Hey fellow BP'ers,
So I've been getting PM's about the new rules and though I would post since there is a common theme: What the heck are the actual rules?
The first thing that us non-lawyers need to understand is that this is an open interpretation document. Although the document attempts to define a broad distribution of situations, it is open to interpretation.
Here are the basics for all residential STR....r's? (STR'ers?):
1. Homestead Exemption - You don't even get a conversation unless this is your "primary" residence. The city wants to limit "abuse" of the STR platform. The Mayor has stated that they are eating up the already limited housing options for poor & low-middle class citizens in the city.
2. Zoning - There is a whole template in the STR Handbook (too large to post here) that will let you know what your house zoning means, and what the requirements are for your zoning (parking, etc). You may need to request to re-zone if your property is "Katrina" zoned. Meaning there were properties that were given permits to add units to pre-existing structures, but were not required to re-zone. You can find out your zoning on the property viewer website. http://property.nola.gov
3. Licenses - Residential & Operators - Now this has a few layers. You will need both of these if you plan on running it yourself, BUT it depends on what type of property you are running.
3a. - Partial Residential - If you plan on renting out bedrooms in your main residence where you live, this is for you. Whether you have a SFH, small, or large residential you have an opportunity to rent out bedrooms (up to 5 & 2 guests per bedroom). For example, if you rent out your furnished basement with 1 bedroom and you live above. $250/year for the partial license.
2b. Small Residential - For us that own doubles, this is for us. You are able to rent out your entire second unit (up to 5 bedrooms with 2 guests per bedroom). Now the city initially said they would limit the amount of days, but upon going down there and spending time with the city workers there (they are very nice) it seems there won't be enforcement on the number of nights rented out. (This could change at any time obviously.) $500/year.
2c. Large Residential - For the good people who own a triplex or quad, Large Residential is your permit. Same rules apply to you as doubles, but across all your units that you don't live in. $500/year for EACH of the units you plan to STR.
2d. Operators - If you plan on doing the STR yourself, you will need to shell out the cash for this but only if you are renting out additional addresses on your property. If you are renting bedrooms out of the home you live in, there is no cost for the permit, but you still need to apply one. If you have one unit of a double you are renting out, you will need to shell out an additional $150 for your operators permit. If a multi (more than 1 full unit address) then you will need to shell out a smooth $1,000.
2d(d?) - If you have a property management company handle your STR, then good news is you don't need to have an operators permit as you can use the one they have applied and paid for. Bad news is you still have to pay them to run it for you.
Hope that helps navigate the seas on a surface level for your NOLA STR! Happy to answer questions below! I've spent too much time picking the brains of the STR group at City Hall and think I've got a good idea of where they are at!
