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Animal Services - Mosquito Control

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1. Is the Parish going to spray for mosquitoes?

Yes, when it is necessary to do so, we will operate a spray program. We will monitor known breeding sites and apply larvicide to control mosquitos in their infant stages. We will also check identified locations from citizen complaints and apply larvicide or adulticide where needed. WHEN NECESSARY, we will conduct an adulticide spray program to kill mosquito populations during active hours.

2. What precautions should I take at home when my area is being sprayed?

Bring in pet dishes or cover them.
Cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths.
Bring your pets inside for the night.
Do not go outside during spray times.
If you have health problems, such as asthma, take special precautions as directed by your doctor, if necessary.

3. What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus which was previously associated and commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It is not known how long it has been in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the virus probably has been in the US since early summer of 1999. It is closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the US. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other animals.

4. How can I reduce my risk of getting West Nile Virus?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid getting the West Nile Virus. Remember the four Ds: Drain, Dusk-to-Dawn, Dress and Deet.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Standing water can be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. Changing flushing water in flower pots and dog dishes twice a week should be sufficient. Be vigilant in removing standing water, because as little as a soda cap full can provide a breeding site for mosquitos.

Dusk-to-Dawn are the times of day you should stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Dress in light colored long-sleeve shirts and wear pants when you are outside. Spray thin clothing with insect repellent.

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.

5. Who is at risk for West Nile Virus?

People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is not known if people with weakened immune systems are at an increase risk for West Nile Virus.

6. How is West Nile Virus treated?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In severe cases, intensive supportive therapies are used, such as intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever or pain. Antibiotics may be given for any secondary bacterial infection.

7. Can I be vaccinated for West Nile Virus?

Currently there is no vaccine for West Nile virus, but several companies are working toward developing a vaccine.

8. What are the symptoms of West Nile?

Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will not have any signs of illness.Twenty percent of people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.Only about one out of 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop this more severe form of disease. The incubation period of West Nile Virus in humans is three to 14 days. Symptoms of mild disease may last a few days.Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent. Rarely, death can occur.

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Animal Services - Spay & Neuter

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1. Does spaying and neutering cost too much?

They're cheaper in the long run than caring for the litters! Financial assistance may be available. License fees are often less for spayed or neutered pets.

2. She should have one litter first, to settle her down?

Having a litter won't improve her health or permanently change her personality – although she may be tired and irritable while nursing.

3. What's wrong with wanting my children to see the "miracle of birth"?

But will they? Many pets hide when giving birth. And even if you find good homes for the litter, you may deny homes to animals already born

4. If I neuter my dog, he'll stop protecting our house won't he?

Not so! His instinct to "defend his turf" won't be affected. And he'll be less likely to wander off.

5. Only females need to be "fixed," since the litters are their owners' responsibility right?

But how do those pets get pregnant? A male pet can easily father 750 offspring in his lifetime. (And if he gets into a neighbor's yard and mates with the "wrong" female, her owner could sue.)

6. Spaying or neutering makes pets fat and lazy right?

No, that's caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Spayed or neutered pets require fewer calories. Cut down on their meals, and make time for walks or play.

7. Isn't keeping animals from having litters interfering with nature?

We've already interfered. Domesticated dogs and cats mate more often and have larger litters than their wild ancestors, but cannot survive well on their own.

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Facilities & Maintenance

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1. Can the public use the Courthouse grounds?

Courthouse grounds may be used by a nonprofit organization with prior approval from the director of parish buildings. Persons must be willing to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. For more details, please contact Facilities and Maintenance at (318) 226-6899.

2. What is involved in the process of setting up a tour of the Courthouse?

Contact our Courthouse tour guide at (318) 226-6801 to set a time. Tours are conducted year-round.

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Finance & Human Resources

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1. How does the Parish determine the assessed value of my property?

Property is assessed by the Caddo Parish Tax Assessor. Questions concerning property assessments should be addressed to:

Caddo Parish Tax Assessor
501 Texas Street, Room 101
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6701

2. What is a property tax mill?

A property tax mill is the tax rate on real property based on $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A mill is equal to 1/10 cent

3. What is the Homestead Exemption?

The homestead exemption is a tax exemption on the first $75,000 of the value of a person's home. The value of your home is exempt up to $75,000 from state and parish property taxes. The exemption applies to all homeowners. If your home is worth $70,000, you are fully exempt from the payment of property taxes. If it is worth $90,000, you are exempt on the first $75,000 of value; and you pay taxes only on the remaining $15,000 of value. If your home is worth $200,000, you are exempt on the first $75,000 of value; and you pay taxes on the remaining $125,000 of value.

