La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § XI-501

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 8, August 20, 2024

Section XI-501 - Houseboat Registration

A. Beginning on January 1, 2019 every houseboat operated, occupied, inhabited, utilized, or otherwise deployed on the waters of this state must be registered with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and be properly numbered in accordance with R.S. 34:851.20.

B.Houseboat-a vessel constructed or utilized for the primary purpose of a temporary or permanent dwelling without an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation.

1. When determining whether a vessel meets the definition of a "houseboat", the department shall utilize the standard such that a reasonable observer would conclude that the vessel is capable of being used as an abode, habitation, or dwelling for at least a temporary basis.

a. Such determination should involve, but is not limited to, whether the vessel has a roof and is enclosed, or has multiple walls or structures capable of protecting inhabitants from the elements.

b. Additional evidence that may be considered in determining whether a vessel satisfies the reasonable observer standard include the presence of doors, windows, electrical wiring, plumbing, appliances, cabinetry, bedding, or any other features commonly found in a dwelling. However, the existence or absence of any of these items is not dispositive.

C. Owners of houseboats shall submit an application for registration of houseboats on a department-approved form that contains the following:

1. the name and address of the owner;

2. a description of the houseboat including either the HIN or a photo showing the vessel in its entirety;

3. proof of ownership via title, bill of sale, judgment, or an affidavit averring ownership;

4. evidence that taxes were paid (i.e. Department of Revenue "R-1331 Form") on the houseboat or the materials used to construct it, or that the vessel was acquired by casual sale and no taxes were due;

5. signature of the owner.

D. The certificate of number shall be issued in addition to a decal which shall be permanently attached to the houseboat, both to be accessible for inspection at all times when such vessel is upon the waters of the state.

E. Notwithstanding the requirements in R.S. 34:851.20(M), titling of houseboats, whether commercially manufactured or homemade, is not required.

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § XI-501

Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission LR 4580 (1/1/2019).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 34:851.2(13), R.S. 34:851.19, R.S. 34:851.20, R.S. 34:851.21, R.S. 34:851.32(C), and R.S. 56:10(B)(17).