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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Mandeville, Louisiana, but with strict limitations. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that caps the total number of short-term rental permits at just 10 across the entire city. As of early 2021, this cap had almost been reached, with 8 permits already approved by the city council. This severely limited market entry creates an extremely competitive permitting environment for new STR operators.

The city's approach to short-term rentals is highly restrictive compared to other jurisdictions, requiring both a conditional use permit and an administrative permit for operation. The regulations differentiate between Bed & Breakfast operations and residential short-term rentals, with different fee structures and requirements for each category.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mandeville

Starting a short-term rental business in Mandeville requires navigating a complex dual-permit system and meeting strict safety and operational requirements. Given the city's 10-permit cap, potential operators must first confirm available permits before proceeding with any investment.

Step 1: Initial Research and Feasibility Assessment

• Verify Permit Availability: Contact the Planning and Development Department to determine if any of the 10 available permits remain unissued
• Zoning Verification: Confirm the property is in an appropriate zoning district for short-term rental use
• HOA/Restrictive Covenant Review: Ensure no private restrictions prohibit short-term rental operation

Step 2: Permit Acquisition Process

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Required for all STR operations, valid for two years
• Administrative Short-Term Rental Permit: Annual permit requirement
• Application Submission: Submit complete applications to the Planning and Development Department

Step 3: Safety Compliance and Inspection

• Fire District Inspection: St. Tammany Parish Fire District 4 must perform and approve safety inspections
• Insurance Verification: Maintain minimum $500,000 liability coverage specifically covering short-term rental use
• Safety Equipment Installation: Install required smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance Management

• Annual Permit Renewal: Administrative permits must be renewed yearly
• Tax Compliance: Register for and collect applicable parish and state taxes
• Local Contact Designation: Maintain 24/7 contact availability for guest issues

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• Validity: Two years
• Required for all STR operations
• Subject to city council approval
• Application process involves public hearing

Administrative Short-Term Rental Permit

• Validity: One year
• Annual renewal requirement
• Administrative approval process
• Must be displayed prominently

Application Documentation Requirements

Property Information

• Complete property address and assessment number
• Subdivision/lot/square information
• Zoning district classification
• Building type and total bedroom count
• Number of bedrooms designated for STR use
• Maximum guest occupancy limit
• Historic district status (if applicable)

Site Plan Requirements (Scale Drawings)

• Property lines with dimensions and total area
• All building locations with distances from property lines
• Building dimensions and square footage
• Vehicular use areas and driveways
• Parking space locations and dimensions

Floor Plan Documentation

• Building square footage calculations
• Room use classifications with dimensions
• Wall, door, window, and stairway locations
• Major plumbing fixture placements
• Appliance and mechanical equipment locations

Ownership Verification

• Cash sale documentation or property deed
• Homestead exemption (for Bed & Breakfast residence only)
• Partnership agreements (if applicable)
• Corporate articles of incorporation
• LLC articles of organization
• Board resolutions authorizing signatory authority

Financial Requirements

Permit Fees

• Bed & Breakfast - Inn: $450 initial fee, $225 renewal
• Bed & Breakfast - Residence: $250 initial fee, $125 renewal

Insurance Requirements

• Minimum $500,000 liability coverage
• Policy must specifically cover short-term rental use
• Proof of coverage required with application

Tax Clearance

• No outstanding city taxes or municipal code violations
• Clear municipal lien status

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Mandeville Regulations

Operational Categories

• Bed & Breakfast - Inn: Up to 6 rooms, commercial operation
• Bed & Breakfast - Residence: Up to 2 rooms, home-based operation

Safety Requirements

• Smoke Alarms: Required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on all habitable floors
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Required in units with natural gas service or propane systems for cooking/heating, installed in bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on all habitable floors
• Fire Extinguishers: 2A10BC rated ABC type fire extinguisher required in each STR unit
• Inspection: Mandatory St. Tammany Parish Fire District 4 inspection and approval

Guest Information Requirements

• Local contact person designation with name, telephone, cell phone, and email
• Contact must be available to respond to guest concerns
• Floor plan posting showing fire exits and escape routes
• Information must be displayed prominently within the unit

Advertising and Platform Requirements

• List all booking platforms to be used for solicitation
• Valid permit number required for advertising
• Failure to display permit number may result in fines

St. Tammany Parish-Level Restrictions

Critical Zoning Limitations

• Residential Zone Ban: Short-term rentals prohibited in single-family residential areas
• Permitted Areas: Only allowed in commercially or mixed-use zoned properties
• Parish Permit Required: $250 application fee plus $750 annual permit fee
• Enforcement: $500 per day fine for advertising without valid permit

Operational Requirements

• Insurance: $500,000 liability coverage required
• 24/7 Contact: Designated contact must be available to respond within one hour
• Occupancy Rules: Specific limits on guest numbers and parking
• Event Prohibition: Weddings and similar events not permitted in STR properties

Tax Compliance Requirements

• Parish Hotel-Motel Tax: Must collect and remit parish lodging taxes
• State Sales Tax: Registration and collection required
• Filing Requirements: Regular tax return filing and revenue remittance
• Platform Considerations: Airbnb collects taxes automatically; Vrbo does not

State of Louisiana Regulations

Business Registration

• State business registration may be required
• Louisiana sales tax registration and collection
• Regular filing and remittance obligations

Insurance Standards

• Minimum liability coverage requirements
• State insurance code compliance

Contact Information

City of Mandeville - Planning and Development Department

Primary Contact

• Phone: 985-624-3103
• Physical Address: 3101 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448
• Office Hours: Standard municipal business hours (contact for specific schedule)
• Responsible For: STR permit applications, inspections, and regulatory compliance

City of Mandeville - General Administration

Municipal Contact

• Phone: 985-626-3144
• Physical Address: 3101 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448
• Website: www.cityofmandeville.com
• Responsible For: General city services, municipal information

St. Tammany Parish Fire District 4

Fire Safety Inspection

• Responsible For: Safety inspections for STR compliance
• Contact: Contact through Planning and Development Department for inspection scheduling

Louisiana Department of Revenue

State Tax Registration

• Website: revenue.louisiana.gov
• Phone: Contact for business registration and tax compliance
• Responsible For: State sales tax registration and lodging tax compliance

Links to Source Pages

• City of Mandeville STR Ordinance 25-02
• STR Permit Application Form
• City of Mandeville Code of Ordinances
• NOLA.com Article on STR Cap
• St. Tammany Parish STR Restrictions

Investment Considerations and Market Analysis

The regulatory environment for short-term rentals in Mandeville presents significant challenges for new investors. The city-wide cap of 10 permits creates an extremely limited market with high barriers to entry. Existing permit holders essentially control the available market, making new investments dependent on permit transfers or property acquisitions from current operators.

The restrictive nature of both city and parish regulations suggests that successful STR operations in this market require substantial compliance infrastructure, significant capital investment in safety equipment and insurance, and ongoing administrative burden for permit maintenance and renewal. The dual-layer regulatory system (city and parish) adds complexity that potential investors must carefully evaluate against expected returns.