Chalmette, Louisiana Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Chalmette, LA, which is located within St. Bernard Parish. The parish permits both whole-house and room rentals for periods less than 30 consecutive days, subject to annual permitting requirements and regulatory compliance. St. Bernard Parish maintains a business-friendly approach to STRs while implementing reasonable safeguards through the Department of Community Development.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Chalmette?

Chalmette hosts earn a median $22,314/year with $169 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $30,769+ per year.

See the full Chalmette market breakdown

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Chalmette

Step-by-Step Process

Property Assessment and Zoning Verification
- Confirm your property zoning allows short-term rental use
- Verify the property meets dwelling unit requirements (independent living facilities including cooking, sleeping, eating, and sanitation)
- Ensure compliance with all building and safety codes
Permit Application Submission
- Complete the St. Bernard Parish Short-Term Rental Application
- Submit to Department of Community Development
- Pay required annual fees
Required Documentation Preparation
- Gather all supplemental submittal requirements
- Obtain necessary inspections and certifications
- Secure required insurance coverage
License Activation and Compliance Setup
- Receive tracking number and permit confirmation
- Register for any applicable hotel taxes
- Establish local contact procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit Requirements

Short-Term Rental Permit (STR)

Annual Fee: $500
Application Authority: St. Bernard Parish Government, Department of Community Development
Governing Ordinance: Chapter 22-5-4 of St. Bernard Parish Ordinance Code
Permit Type: Primary structures rented for periods less than 30 consecutive days

Supplemental Submittal Requirements

Copy of recorded titles - Proof of property ownership
Proposed site plan and floor plan - Detailed layout documentation
Home inspection - Safety and habitability certification
Proof of insurance - Comprehensive liability coverage
Occupational license - Business operation authorization

Insurance Requirements

Insurance Company Name: Must be provided
Policy Address: Full coverage details required
Phone Contact: Insurer contact information
Policy Number: Complete identification
Coverage Type: Liability insurance covering short-term rental operations

Contact Information Requirements

Local Contact (Required)

Name and address of responsible local representative
Phone number and email for immediate contact
Must be available 24/7 for guest and regulatory issues

Property Owner Information

Complete owner details including address
Phone and email contacts
Legal responsibility acknowledgment

Specific Regulations for St. Bernard Parish (Including Chalmette)

Operational Requirements

Minimum Stay: Less than 30 consecutive days
Permit Revocation: Permits can be revoked at any time for violations
Hotel Tax: May be subject to hotel occupancy tax requirements
Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing adherence to parish codes required

Zoning and Use Restrictions

Permitted Uses: Both whole-house and room rentals allowed
Primary Structure Requirement: STR activities must occur in primary residential structures
Dwelling Unit Standards: Must meet complete independent living facility requirements

Enforcement and Penalties

Permit Suspension/Revocation: Available for permit errors, false statements, or code violations
Compliance Monitoring: Parish government authorized to monitor operations
Violation Response: Required reporting of scope or cost changes to Department of Safety and Permits

Louisiana State-Level Regulations

While St. Bernard Parish regulates local STR operations, Louisiana state law provides the overarching legal framework:

State Tax Obligations

Hotel Occupancy Tax: Subject to state and parish hotel tax requirements
Sales Tax: May apply to STR transactions depending on local rates
Business Licenses: State business license requirements may apply

Consumer Protection

Safety Standards: Must comply with state building and safety codes
Insurance Requirements: State minimum liability coverage standards
Tax Collection: Requirements for collecting and remitting occupancy taxes

Contact Information for Local Authority

St. Bernard Parish Government
Department of Community Development

Physical Address:
8201 West Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043

Contact Details:

Phone: (504) 278-4310
Fax: (504) 278-4298
Main Office: (504) 278-4200

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Online Services:

Permit Application: www.mypermitnow.org
Online Payments: Available through parish website

Additional Resources:

Building Permits: Available through same department
Zoning Information: Available upon request
Inspection Scheduling: Coordinated through department

Source Documentation and References

Primary Regulatory Documents

Supporting References

Investment Considerations

Market Opportunities

Proximity to New Orleans: Chalmette's location provides access to New Orleans tourism market
Less Restrictive Environment: Compared to Orleans Parish, St. Bernard offers more straightforward regulatory environment
Lower Permit Costs: $500 annual fee is competitive with regional markets

Compliance Strategy

Proactive Engagement: Work closely with Community Development department
Documentation Maintenance: Keep all permits, licenses, and insurance current
Local Contact Management: Maintain reliable local contact for guest and regulatory issues
Regular Compliance Review: Periodic verification of ongoing regulatory compliance

Risk Management

Permit Revocation Risk: Understand that permits can be revoked for violations
Insurance Coverage: Maintain adequate liability coverage for rental operations
Tax Compliance: Ensure proper hotel tax registration and remittance
Code Compliance: Regular property maintenance and safety compliance

This guide provides the essential framework for establishing and maintaining a compliant short-term rental operation in Chalmette, LA. Regular consultation with the St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development is recommended for ongoing compliance and regulatory updates.

Next step

Found a property in Chalmette?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Chalmette

Chalmette is a community and the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish in southeastern Louisiana, situated on the east bank of the Mississippi River about seven miles southeast of downtown New Orleans. With a population of roughly 23,000 residents, it has a distinct working-class, suburban character shaped by French and Spanish colonial roots, a significant Isleño (Canary Islands descendant) heritage, and the surrounding salt marshes and bayous. Part of the New Orleans–Metairie metropolitan area, Chalmette serves as a quieter, more affordable base for visitors who want to explore the broader Crescent City region while being close to a major historic battlefield and the wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta.

The most prominent landmark in Chalmette is the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815, when American forces under General Andrew Jackson defeated the British. The battlefield is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and includes a National Park Service visitor center, walking paths across the former American ramparts, and exhibits on the battle and the broader War of 1812. It sits just minutes from most parts of Chalmette and is the heart of the local heritage tourism scene.

Just upriver, downtown New Orleans — with the French Quarter, the Garden District, world-class restaurants, live music venues, and the Mississippi River waterfront — is a short drive via Judge Perez Drive and Paris Road, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Visitors staying in Chalmette can easily reach the city's iconic attractions while enjoying a more residential, less touristy setting away from the busy core.

Surrounding Chalmette, the bayous and marshlands of St. Bernard Parish and the lower Mississippi Delta offer access to Louisiana's famed wetland ecosystems, with opportunities for airboat tours, fishing, and wildlife viewing in cypress-tupelo swamps populated by alligators, wading birds, and other native species. The area's delta-edge location also makes it a natural starting point for exploring the rural fishing communities of the lower parish and the network of public lands and waterways along the Gulf coast.

Chalmette is a compelling base for short-term rentals because it offers proximity to one of America's most celebrated cities without the bustle and price tag of staying in the heart of New Orleans. Guests can enjoy a quieter, residential setting minutes from a National Park Service battlefield, with easy access to the cultural and culinary offerings of the French Quarter, the unique Isleño heritage of St. Bernard Parish, and the wild landscapes of the Mississippi Delta.