Short-Term Rentals Study

Under a motion passed unanimously on March 22, 2018 by the New Orleans City Council, the City Planning Commission has until July to approve a study that could lead to tighter restrictions on short-term rentals (STRs) in New Orleans. In 2016, the City Council adopted an ordinance to legalize STRs, creating a framework for taxing and enforcement. To date, the city has issued an estimated 4,500 licenses, while the website Inside Airbnb, which tracks STR activity around the world, shows New Orleans has about 5,200 listings on Airbnb alone, and 82.8% of these are whole house rentals. The City is revisiting their legislation as STR growth is expanding more rapidly than expected and with greater effect on housing affordability and residential quality of life.

“A recent study by Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative, an affordable housing group, found that most Airbnb listings in New Orleans are for full houses or apartments. The group also found that a handful of property owners and managers control nearly half of the city’s short-term rental licenses.” – The Lens, Charles Maldonado, April 24, 2018.

To read The Lens article, click here.

The CPC’s new study will revisit STRs and may possibly look to include recommendations to limit the number of STRs per block, restrict the number of licenses a single person or entity can have, requiring residency and homestead exemptions.

Louisiana Landmarks Society applauds the Council for revisiting this issue and will be providing comments by the July 2 cut-off.

Timeline

·         July 2 (by 5 p.m.). Deadline for the submission of public comment.

·         July 3. Study draft made accessible.

·         July 10. CPC considers study (starting at 1:30 PM) at its regular meeting – must be voted on.

·         July 20. Study and CPC recommendations forwarded to the Council.

To submit comments, write to cpcinfo@nola.gov.

For information on City of New Orleans STR Administration, Registry, Zoning Restrictions, Licenses, Taxation, Enabling Legislation, Enforcement, etc., click here.