4. Where do I pay my property tax bill?

The Caddo Parish Tax Assessor values real estate and personal property in Caddo Parish for property tax purposes. The Parish of Caddo does not collect property taxes. Your property tax bill is sent to you at the end of each year by the Caddo Parish Sheriff and Tax Collector. Any inquiries concerning your property tax bill should be made to Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office – Tax Division at (318) 681-0638.
Parish taxes should be remitted to:

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
Tax Division
501 Texas Street, Room 101
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 681-0638

City taxes should be remitted to:

City of Shreveport
Revenue Customer Service
P.O. Box 31109
Shreveport, LA 71130
(318) 673-5500

5. What permits and/or licenses will I need to operate a business in Caddo Parish?

An occupational license tax is due and payable upon commencement of the business. The Parish issues a temporary license to conduct business for a period of 30 days. The temporary license must be updated after 30 days, and the original license will be mailed. Occupational licenses may be obtained from the Purchasing Department.

6. If I intend to sell alcohol, what permits or licenses do I need?

A class A or B Alcohol Beverage License is required for the sale of alcohol in the Parish. A class A license is for the consumption of liquor on the premises, class B is for liquor in package form only. Applications for an Alcohol Beverage License may be obtained from the Purchasing Department. The application must be accompanied by certified funds in the proper amount payable to the Parish. The amount payable depends on the type of business.

7. Has the Parish paid or received my invoice?

The Finance Department is responsible for paying invoices for the Parish of Caddo. Any questions concerning the payment or receipt of invoices should be directed to the Finance Department at (318) 226-6913.

8. Why did I receive a notice regarding a paving lien against my property and why is my assessment more than my neighbor’s assessment?

The Parish of Caddo has the authority to order the paving, repaving, or improvement of any streets, public alleys, or public places in the Parish whenever in its judgment and discretion it may be necessary. Property owners whose property abuts a dirt street may petition the Caddo Parish Commission to pave the street. Property owners who represent more than 50 percent of the assessable front footage must sign the petition. Currently, the Parish pays 60 percent of the costs of the paving with property owners on either side of the street paying 40 percent. Upon completion of a street paving project, 40 percent of the total cost of the project is assessed against the property owners on the basis of the owner’s respective front footage. Property owners may repay the assessment over a period of four (4) or nine (9) years. The current interest rate on street paving assessments is 5 percent. Until the assessment is paid in full, a lien is placed against the property and filed with the Clerk of Court. For more information on paving assessments, contact the Finance Department at (318) 429-7644.

9. Where can I obtain copies of the annual audit report and the annual operating budget?

Copies of audit reports and operating budgets can be obtained from the Department of Finance. Audit reports and operating budgets are also kept on file in the public documents area at the Shreve Memorial Library.

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Finance & Human Resources - Human Resources

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1. How do I apply?

You may apply for an open position by accessing an online application via the following link. 

2. What are the minimum qualifications for employment?

You must be a citizen of United States or possess a visa permit which allows employment, must be over the age of 18 unless hired through the summer youth / student worker program, possess a high school diploma or equivalent if required by the position, have a valid driver’s license if required by the position, and pass pre-employment screenings such as a drug screen, criminal background check, and physical if required by the position.

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Finance & Human Resources - Purchasing

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1. What are the specific bidding requirements the agency must follow (dollar, thresholds, etc)?

• A Request for Quotes (RFQ) $10,000 - $30,000:
  
  • The Parish purchasing policy requests that all supply and equipment purchases between $10,000 to $30,000 be made by formal request.
  • Fax or telephone quotes are made depending upon the nature of the item to be purchased.

• Competitive Sealed Bids ($30,000 and Greater):
  
  • It is the policy of the parish to solicit competitive sealed bids for purchases exceeding $30,000.
  • A public notice to bidders is issued in the local newspaper and BidSync.
  • Awards are made to the lowest responsive bidder.
  BidSync

2. How do I become a Vendor with the Parish of Caddo?

Contact one of the Purchasers listed in the staff directory to schedule an appointment. All potential vendors need to complete a Vendor’s Application and a Small and Emerging Business Application. (Documents Available online).

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Juvenile Services - Families

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1. I have recieved a letter, subpoena or summons from the court...

