NEW ORLEANS, LA-Today, the City announced that on Monday, September 12, 2011, the Department of Sanitation will begin stronger enforcement of City quality-of-life laws regarding littering, illegal dumping, and signs or posters posted unlawfully on public rights of way, commonly referred to as "bandit signs." The City Code has been amended in regard to some of these provisions as recently as June 2011.

City law specifically prohibits the placement of any sign, placard, poster or other advertisement on public rights-of-way including on neutral grounds, parks, playgrounds, trees, utility poles, light fixtures, street signs, and parking meters. It also provides guidelines related to the collection and disposal of solid waste and specifies penalties and fines for littering and illegal dumping.

"Removing litter and bandit signs across the City is a beautification effort that will improve our quality of life," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "Over the next 18 months, we have an unprecedented series of national and international events that will showcase New Orleans, so it
is critical that we put our best foot forward as our City takes center stage."

The City will institute an amnesty period from Monday, August 29th through Friday, September 9th. Individuals and businesses who have
dumped trash illegally, littered, or posted bandit signs should utilize this time period to remove them. During the amnesty period the City will not issue fines.

At the conclusion of the amnesty period, teams of City employees will be dispatched throughout the City to photograph, count, log, remove and dispose of bandit signs and litter. Any bandit sign will be removed, disposed of, and the owner will receive a fine of $25 per sign, or $50
per sign if attached to a tree. Community service is possible for repeat offenders. Fines for littering and illegal dumping range from $150 to
$5,000, with the possibility of community service and jail time for repeat offenders. These penalties are determined by the City's Municipal
Court.

City Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "We are all very excited and proud to show our City in its best light.  In order to
make the next 18 months and beyond as spectacular as possible, we will all have to commit to strong enforcement - from top to bottom."

"I look forward to this aggressive enforcement of nuisance laws," said District B Councilmember Stacy Head. "Eradication of these signs will reduce litter and visual clutter and improve livability in all neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Central City that has been plagued with these signs."

"This increased effort to enforce these quality of life issues will be beneficial not only to our visitors, but to our residents who live and work in our communities on a daily basis," said District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer. "The French Quarter, Marigny and other historic areas, are especially impacted.  With greater enforcement, we will uphold the beauty and unique nature of these important neighborhoods."

District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, "Keeping our neighborhoods neat and clean is important to our quality of life. The
residents of District D look forward to the results of this push by the administration to fight litter, illegal dumping, and nuisance signs."

Political and campaign signs may be posted 48 hours prior to an election and remain for 48 hours after the closing of the polls for the election. Realtors may post signs 24 hours before and after an open house takes place.

For more information or questions about bandit signs or littering and dumping fines, please contact the Department of Sanitation at
sanitation@nola.gov or call (504) 658-3800.

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Ryan Berni
Press Secretary
Office of Mayor Mitch Landrieu
City of New Orleans
504-658-4992 (direct)
504-621-9504 (cell)
rfberni@nola.gov

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