Executive Summary

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Plaquemine, LA. The city has not enacted specific prohibitions or comprehensive regulations targeting short-term rental operations. Louisiana HB354, which authorizes Plaquemine to levy a hotel occupancy tax, specifically excludes "stays of less than 30 days" from the definition of "hotel," effectively recognizing and exempting short-term rentals from this tax regime.

Market Entry Strategy for Short-Term Rentals

1. Initial Market Assessment

• No zoning restrictions identified: Current zoning ordinances (Chapter 23) do not contain specific provisions prohibiting short-term rental operations
• Bed and breakfast allowances: The zoning code specifically permits bed and breakfast establishments in multiple residential districts (R-10, R-9, R-6, R-4), with occupancy limits of 3 rooms and 6 guests
• Home occupation provisions: The city allows home offices/home occupations with proper compliance

2. Property Acquisition Considerations

• Verify property is in an approved zoning district for your intended STR operation
• Consider proximity to residential areas and potential neighborhood compatibility
• Review any homeowners association restrictions if applicable
• Ensure compliance with basic residential use standards

3. Business Structure Recommendations

• Establish proper business entity structure
• Obtain federal EIN and state tax identification
• Consider short-term rental insurance policies
• Implement professional property management if not self-managing

Required Documentation and Permits

Business Licensing

Current Status: No specific STR licenses identified

• Monitor city hall for any new ordinance developments
• Check with Iberville Parish for any parish-level requirements
• Standard business registration with Louisiana Secretary of State may be required

Property Standards

• Building compliance: Ensure property meets International Building Code standards adopted by Louisiana
• Safety requirements: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors where applicable
• Occupancy limits: Follow residential zoning occupancy standards unless specifically superseded
• Parking compliance: Adequate parking for anticipated guests

Tax Considerations

• Hotel occupancy tax: Not applicable to STRs (specifically excluded under HB354)
• Sales tax: Standard Louisiana sales tax may apply to STR transactions
• Income tax: STR income subject to federal and state income taxes
• Property tax: Standard residential property tax assessment applies

Regulatory Framework Analysis

City of Plaquemine Regulations

Current Status: No specific STR ordinances

The City of Plaquemine's current Code of Ordinances Chapter 23 (Zoning) does not contain specific short-term rental provisions. However, the following general regulations apply:

Zoning Compliance

• Residential uses: STR operations must comply with underlying residential zoning requirements
• Bed and breakfast precedent: Specifically permitted in R-10, R-9, R-6, R-4 districts as principal use
• Accessory use potential: May qualify as accessory use under home occupation provisions

General Municipal Compliance

• Nuisance standards: Properties must comply with nuisance abatement procedures
• Condemnation standards: Properties must meet housing code requirements
• Building permits: Any renovations or alterations require proper permits

Iberville Parish Regulations

Current Status: No specific parish STR regulations identified in provided materials

Louisiana State Regulations

State-level considerations:

• Occupancy tax: HB354 excludes STRs from hotel occupancy tax
• Building codes: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code applies
• Health department: Any food service components may require health permits
• Alcohol service: Separate licensing required for any alcohol service

Contact Information

City of Plaquemine - Primary Authority

Address: City Hall, 23640 Railroad Avenue, Plaquemine, LA 70764
Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
Website: www.plaquemine.org
Key Departments:

• Building/Zoning Department: For property compliance questions
• City Clerk's Office: For business license inquiries
• Mayor's Office: For policy questions

Iberville Parish Government

Address: Iberville Parish Courthouse, [Specific address needed]
Phone: [Contact parish for current number]
Website: [ Iberville Parish website needed]

Louisiana State Resources

• Louisiana Secretary of State Business Services: For business entity formation
• Louisiana Department of Revenue: For tax questions
• Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control: If alcohol service planned

Compliance Monitoring and Future Developments

Recommended Monitoring

1. City Council meetings: Regular attendance or monitoring for STR-related ordinances
2. Planning Commission agenda: Watch for zoning amendments
3. Parish government meetings: Monitor for parish-level regulations
4. Industry associations: Louisiana Short-Term Rental Association updates

Potential Regulatory Developments

Based on regional trends, consider future requirements for:

• Registration requirements: Similar to other Louisiana cities
• Safety inspections: Fire safety, occupancy compliance
• Tax remittance: Municipal hospitality taxes
• Occupancy limits: Guest caps and parking requirements
• Noise and nuisance standards: Guest conduct regulations

Sources and References

1. Louisiana HB354 (2023) - Hotel Occupancy Tax Authorization

   • Bill Text: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1308102
   • Bill Summary: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1308111
   • Bill Detail: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1614530

2. City of Plaquemine Code of Ordinances Chapter 23 (Zoning)

   • Source: Plaquemine City Council Meeting Minutes, April 9, 2019
   • Available through: https://www.plaquemine.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04092019-88

3. Additional Resources for Ongoing Research:

   • Plaquemine Municipal Code: https://library.municode.com/la/plaquemine
   • Louisiana Legislature: https://www.legis.la.gov

Important Disclaimers

This analysis is based solely on the provided source materials. The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals can change rapidly. Investors should:

1. Verify current regulations with city and parish authorities before making investment decisions
2. Consult with local legal counsel familiar with Louisiana short-term rental law
3. Monitor municipal meetings and proposed ordinances regularly
4. Consider that neighboring jurisdictions may have different regulatory approaches

Last Updated: Based on materials provided through 2023-2025 period Next Review Recommended: Quarterly monitoring of municipal developments

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with qualified local professionals before making investment decisions.