Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Opelousas, Louisiana

Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Opelousas

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Opelousas, Louisiana, but operate within a specific regulatory framework. The city addresses transient lodging through established zoning categories rather than dedicated short-term rental ordinances. Based on the zoning ordinance, investors can operate short-term rentals as either:

• Bed and Breakfast Inns (in owner-occupied single-family dwellings)
• Hotel/Motel establishments (commercial lodging facilities)
• Accessory use arrangements depending on zoning district

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Opelousas

Step 1: Determine Your Zoning Compliance

1. Identify your property's zoning district through the Planning Department
2. Review permitted uses for your specific zoning classification
3. Verify setback requirements, building height limits, and lot coverage restrictions
4. Check if conditional use approval is needed for your intended STR type

Step 2: Select Your STR Model

Choose from these legally recognized lodging formats:

• Bed and Breakfast Inn (owner-occupied, max 5 rooms)
• Commercial hotel/motel operation
• Home occupation (Class 1 or Class 2) with lodging components

Step 3: Obtain Required Approvals

1. Apply for zoning compliance through the Planning Department
2. Submit site plan for review (if required)
3. Pursue conditional use approval if your intended use requires special authorization
4. Obtain building permits for any structural modifications

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning and Land Use Documentation

• Site Plan showing property boundaries, structures, parking, and landscaping
• Plot Plan demonstrating compliance with setback and building envelope requirements
• Building Permit Applications for any construction or renovation work
• Conditional Use Application (if required for your zoning district)
• Certificate of Occupancy application for lodging operations

Business Licensing Requirements

• City Business License (required for all commercial operations)
• State Business Registration (Louisiana Secretary of State)
• Sales Tax Registration (Louisiana Department of Revenue)
• Professional Licenses (if applicable to your specific services)

Operational Guidelines

• Maximum rental periods: Hotels/motels allow unlimited duration; Bed and Breakfast limited to 30 days maximum per guest per calendar year
• Room limitations: Bed and Breakfast restricted to maximum 5 guest rooms
• Owner occupancy requirement: Bed and Breakfast must be owner-occupied
• Breakfast service requirement: Bed and Breakfast must provide complimentary breakfast

Specific Regulations by Level

City-Level Regulations (Opelousas)

Zoning District Compliance

Your short-term rental must be permitted in your specific zoning district. Common residential districts have different rules:

• Single-family residential areas: Typically allow Bed and Breakfast operations with conditions
• Commercial districts: Generally permit hotel/motel establishments
• Mixed-use areas: May allow various lodging options with appropriate approvals

Development Standards

• Setback requirements: Front, side, and rear setbacks vary by zoning district
• Building height limits: Restricted by zoning classification
• Lot coverage ratios: Maximum building footprint percentages apply
• Parking requirements: Off-street parking must accommodate guests (typically 1 space per guest room plus owner parking)
• Signage restrictions: Commercial signs for lodging facilities must comply with sign ordinance

Conditional Use Standards

If your intended STR use requires conditional approval, the Planning Commission will evaluate:

• Compatibility with surrounding land uses
• Traffic impact on neighborhood
• Parking adequacy
• Noise and neighborhood character considerations
• Compliance with citywide development standards

Parish-Level Regulations (St. Landry Parish)

The provided content focuses on municipal regulations. Parish-level requirements may include:

• Property tax classifications for commercial lodging
• Health department permits for food service (if applicable)
• Fire safety inspections for commercial lodging

State-Level Regulations (Louisiana)

• Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code compliance for commercial lodging
• Health Department permits for establishments serving food
• Liquor license requirements if alcohol service is planned
• Workers' compensation if employees are hired
• State sales tax registration and remittance requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Planning and Zoning Contacts

City of Opelousas Planning Department

• Address: City Hall, Opelousas, LA 70570
• Phone: (337) 948-3650
• Email: Contact through city website
• Website: www.cityofopelousas.com
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Key Departments

Planning Director

• Primary Contact: Planning Department
• Responsibilities: Zoning compliance, conditional use applications, site plan review

Building Department

• Phone: (337) 948-3650
• Responsibilities: Building permits, inspections, certificate of occupancy

Business License Department

• Phone: (337) 948-3650
• Responsibilities: Business license issuance, commercial registration

Code Enforcement

• Phone: (337) 948-3650
• Responsibilities: Zoning violation enforcement, compliance monitoring

Related Authorities

Louisiana State Fire Marshal

• Website: www.lsfm.dps.louisiana.gov
• Phone: (225) 925-4918
• Purpose: Fire safety inspections for commercial lodging

Louisiana Department of Health

• Website: ldh.la.gov
• Phone: (225) 342-9500
• Purpose: Health permits for food service operations

Louisiana Department of Revenue

• Website: revenue.louisiana.gov
• Phone: (225) 219-7315
• Purpose: Sales tax registration and compliance

Source Links

Primary Source Document

• City of Opelousas Zoning Ordinance (PDF)

Important Considerations for Investors

Zoning Compliance Priority

Always verify zoning compliance before property purchase or business establishment. The zoning ordinance establishes the foundational requirements, but specific parcel zoning must be confirmed through the Planning Department.

Regulatory Evolution

The provided zoning ordinance dates to 2007. Municipal regulations may have evolved through amendments. Contact the Planning Department for the most current requirements before making investment decisions.

Conditional Use Process

Many potentially suitable properties require conditional use approval for STR operations. This process involves:

• Application submission with detailed site plans
• Public notice to surrounding property owners (300-foot radius)
• Planning Commission review and public hearing
• Potential conditions of approval

Nonconforming Use Considerations

Existing lodging establishments operating before ordinance adoption may have grandfathered status, but modifications typically require compliance with current standards.

This guide provides the framework established in the City of Opelousas Zoning Ordinance. Given the age of the document (2007) and the evolving nature of short-term rental regulations, investors should confirm current requirements with city authorities before proceeding with any STR business establishment.