Overview: Are STRs allowed in Livingston Parish, LA?

• Short‑term rentals (STRs) are lawful in Livingston Parish, but the extent to which they are allowed depends on the local jurisdiction and zoning:
  • Parish‑wide zoning: The Livingston Parish Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 117) recognizes “small‑scale overnight lodging” and “bed and breakfast” as lodging categories. Whether your property can be used as an STR depends on the base zoning of the parcel and any applicable overlays. Some residential districts allow such uses by right, others only as a conditional use (with approval), and some may restrict them. You must verify zoning with the Planning and Zoning Department before acquiring or converting a property.
  • Town of Killian (within Livingston Parish): STRs are explicitly defined and regulated. Killian requires owners to display a Good Neighbor Agreement, adhere to occupancy limits and signage rules, and be accountable for tenant behavior. Ordinance 202‑22 establishes these requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Note on scope: Specific city‑level rules exist in Killian. If you plan to operate in other municipalities or unincorporated areas within Livingston Parish, confirm the applicable zoning and local licensing requirements with parish authorities and the relevant municipal clerk.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Secure a compliant property

• Confirm zoning and land use:
  • Use the parish’s GIS/Parcel Viewer to identify the zoning of the parcel. Determine whether “small‑scale overnight lodging” or “bed and breakfast” is a permitted or conditional use in that district.
  • If the use is conditional, prepare and submit a conditional use application to the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Verify deed restrictions, HOA rules, and neighborhood covenants that might prohibit or limit STRs.

2. Meet local licensing and permit requirements

• Town of Killian:
  • Display the town’s Good Neighbor Agreement on the property and/or provide it to tenants before or at check‑in.
  • Comply with signage rules and occupancy limits defined by Ordinance 202‑22.
• Unincorporated Livingston Parish:
  • Check whether a parish STR license or registration is required for your property.
  • Proceed with any required building, health, and safety inspections tied to lodging use.

3. Register for taxes and set up compliance

• State sales tax: Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) and collect/remit state sales tax on room charges.
• Parish occupancy tax: Register with the Livingston Parish School Board Tax Office for local occupancy tax (hotel/motel tax) and file returns per their cadence.
• Sales and use tax (parish): If you sell taxable goods (e.g., incidentals), register for parish sales and use tax as required.

4. Operational readiness

• Establish guest screening and house rules that reflect local ordinances (occupancy, gatherings, noise, parking, waste).
• Publish and post required notices: Good Neighbor Agreement (Killian), emergency contacts, quiet hours, parking rules, and local ordinance references.
• Prepare for inspections and maintain compliance records (guest logs, taxes, insurance, inspections).

5. Launch and monitor

• Launch listings only after approvals, registrations, and tax accounts are active.
• Monitor regulatory updates and renew licenses before expiration.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Zoning confirmation:
  • Zoning verification letter or determination from the Livingston Parish Planning & Zoning Department.
  • If needed: Conditional Use Permit approval for lodging uses in residential districts.
• Local registration/permits:
  • If applicable: Livingston Parish STR license/registration.
  • Town of Killian: Compliance with Ordinance 202‑22 (display of Good Neighbor Agreement, occupancy signage, and owner accountability rules).
• Taxes:
  • LDR account for state sales tax on short‑term rentals.
  • Parish occupancy tax registration (Livingston Parish School Board Tax Office).
  • Parish sales and use tax registration if selling taxable items.
• Inspections:
  • As required: building, fire, health/safety inspections tied to lodging use.
• Policies and documentation:
  • Good Neighbor Agreement (Killian).
  • House rules aligned with local ordinances (occupancy, noise, events, parking, waste).
  • Guest registration log (per local requirements, if applicable).
  • Insurance evidence: general liability and property coverage; confirm any minimums required by jurisdiction.

