Mayor

Robert F. “Bob” Zabbia

Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Rhonda Sheridan

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The Building department is responsible for the enforcement of all adopted building, property maintenance, and zoning codes. The purpose of these codes is to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Ponchatoula.

Building Official

Chris Winburn

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Mayor’s Court handles adult misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and code enforcement violations, from both state statutes and city ordinances, that occur within the incorporated limits of the City of Ponchatoula.

Monday – Friday

9:00am -4:00pm

Mayor’s Court Magistrate

Ernie Drake III

Court Administrators

Carlene Ott

Angel Cortez

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Emergencies call 911

Ponchatoula’s fire department is a Volunteer fire department

• Organized April 20, 1920

• Chartered 1925

• Incorporated May 29, 1959

Ponchatoula boasts a vibrant historic district. The district is designated a Certified Local Government and Main Street Community in the State of Louisiana. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982; the district was expanded in 2012. The Ponchatoula Historic District Commission was established to help ensure the district retains these honorable designations.

 When a building owner or tenant of a building within the historic district wants to make changes to the exterior of a building, they must apply for and obtain a certificate of appropriateness. The commission will review the application and either issue a certificate or offer advice that will help develop the project in a way that ensures the building maintains its historic listing. Applications for a certificate of appropriateness may be obtained by clicking the link below. You may also obtain an application from Main Street Manager, Charlene Daniels, at Branch Real Estate, 169 E. Pine St. or City Hall, 125 W. Hickory St.

If you own or work in a building in the historic district, or just have an interest in historic preservation and would like to volunteer to serve on the Commission, please contact one of the members listed above. 

Download Historic Commission forms

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Click here for Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 prohibits discrimination because of age. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability. All applicants for employment with the City of Ponchatoula (City) shall be required to pass a substance abuse screening test immediately prior to employment. All employees of the City will be subject to substance abuse testing during their term of employment.

Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital and/or veteran status.

As a matter of policy, the City may check reference information, both educational and employment, of all final job candidates. For this reason, it is essential that all information requested of and supplied by the job applicant be accurate and complete.

Emergencies call 911

The mission of the Ponchatoula Police Department is to partner with the community, so as to protect life and property, to understand and serve the needs of the city’s neighborhoods and citizens and to improve the quality of life by maintaining order, resolving problems and the apprehension of criminals in a manner consistent with the law.

• We will perform our duties by adhering to core beliefs of Integrity & Professionalism, and dedication to serving the citizens of Ponchatoula.
• We strive to promote efficiency throughout the Department in every endeavor.
• Every member of the Department should remain committed to providing quality service and protection to the community.

Our City boasts a great water system fed by three wells. Routine testing and monitoring as required by DHH and EPA assure us and our residents that our water is safe and meets all applicable standards.

Public Works Emergency

During Business Hours (9a – 4p, M – F)

(985) 386-6484

Outside of Business Hours & Holidays

(985) 386-6548

Report a street light repair

Submit online Public Works Request

Download Public Works reports and forms

Tax Official

Ramona Tara’ Umbach serves in several roles when it comes to permits, taxes and record keeping.

She assists new businesses in completing applications for business permits and each January coordinates the renewal of existing business tax forms. Ramona also coordinates and manages the city residential property taxes working with the Tangipahoa Parish assessor’s office.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission has the responsibility to develop zoning districts, divide the city into districts, and to develop regulations pertaining to such districts in accordance with a comprehensive plan designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to prevent overcrowding of land; to secure safety from fire; to provide adequate light and air; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, parks; and to beautify the city.

For the purpose of promoting health, safety, and/or the general welfare of the city and its residents, the Zoning Commission and City Council developed and adopted a comprehensive zoning ordinance for the City of Ponchatoula, and provides for the administration, enforcement, and amendment thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the authority granted by LA RS 33:4721-4729 as amended.

Commission Members

The commission is composed of seven members, who must be resident citizens, taxpayers, and qualified voters of the city. Members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council, to recommend the boundaries of the various districts and appropriate regulations to be enforced therein.

Danny Elstrott, Chairperson

Doug Daigle

Carla Heisser

Dave Higgenbotham

Greg Schexnayder

Francis Seymore

Byron Willie

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