Lafayette Council to Debate Short-Term Rentals This Week

Lafayette is the latest Louisiana city to debate the listing of short-term rentals in residential areas. Services such as Airbnb and Vrbo have become popular hotel alternatives for travelers worldwide. A search today found more than 350 Airbnb properties in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

But, it's the neighbors who have the problem with these rentals. Property owners in markets across the country have complained about added traffic, noise, and other, generally lousy behavior at these rentals.

The issue is being debated at this week's Lafayette city council meeting. Here are two introductory ordinances that are on the council agenda.

CO-094-2023 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council enacting Chapter 73 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Ordinances regarding the licensing and operation of Short-Term Rentals in the City of Lafayette, except for RS, PI-L and PI-H zoning districts, and establishing penalties for violations and amending Chapter 89 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Ordinances by amending Article 2, “Table 89-21-2 Use Table”, Section 89-21(d) and Article 8, Section 89-151-1 “General Definitions”, all regarding Short-Term Rentals in the City of Lafayette (Prohibit in RS). (Andy Naquin)

 

CO-095-2023 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council enacting Chapter 73 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Ordinances regarding the licensing and operation of Short-Term Rentals in the City of Lafayette except for PI-L and PI-H zoning districts and establishing penalties for violations and amending Chapter 89 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Ordinances by amending Article 2, “Table 89-21-2 Use Table”, Section 89-21(d) and Article 8, Section 89-151-1 “General Definitions”, all regarding Short-Term Rentals in the City of Lafayette. (Allow in RS) (Pat Lewis)

 Should short-term rentals be limited in Lafayette's residential areas?

Back in 2021, the council approved the listing of Airbnbs in Lafayette, but now they are looking at potential limitations and guidelines.

Two hours away in New Orleans, there is also concern about the effects of short-term rentals in historic neighborhoods such as the French Quarter. Some people worry that having lots of tourists coming and going can change the character of the area. To help address these concerns, the city of New Orleans has put some rules in place for short-term rentals. They have different types of permits that people need to rent out their homes, and they limit the number of days a property can be rented each year. These rules are meant to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with the need to protect housing for local residents and keep neighborhoods feeling like homes for families.

Could this be the solution in Lafayette?

The debate about short-term rentals in New Orleans is ongoing, with different people having different opinions. Some think the rules are good and should be enforced strictly, while others think the rules should be more relaxed to allow more people to benefit from short-term rentals. We'll have to see what the Lafayette city council decides. The council meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 pm.