What is "chronic vacancy"?

From: Stanley Cohn [mailto:scohn@lawla.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:45 AMTo: 'Milissa Orzolek'; advocacy@npnnola.comSubject: RE: chronic vacancy

The Code does not define “chronic vacancy”. You must look to its common meaning. It’s more than just a structure with no occupant. Chronic means constant, habitual. A chronically vacant structure is not capable of human habitation, thus it is vacant. It is a continuous, constant problem marked by long duration.

On the other hand, a property for rent that is capable of human habitation is simply vacant.

There is a reason the Code uses the adjective “chronic” before vacancy.

You must also apply common sense.

Hope this helps.

Stanley

Stanley J. Cohn
Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin and Hubbard
601 Poydras Street
Suite 2775
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-568-1990
504-310-9195 (fax)
scohn@lawla.com