***This article originally appeared as an episode on The Parish Circuit podcast. Find the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you find podcasts.
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Opelousas, LA – In an effort to revitalize the city’s downtown district, the City of Opelousas has implemented a new vacant building ordinance aimed at addressing long-abandoned properties. The ordinance, which went into effect in April 2023, is part of a broader initiative to encourage economic development and community revitalization.
Lance Ned, the Building Official and Code Enforcement Director for the City of Opelousas, spoke about the ordinance during a recent episode of The Parish Circuit podcast. Ned emphasized that the goal is not to hinder property owners but to encourage them to take action on buildings that have remained empty for years, some even decades.
The Purpose of the Ordinance
The vacant building ordinance requires property owners within the designated downtown corridor—along U.S. 190 and parts of Main Street—to register their vacant buildings with the city. This registration process ensures that city officials are aware of the status of each property and allows for better tracking of potential redevelopment efforts.
“If you have these buildings and you have a plan for them, let us know,” Ned stated. “We’re not here to strong-arm anyone, but if a building has been vacant for 20 years, we need to understand what’s going on and work toward getting it back into commerce.”
Failure to comply with the ordinance could result in fines of up to $5,700 per year, with additional enforcement measures such as liens on properties for those who do not adhere to the regulations.
Encouraging Business Growth
Despite concerns that such regulations might deter business investment, Ned assured that his office is “pro-business” and actively working to accommodate new ventures in Opelousas. Over the past few years, the city has seen an increase in commercial activity, with businesses like Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, and Billy’s opening new locations. Additionally, ongoing projects such as new medical facilities, a school, and a cannabis dispensary are contributing to the city’s economic growth.
“We’re seeing a lot of movement inside the city limits,” Ned said. “Opelousas is growing, and we want to make sure we’re fostering that growth by getting these vacant properties back into use.”
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges in addressing vacant buildings is changing the perception of Opelousas. Many investors overlook the city due to outdated notions about its economic potential, despite the fact that Opelousas boasts one of the lowest tax bases in Louisiana and access to fiber-optic internet.
“People don’t realize that Opelousas is a gold mine,” Ned explained. “Businesses can operate here with lower overhead while still reaching their target audience, especially in today’s internet-driven economy.”
Future Revitalization Efforts
With enforcement of the vacant building ordinance underway, several previously abandoned buildings have already gone up for sale, signaling progress toward revitalization. Ned remains optimistic that as more property owners take action, the downtown area will see renewed interest from businesses and investors.
“We just need a little push,” he said. “Downtown revitalization has worked in other Louisiana cities like Crowley, Breaux Bridge, and Abbeville. Opelousas has the same potential.”
As the city moves forward with these efforts, officials encourage property owners to reach out to the Building and Code Enforcement Office for assistance and information on how to comply with the ordinance.
For further details, interested parties can contact the City of Opelousas at (337) 948-2533 or visit City Hall, Third Floor, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM.
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