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.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Chalmette

Step-by-Step Process

1. 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

2. Permit Application Submission

   • Complete the St. Bernard Parish Short-Term Rental Application
   • Submit to Department of Community Development
   • Pay required annual fees

3. Required Documentation Preparation

   • Gather all supplemental submittal requirements
   • Obtain necessary inspections and certifications
   • Secure required insurance coverage

4. 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

1. Copy of recorded titles - Proof of property ownership
2. Proposed site plan and floor plan - Detailed layout documentation
3. Home inspection - Safety and habitability certification
4. Proof of insurance - Comprehensive liability coverage
5. 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

• St. Bernard Parish Short-Term Rental Application
• St. Bernard Parish Community Development Department

Supporting References

• WWL-TV Breakdown: STR Rules Surrounding New Orleans
• New Orleans STR Administration (Reference for Regional Context)

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.