As Mardi Gras approaches, the demand for short-term rentals (STRs) in New Orleans is expected to soar. With the recent changes to STR regulations, landlords must be aware of the new rules and permits that have replaced the accessory, temporary, and commercial permits. Depending on the zoning district of the property, landlords may need to apply for either a residential or commercial permit. Properties located in commercial or mixed-use districts may be eligible for a business permit, but may also qualify for a residential permit if they meet the property and family housing exemption requirements.
Properties in residential zoning districts are only eligible for residential permits. The type of residential permit required depends on the type of building. Before any property can be used as an STR, the owner must apply for and receive an owner's permit and associate it with a valid operator's permit. An operator's permit allows a person to manage one or more STRs. Each STR must have an associated owner's permit and an operator's permit.
Owner permit holders can act as their own operators or designate another operator. Once a person obtains an operator's permit, they can use it to manage any STR in the Orleans parish. There is no limit to the number of STRs that can be managed by a single operator, although additional permit fees may apply. STR platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are required to request permission from the STR platform before facilitating any booking transactions. Platforms must also include owner and operator permit numbers in all ads and remove ads identified as illegal within seven days of notification. The new regulations impose strict limitations on the types of permits that can be issued in a zoning district.
Some restrictions apply to entire zoning districts, while others only apply to certain types of housing units. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a general description of these limitations. Summaries of the broader limitations are presented below. STRs are not allowed in the Garden District, which is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Magazine Street, and Louisiana Avenue.
Commercial STRs are not allowed in Subdistrict RIV-3 Bywater or Subdistrict RIV-4 Marigny. Except for the VCE Vieux Carre entertainment district (Bourbon Street from Iberville Street to St. Ann Street), STRs are not allowed on the Vieux Carre. Single-family or two-family homes; buildings facing Canal Street between the Mississippi River and Rampart Street; CBD central business districts (except when newly built or substantially improved); CE educational campus; MC medical campus; LS life science or M-MU mixed-use maritime districts; Michigan maritime industrial, commercial, and recreational subdistrict; and VCE Vieux Carre entertainment district are all ineligible for STR permits. Permit fees have increased under the new regulations but are still due annually. Given the complexity of these regulations, it is important to consult a competent and experienced attorney for help when owning or operating an STR or considering ownership or operation of an STR in New Orleans. The mission of the New Orleans Housing Authority is to provide affordable housing opportunities to low-income residents of New Orleans while laying the foundation for economic sustainability.
Limited financial resources, along with aging housing units and a large backlog of maintenance and repair tasks make it difficult for DON to provide quality housing to service members. You will sign a lease agreement with New Orleans Housing LLC which transfers management and operation of the lease to Patrician Management. Part of the housing application process for Navy personnel includes identifying EFM applicants and providing adequate housing to meet their needs. The PPV program is designed so that service members incur no out-of-pocket costs when residing in basic housing. The difference between assignment of DON home (minimum 6 months) and lease with New Orleans LLC (12 months) is incorporation of legal language established by Louisiana Fair Housing Act which makes it legal. The Navy Welcome to Housing Center provides assistance to all military members and their dependents in finding adequate and affordable housing in the community. The reduction in housing budget along with aging housing units and delay in maintenance make it difficult for DON to provide quality housing to service members. New Orleans Navy Housing and Patrician Management offer two-, three-, and four-bedroom units for all family sizes.
