PROPOSED ST. TAMMANY SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE

This Thursday evening, the Parish Council will hear the community’s opinions on the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance that was amended and approved by the Zoning Commission last month.

The Parish Council Meeting occurs Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 6:00 PM in the Parish Council Chambers on Koop Drive.  The STR Ordinance is listed as the second item on the “Ordinances for Adoption” portion of the Council’s Agenda. Anticipate that it may be a lengthy meeting, and possibly not everyone who arrives will be permitted entry into the Council Chambers. Also, be prepared for Covid protocols which may include wearing a mask and social distancing.

The intent of the STR Ordinance is to identify guidelines that define, regulate, and permit these entities within specified zoning districts in unincorporated St. Tammany. A principal goal is to protect traditional family-based residential neighborhoods from the undesirable effects associated with these businesses.  The Zoning Commission injected an addendum to the ordinance that allows STR activity on property designated as having a rural overlay zoning status. If allowed to stand, the amendment creates a pathway for property owners to insert short term rental elements in all residentially zoned districts.

The board tries to provide our membership with as much information as possible to make informed decisions. Certainly, if the subject matter of this ordinance is important to you, you might consider contacting specific council members and/or attending this meeting to express your position.