Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Covington, LA?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Covington, Louisiana, but they are subject to specific regulations and restrictions. Covington became the first city on the North Shore to regulate short-term rentals, implementing a comprehensive permitting system that balances tourism benefits with neighborhood preservation. The city allows STRs both within the historic district and outside it, with different requirements for each location.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Covington, LA

Step 1: Determine Property Eligibility

• Historic District Properties: STRs are permitted within the historic district as defined in Covington Code of Ordinances Section 54-3
• Outside Historic District: STRs are allowed only if the property owner resides on-site or on an adjacent property that shares at least one lot line

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Permit: Required for all STR operations
• City Occupational License: Must be maintained by the owner
• Annual Renewal: All permits must be renewed annually

Step 3: Complete Application Process

• Submit application to the City of Covington Planning Department
• Pay applicable fees ($500 registration fee, $250 annual renewal)
• Undergo safety inspections
• Provide all required documentation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Covington Requirements:

Permits and Licenses:

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

   • Application fee: $500 (initial)
   • Annual renewal fee: $250
   • Maximum 4 bedrooms per permit
   • Maximum 8 guests per property (2 per bedroom)

2. Occupational License

   • Required for all STR operators
   • Must be maintained current

Required Documentation:

1. Ownership Proof

   • Recorded Act of Sale, Deed, or Louisiana Homestead Exemption
   • For entities: Sworn affidavit with entity details and authorized representatives

2. Operator Identification

   • Valid driver's license, passport, or voter's registration

3. Insurance Requirements

   • General liability coverage of $500,000 or more
   • Must include coverage for short-term or temporary rentals
   • Current insurance certificate required

4. Background Investigation

   • Notarized criminal background check for operator and designated local responsible party
   • Conducted by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

5. Local Contact Information

   • Name, telephone, cell phone, and email of local contact person
   • Must be available 24 hours when property is rented
   • Must respond physically within 30 minutes

6. Site and Floor Plans

   • Scaled diagram showing bedrooms, beds, bathrooms
   • At least one off-street parking space per rented bedroom

Safety and Compliance Requirements:

1. Fire Safety

   • Fire department inspection required before operation
   • Smoke detector in each bedroom
   • Carbon monoxide detector in each bedroom
   • Fire extinguisher placement

2. Parking

   • Minimum 2 on-site parking spaces (except in Division of St. John)
   • No overnight street parking permitted

3. Informational Brochure

   • Must be posted conspicuously in the rental
   • Include local contact information, fire safety details, parking rules, trash procedures, and neighborhood restrictions

St. Tammany Parish Requirements (Additional):

Fees:

• Application Fee: $250 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Annual Permit Fee: $750
• Late Fee Penalties: Interest accrues at 1.25% per month from March 1st
• Additional Penalty: 5% per month, max 25% of permit fee

Operational Requirements:

• Maintain registration records for 3 years
• Include permit number in all advertisements
• Maximum occupancy as determined by Fire Marshal and Planning Department
• Prohibited events include weddings, commercial functions, amplified outdoor music, festivals

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Covington Regulations:

Operational Restrictions:

• Maximum Bedrooms: 4 per property
• Maximum Guests: 8 total (2 per bedroom)
• Occupancy Limit: No more than one party at a time
• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Noise Control: Amplified sound audible beyond property boundaries is prohibited

Property Use Restrictions:

• Permit Limitation: One person may hold only one STR permit (current restriction)
• Property Type: Must be existing residential dwelling units as of application date
• Food Service: No food service permitted
• Signage: No exterior signage or evidence of STR use

Guest Management:

• House Policies: Must be posted and included in rental agreements
• Party Restrictions: No parties or gatherings exceeding maximum guests
• Conduct Standards: Guests must not create noise, disturbances, or violate laws
• Owner Responsibility: Owner must prevent recurring violations or face penalties

Advertising Requirements:

• All advertisements must include the STR permit number
• Permit number must be displayed on premises

State of Louisiana Regulations:

• Occupancy Taxes: Must be paid as required by state law
• State Safety Codes: Must comply with all applicable building, health, and fire codes

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Operating Without Permit: Fine up to $500 per day per STR
• Revocation Authority: City may revoke permits for violations
• Three-Strike Rule: Multiple violations can result in permit suspension
• Appeal Process: Denied licenses can be appealed to Special License Appeal Board

Contact Information

City of Covington - Planning Department

• Address: P.O. Box 628, Covington, Louisiana 70434
• Phone: 985-898-2529
• Email: planning@stpgov.org
• Website: www.stpgov.org

St. Tammany Parish - Planning Department

• Address: P.O. Box 628, Covington, Louisiana 70434
• Phone: 985-898-2529
• Email: planning@stpgov.org
• Website: www.stpgov.org

Additional Contacts:

• St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office: For background investigations
• Fire Department: For safety inspections
• City Architectural Review Board: For license appeals

Source Links

1. City of Covington Ordinance 2024-15 - Short-Term Rental Regulations

2. St. Tammany Parish Short-Term Rental Application Form

3. NOLA.com Article - Covington Restricts Short-Term Rentals

Important Note: This guide is based on the provided content and reflects regulations as of the latest available information. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Covington Planning Department before making investment decisions, as regulations may have been updated since this information was compiled.