READ THE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY. It will give you either a number to call or a date and time to appear in court for your first hearing. Follow the instructions.

2. My child has been arrested...

If your child has been arrested and brought to detention, an employee will call you and will give you the necessary information. You may ask questions at that time.

If your child has been arrested and released to you or another adult, wait to hear from the court. The prosecutor screens these cases and decides whether or not to file charges. Sometimes they do not file based on insufficient evidence; however, you need to wait to hear from the court. You will receive a subpoena telling you when to come to Court.

3. The court has issued a warrant for my child's arrest...

Contact your child's attorney, Juvenile Probation Officer, the Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office at (318) 226-6751 or The District Attorney’s Office – Juvenile Division at (318) 429-7647 to talk about what your child's options are. The court does offer juveniles the opportunity to recall the warrant.

4. My child is out of control...

If either you or your child is in immediate danger, contact your local police or sheriff’s department. You may call 318-425-1883 to talk with someone about whether your child's behavior meets the requirements for filing a FINS Petition or to request the assistance of the court.

5. I am a victim of domestic violence...

If you are in danger, call 911 or the domestic violence hotline at (318) 226-5015 or (888) 411-1333. Contact The Providence House 221-7887 or visit at 814 Cotton Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. The Providence House offers services to those coping with or fleeing violent relationships. All services are confidential and at no charge.

6. Who can I call for help with my child but will not require that my child first appear before the court?

For behavioral or substance abuse issues, call Magellan Health Services of Louisiana at 1-800-424-4399 or visit on the web: Magellan Health Services

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Parks & Recreation

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1. What are your parks hours of operation?

All parks, with the exception of Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park and Keithville Community Park, are open to the public from 6 am - 9 pm daily.  Boat ramps are open to fishermen 24 hours a day.

2. Do any of the parks charge a fee or admission?

None of the Parish parks charge an admission fee. The Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park does accept donations to feed the park animals. Earl G. Williamson Park charges for overnight camping. RV camper hook-ups $12/night, areas for primitative tent camping $6/night, and a $2 sewage disposal fee for campers not staying overnight in the park.

3. Can I reserve a park or parks site?

Parish park sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Park patrons can request a permit to access the utilities, free of charge, via phone, email, regular mail, or fax (318) 212-0229.

Reservations can be made for nature programs provided by the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park staff.

The Walter B. Jacobs Nature Park pavilion can also be rented, 4 hours $50.00 and 8 hours $100.00

4. Is hunting allowed in parish parks?

Hunting is not allowed on any Parish park sites.

5. Are there any animals at the parks? If so, what kind?

Several of the Parish parks located on area lakes have native birds, mammals, and other animals that can sometimes be observed in the parks. The Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park has displays of native fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals used in educational programs, in addition to the native wildlife found in the park.

6. What type of trails do the parks have?

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, P. B. S. Pinchback Park, Keithville Community Park, Greenbrook Park, and Stoner Hill Park have handicapped accessible asphalt paths. Walter Jacobs Nature Park has more than five miles of hiking trails. Eddie D. Jones Park has more than ten miles of mountain biking trails, five miles of horseback riding trails, and 1 ½ miles of hiking trails. Hiking is permitted on all of the trails in Eddie Jones Park.

7. Do I need a license to fish off the pier at Earl G. Williamson Park?

A La. Fishing license is required to fish in any of the Parish parks that allow fishing. LADWF Fishing Licenses

8. How do I register a boat on Cross Lake?

Contact the Cross Lake Patrol
2900 Municipal Pier Rd.
Shreveport, La. 71119
Phone (318)673-7245

9. Do you offer any summer programs?

The Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park pavilion serves as the site of a summer Earth Camp each year. The environmental day camp is sponsored jointly by the Parish of Caddo Parks and Recreation Department and Shreveport Green. Questions regarding Earth Camp should be submitted to the director's office. Other summer programs available are listed under special events.

10. Do you offer any type of recreational ball leagues?

The Parish sponsors an adult women's basketball league.

11. Does the nature park staff pick up injured animals?

The nature park staff are permitted to care for injured vertebrates, but cannot pick up animals. The Caddo Parish Animal Control Department picks up injured animals and will transport them to the nature park if necessary.
Caddo Parish Animal Services

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Public Works - Adjudicated Property

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1. What is Adjudicated Property?

