LOUISIANA RECOVERY FIELD OFFICE                                                                                               

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FOR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEBRIS AND DEMOLITION MISSION IN NEW ORLEANS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS HOT LINE AT 311
We don't accept anonymous questions.  Your question may require follow-up contact to get you a good answer. 

Your question goes directly to the LA-RFO Public Affairs Mission Manager, Michael Logue. He will not share your e-mail address or name with anyone when your question is received!    

Your question will be taken to the appropriate mission manager for a response. It is our goal to answer your question in no less than 3 days!  

Not all answers are posted on the web, only those we feel would be of interest to others who visit our web site. 

We will e-mail you an answer to your question, even if it is posted on the web site.  

Inappropriate questions will not be answered. Click here to ask a question

What do I need to do if I want my home demolished?
The application process for demolition is simple. Fill out a basic Right of Entry application with the City of New Orleans.  Application forms can be obtained on the fifth floor of City Hall or homeowners may also download the form.
https://secure.cityofno.com/Resources/Portal37/demo_application.pdf
Does FEMA or the Corps of Engineers charge for demolition?
There is no cost to homeowners to have their property demolished by FEMA and the Corps of Engineers, if your property is eligible for the program.  You don't have to give the Corps your insurance money  to demolish your eligible property.  The service is FREE.
Which homes are eligible for demolition?
FEMA determines eligibility for homes damaged by recent hurricanes.  After a Right of Entry application is submitted to the City of New Orleans, properties are carefully evaluated by FEMA assessors before they are approved for demolition.
How long will it take to have my home demolished?
The whole process starting with the homeowner application to completion may take four to five months to ensure all considerations are accounted for before demolition.  See Demolition Process  However in the City of New Orleans, a City Council action in February 2007 is shortening that process.
Why would I want to have my house demolished?
Demolition may be the only way to move your recovery forward.  Rotting homes are a health and safety issue because many may contain hazardous materials and molds and provide shelter for disease carrying pests.  Worse, many of these homes are also in imminent danger of collapse which may threaten adjacent homes and endanger human lives if they were to fall.
If I have questions or concerns, who can I talk to?  
For more information or concerns, call the City of New Orleans 311 hotline or e-mail us.
Is it too late to have a tree removed?  
No, our private property debris removal crews will get your Katrina-killed tree.  We are particularly interested in getting trees that represent a hazard to citizens and property, so call us right away if this is the case. The process does take several days so please be patient.
How do I get someone to pick up debris in front of my house?  
Call the City of New Orleans 311 hotline and report the pile.