NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember Palmer released details of a motion to tighten regulations to the City's Short Term Rental (STR) program. The proposed legislation will continue to allow property owners with a homestead exemption to receive an STR permit called a residential license. Whole home rentals are no longer allowed unless located within a commercially zoned district. The STR ban in the French Quarter will remain in place but has been extended to the Garden District.

Residential License Requirements:

- Homestead Exemption

- Owner must be on property during duration of STR rental

- 3 license limit per property

The only other type of STR license permitted by the City Planning Commission is property zoned for commercial or mixed-use purposes. Councilmember Palmer is proposing three categories for commercial licenses: single unit, small scale and large scale. Large and small scale commercial licenses are required to have security cameras and ample lighting for enhanced safety of renters.

Commercial Single Unit:

- Homestead Exemption

- 1 license per unit

Commercial Small Scale: (commercially zoned property with fewer than 5 residential units)

- Must reserve first floor for commercial use

- 1 license per residential unit

Commercial Large Scale: (commercially zoned property with 5 or more residential units)

- Must reserve first floor for commercial use

- 1 license per residential unit

- STRs cannot exceed 30% of residential units.

- Each STR unit must be matched with an affordable housing unit.

Councilmember Palmer is available from 2:30 PM to 4 PM to answer additional questions about her proposed motion. Please contact Tiffaney Bradley to schedule an interview.

Public feedback can be submitted to CouncilC@nola.gov.

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Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley
Communications Director
Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 295-4970