Specific regulations and requirements

• Occupancy and length of stay:
  • Enforce occupancy limits consistent with local rules (Killian Ordinance 202‑22 establishes maximum occupancy).
  • Length‑of‑stay restrictions may apply; verify with local ordinances and zoning.
• Good Neighbor Agreement (Killian):
  • Required display for STR guests; communicates occupancy limits, gathering restrictions, and local ordinance expectations.
• Owner accountability:
  • Owners may be held responsible for violations by renters (Killian). Repeated violations can trigger enforcement.
• Signage and property standards:
  • Follow local signage rules and maintain property standards as specified by local ordinance (Killian).
• Noise, gatherings, and parking:
  • Guest behavior must comply with local noise and nuisance rules. Events/parties may be restricted; verify specific thresholds with local authorities.
• Zoning and land use:
  • STRs fall within “small‑scale overnight lodging” and “bed and breakfast” definitions. In residential districts, STRs may be by right, conditional, or prohibited depending on the zoning classification and any overlays. Always confirm with Planning & Zoning.
• Taxes:
  • Collect and remit state sales tax on room charges.
  • Collect and remit parish occupancy tax for lodging.
  • Collect parish sales tax where applicable (e.g., for goods sold).
• Guest records:
  • Maintain guest registration and records as required by local ordinance; ensure privacy and record retention per local rules.
• Inspections and safety:
  • Properties used for lodging may be subject to inspections (building, fire, health). Maintain compliance documentation for audits.
• Advertising:
  • Advertising must reflect accurate occupancy limits and permitted uses. Ensure listings align with zoning and local ordinances.
• Waste disposal and utilities:
  • Follow local waste, recycling, and utilities rules; ensure adequate trash management for guest turnover.
• Emergency information:
  • Post emergency contact information and any local ordinance references on‑premise for guests.

State‑level obligations (Louisiana)

• Sales tax on lodging:
  • Short‑term rentals are subject to state sales tax. Register with the LDR and file returns per their schedule.
• Local occupancy tax:
  • Many Louisiana parishes, including Livingston Parish, levy an occupancy (hotel/motel) tax on lodging. Register and collect through the parish tax authority (Livingston Parish School Board Tax Office).
• Sales and use tax:
  • If you sell taxable goods or services, register and remit parish and state sales/use taxes accordingly.
• Recordkeeping and remittance:
  • Maintain detailed records of room revenues, taxes collected, and remittance. File returns on time to avoid penalties.

Contact information

• Livingston Parish Planning & Zoning Department
  • Email: planning@livgov.org
  • Phone: (225) 686‑2277
  • Address: Planning Department, Livingston Parish, 20355 Flutter Drive, Room 160, Denham Springs, LA 70726
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
• Town of Killian (for local ordinance 202‑22 and Good Neighbor Agreement)
  • Phone: Contact via parish contact channels or local municipal resources (verify the current contact through the parish website)
  • Note: The full Good Neighbor Agreement and ordinance details are available via the referenced sources below.
• Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) — Sales Tax
  • Website: revenue.louisiana.gov
  • Phone: (225) 219‑7319
  • Online services for registration and returns are available via the LDR portal
• Livingston Parish School Board Tax Office — Occupancy Tax
  • Phone: (225) 686‑2288
  • Address: 13909 Florida Blvd., Suite A, Livingston, LA 70754
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Note: Confirm filing cadence and occupancy tax rate with the tax office

Links to source pages

• Livingston Parish official website and Code of Ordinances
  • Parish site: www.livingstonparishla.gov/
  • Code of Ordinances (Municode): library.municode.com/la/livingston_parish_council/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 117 ( Livingston Parish Zoning): www.livingstonparishcouncil.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parish_council/page/14584/zoning_ordinance_-_chapter_117_only_signed_final_v.2.pdf
• Town of Killian STR Ordinance 202‑22: drive.google.com/file/d/124JGninv5vmkNFvz0ZIQgu-9K_79EnxE/view?fbclid=IwAR0gvFZBZyoUyB85zj2-CjfXt0UVfumd2HKqd7vdhBCFjf3OLiD1UPBNdOk
• News summary (Killian STR rules): www.wbrz.com/news/riverside-livingston-parish-town-instates-new-rules-for-property-rentals/
• Lodge Compliance – Livingston Parish STR overview (jurisdiction page): www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/livingston-parish-la

Best‑practice checklist for investors

• Confirm zoning and obtain any needed approvals (conditional use) before closing.
• Register for state sales tax and parish occupancy/sales taxes.
• If operating in Killian, adopt and display the Good Neighbor Agreement and enforce occupancy/behavior rules.
• Prepare for inspections and maintain compliance documentation (guest logs, tax filings, insurance).
• Draft house rules that align with local noise, event, parking, and waste ordinances.
• Embed ordinance references in your welcome materials to set guest expectations.
• Monitor renewals and ordinance updates; build a compliance calendar.

Notes and caveats

• Zoning can vary block‑by‑block; confirm with the Planning & Zoning Department and, if applicable, your municipality.
• Always obtain the latest Good Neighbor Agreement and occupancy limits from the Town of Killian.
• This guide summarizes publicly available ordinances and official sources; consult legal or tax professionals for filings and compliance interpretations.