areas are not roped off or reserved in an effort to block access from others.

Vehicles and trailers parked along the parade route must be at least five feet back from the edge of any street to allow the general public space to walk by.

As outlined by the Parish Code, violations will be documented as misdemeanors subject to a $100 to $500 fine not including towing expenses.

For more information, contact St. John the Baptist Parish Planning and Zoning Director Alexandra Carter at 985-651-5565 or refer to chapter 40 of the Code, available at sjbparish.com/code.