It is immovable property on which the property taxes were not paid and which was not purchased at the subsequent tax sale. If no one buys the property at this tax sale, state law requires that it be “adjudicated” to the Parish. Once the property is adjudicated to the Parish, it will not come up for another tax sale. It can only be; redeemed (which will place the property back in the name of the tax debtor), sold by the Parish through the abandoned adjudicated process or declared needed by the Parish for public purposes.

2. Is all Adjudicated Property available for sale?

The Parish is authorized to only sell property which has been adjudicated since January 1, 1975 and has been listed on the tax roll as adjudicated for the past three years. For example an application for property adjudicated for 2010 taxes will not be accepted until 2014.

3. What law gives the Parish the right to sell property?

House bill 337 by Representative Burrell (signed by the Governor - Act819) provides relative to property taxes, tax sales and adjudicated property. Provides general provisions, definitions, payment and collection. Further provides for tax sales of movable and immovable propety for adjudicated property and provides for redemptions and procedures to quiet tax title and to annul.

4. If I acquire adjudicated property, will I obtain the mineral rights?

No, Established June 2nd, 2008 The Parish of Caddo will reserve any and all of the oil, gas, and other mineral rights under the subject property.

5. If I own the property can’t I just purchase it through the Adjudicated Process?

No, do not commence this process if you are the tax debtor, his heir or assign because the sale will be treated as a redemption and all of the taxes, liens and judgments will still be owed.

6. I saw some property that looks abandoned can I call and check to see if it’s adjudicated?

No, the Parish Public Works department is only responsible for processing the sale of adjudicated property. To find out if property is adjudicated you will need to contact or visit the Caddo Assessor’s office located in the Caddo Parish Courthouse.

7. I own some property that is adjudicated what can I do?

If you own property that is adjudicated and no application has been filed in an attempt to purchase the property, you may be able to setup a payment plan. If an application is on file for the property you must pay all city and parish taxes, plus any cost that were incurred to the original applicant such as title report, appraisal or application, or attorney fees before removing it from adjudication.

8. What is the advantage of purchasing Adjudicated Property?

It provides a procedure to sell abandoned adjudicated property where often the owners cannot be located and/or the amount of taxes, liens, judgments and mortgages exceed the value of the property.

9. If I attempt to purchase some property and am not the highest bidder do I get my money back?

Yes, if you are not the highest bidder you will receive back the cost of completing the application process which includes any notice or application fees including any attorney fees which are accompanied with proof of receipt.

10. Can I find out who filed an application?

The public works department does not provide the name or any personal information concerning applicants that have filed an application or any one listed as interested in purchasing the property.

11. Where can I find a list of properties that are adjudicated?

The Parish does not maintain a list of Adjudicated Property. In order to discover which properties are adjudicated you must visit or contact the Caddo Tax Assessor’s office. There you will find a book that has a listing of all Adjudicated Property. In addition, the Caddo Assessors office has an online database that you can subscribe to for a fee.

12. If the owner decides to redeem the property; do I lose the money I’ve invested in the process?

No, if the owner decides to redeem the property you will be refunded the cost you incurred.

13. I heard I can purchase adjudicated property for only a dollar, is this true?

This is a program provided by the City of Shreveport, not the Parish. The Parish currently does not sell property for a dollar. For more information or questions about the City’s dollar program, contact the City of Shreveport at 318-673-6025.

14. How long does the process take to get adjudicated property?

Though the time may vary, the process typically takes between 8 to 12 months. Along with mandated time requirements, several outside factors may also hinder the process depending on how long the property has been adjucated, approved by the Parish Commission and the time for advertisement to be run.

15. In what publication does the Parish advertise upcoming sales of adjudicated properties?

Every year in June, the Caddo Commission votes on which publication to use as the official journal for the Parish. If you are not sure which paper is the official journal please contact the Commisison Clerk's Office at 318-226-6596.

16. Will I need to work with an Attorney in order to purchase adjudicated property?

Not necessarily, though an attorney can provide assistance and answer questions you have about purchasing adjudicated property. It is not required for you to have an attorney present.

17. Can I get my application fee back if I decide to no longer pursue the process?

No, once the process is started you can not stop and ask for your application fee back. The only time you can recover your application fee is if you are not the successful bidder.

18. Once I purchase Adjudicated Property do I get a clear title?

No, once you purchase property through adjudication you receive a tax title.

