§ 13-9. Obstruction or defacement of fire hydrants.

(a)

Terms defined. For purposes of this section:

(1)

Fire hydrant means a public utility device installed by the Jefferson Parish Department of Public Works on public or private property which provides a water supply for the local fire department.

(2)

Obstacles means anything placed or allowed to remain adjacent to a fire hydrant, including, but not limited to, garbage, trash, refuse, fences, shrubs, trees, flowers, vines, mail boxes, vehicles, watercraft, trailers, structures, or other movable or immovable objects.

(b)

Prohibitions. The following acts are prohibited with regards to fire hydrants:

(1)

It shall be unlawful for anyone to place any obstacle within a five-foot radius of any fire hydrant within the parish as measured from the top center of the hydrant, except as herein provided.

(2)

It shall further be unlawful for any person who owns or manages property adjoining the berm on which a fire hydrant may be located to knowingly allow any obstacles to remain with a five-foot radius of the fire hydrant.

(3)

Further it shall be unlawful for anyone to paint, alter the original appearance of, or deface in any manner any fire hydrant within the parish, except as provided herein.

(4)

It shall further be unlawful for anyone to obstruct any fire hydrant from view, or access from a public street, or from emergency access.

(c)

Exemptions. The following are exempt from the provisions of this section:

(1)

Nothing herein shall prohibit the department of public works, or its designees, from performing normal maintenance or otherwise performing necessary repairs to any fire hydrant.

(2)

Protective post(s) as deemed necessary by the department of public works or the fire department or any volunteer fire department under contract with the parish to provide fire protection services shall be exempt from the provisions of this section only if express written consent is granted by the fire department which provides fire protection services for the area involved and such department approves the design and location of the protective post(s). The appropriate fire department shall be notified prior to and after the post(s) is (are) installed, and the department or its designee shall inspect the site prior to and immediately after installation to ensure proper compliance with this section.

(3)

Nothing herein shall prohibit the planting and cultivation of small flowering plants (but not including shrubbery of any kind) within five (5) feet of fire hydrants, provided that such plants are maintained at a height not exceeding the height of the hose connections on such hydrant and such plants are approved by the fire department providing fire protection services to the area in which such hydrant is located. The various fire departments in the parish, or any of their agents or employees, shall not be liable for any damage caused to such plants as a result of the use, maintenance or testing of any hydrant.

(d)

Enforcement. In addition to the penalties and enforcement prescribed by sections 1-10 and 1-11 of this Code of Ordinances, each fire department of the parish shall have the authority to require the removal of any obstructions not in compliance with this section in the area in which such fire department provides fire protection services.

(Ord. No. 18339, § 1, 8-7-91)