19. Will the Parish assist me in locating where a piece of adjudicated property is located?

Yes to a degree, the public works department will help you locate a one or two pieces of property that you are interest in, but the Parish is not responsible for locating several different properties. You will be required to do this yourself.

20. Why doesn’t the Parish list the property address for Adjudicated Property in the newspaper?

Due to the fact that a property address may not be valid or has changed, the Parish chooses to list only the legal description and geographical (GEO) number of the subject property.

21. When notifying interested parties must I send notices by certified mail?

No, according to Act 819 you can send notices to any interested party by use of regular mail. No signature or green card is required.

22. Which form of payment does the parish accept and whom do I make the check out to?

Dealing with adjudicated property the Parish only accepts certified funds such as a certified check or money order. We will not accept cash, personal check or credit card. You must make your payment out to Parish of Caddo.

23. Must I pay an application fee for each property or can I pay a fee for several properties at once?

Each parcel has its own individual Geographical number (GEO) and you are required to fill out an application for each parcel that you apply for. Each application will require a three hundred dollar application fee.

24. What is the lowest bid the Parish will accept on a parcel of property?

There is no minimum bid.

25. How long does the owner have to redeem the property?

Any time before a deed has been signed and filed in the courthouse; the owner(s) has the right of redemption. In order to redeem property the interested owning party must cure any penalites or fees that may have accrued during the application process.

26. If property becomes adjudicated does it then become the responsibility of the Parish?

No, just because the Parish has a tax interest in the property does not mean the Parish is responsible for any damages or issues that may occur on the property. If you have questions about property standards issues within the City of Shreveport or five miles beyond please contact Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) at 318-673-6440. Outside City limits and beyond five miles of the City of Shreveport, please contact the Caddo Parish Public Works department at 318-226-6930.

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Public Works - Permits

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1. What do I need when obtaining my permit?

If the structure is within 5 miles of the city limits of Shreveport, there are four steps for permits:

1. Contact the Caddo Parish Health Department at (318) 676-5265 concerning your septic system, if applicable. The department is located at 1035 Creswell Avenue.

2. Contact the MPC at (318) 673-6480 concerning a Zoning Certificate for the property. The department is located on the 4th floor of Government Plaza.

3. Bring all papers received from these offices to the Parish Permit office for an address permit. The department is located on the 8th floor of Government Plaza (318) 226-6949.

4. Bring all of the above paperwork to the City Permit office on the 1st floor of Government Plaza (318) 673-6100.

If you are not on a septic system - you may omit the 1st step.
If you are outside that 5-mile buffer - you may omit the second step.

2. Do I need an address permit for my house?

Any structure, moved on or built, must have an address permit.

3. Do I need a permit to put a mobile home on my land?

Any structure larger that 20 x 30 must have an address permit.

4. How much is the permit fee?

911 Address Permits are $50 residential & $100 for commercial properties. Please contact the City of Shreveport at (318) 673-6100 for information on additional Permit fees.

5. How long is a permit valid?

Permits written in Caddo Parish are good for 6 months. As long as you have driven your first nail the permit is valid.

6. I want to build a business in the Parish - what do I need for the permits?

If the business is inside the City limits of Shreveport, you will need to bring Fire Marshall stampled plans to the City of Shreveport (318) 673-6105. If the business is outside the Shreveport City limits, you must also obtain an occupational License from the Parish on the the 8th Floor of Government Plaza (318) 226-6903

7. Why do I have to go to the City of Shreveport? I don’t live inside the city of Shreveport.

The City of Shreveport zoning office governs any structure placed inside their Metropolitan Planning area. This is why you must contact them and get a zoning certificate before we can issue a permit for that area. The City of Shreveport, located on the first floor of the Government Plaza Building, performs inspections and issues Building permits for the Parish.

8. Do I need a driveway permit for my lot?

If you are installing a culvert in a Parish-maintained right-of-ways, you need to get a driveway permit from the parish permit office. This insures that the culverts placed on Parish maintained road is the correct size to allow water to flow at a steady pace reducing the possibility of flooding.

9. What kind of culvert can I use?

The culverts that can be placed in Parish right of ways are ones approved by the Department of Transportation. The Parish recommends concrete culverts because they are basically indestructible, but you can also use metal corrugated culverts. We do not recommend plastic culvert because they are not very durable.

10. I need to run a water line under a Parish road, what do I do?

To install a line, whether it is water, sewer, telephone or any other utility line, either under or along the Parish right-of-way, you need a Right of Way/Road Crossing Permit.