Short‑Term Rentals: Slidell Vs. Parish Rules

Thinking about turning a Slidell property into a short-term rental? The biggest decision may not be the platform you use, but where the home sits on the map. Inside Slidell city limits and in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, the rulebooks can look very different.

You want clarity before you invest or list. That means confirming what’s allowed, what permits and taxes apply, and how enforcement works. In this guide, you’ll learn how jurisdiction changes the rules, what to verify, and the steps to protect your time and money. Let’s dive in.

City vs. parish: why it matters

The City of Slidell and unincorporated St. Tammany Parish can set different short-term rental rules. State-level taxes and safety codes still apply, and an HOA can add its own restrictions. Your address determines which public rules come first.

Here’s how the difference typically plays out:

Bottom line: A home that works as an STR in the parish could require different approvals, limits, or taxes inside the city. Always confirm your exact jurisdiction and get requirements in writing before you commit.

What to check first

Zoning and allowed uses

• Identify the parcel’s zoning district and whether “short-term rental,” “transient lodging,” or similar terms are allowed.
• Ask if you need a conditional use, special permit, or a public hearing.
• Check any overlay districts, such as historic areas or floodplain zones, that could add limits.

Registration, permits, and licensing

• Confirm whether you need a city or parish STR permit, a general business license, or both.
• Ask about application fees, renewal cycles, occupancy limits, and any owner-occupancy rules.
• Request the inspection checklist if an inspection is required before issuance.

Taxes and remittance

• Verify state-level tax obligations with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
• Confirm local city or parish occupancy/tourism taxes and whether a platform collects any portion for you.
• Clarify what you still must register, collect, and remit yourself to stay compliant.

Health, safety, and building codes

• Ask the city or parish which safety features are required, such as smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and egress standards.
• Confirm whether a fire marshal or building inspection is needed.
• If the property is in a flood-prone area, check floodplain requirements, elevation certificates, and any evacuation guidance.

Nuisance, noise, and neighborhood rules

• Learn the quiet hours and rules for gatherings, outdoor sound, and amenities like pools.
• Confirm occupancy limits, parking requirements, trash pickup rules, and any signage limits.
• Ask how violations are handled and what triggers enforcement.

Private restrictions (HOAs and covenants)

• Read HOA covenants and lease rules for any STR restrictions or bans.
• Ask about HOA registration, approval steps, fines, and recent enforcement history.
• Remember, private restrictions apply even if your local government allows STRs.

A simple due-diligence checklist

Use this as your quick-start list before you buy or list:

1. Confirm jurisdiction

• Determine if the address is inside Slidell city limits or in unincorporated St. Tammany.
• Request a written zoning verification letter or certificate of use, if available.

2. Verify zoning and use

• Obtain the zoning map, code sections for STRs, and any overlay district rules.
• Ask whether your intended use is permitted, conditional, or prohibited.

3. Permits and licensing

• Request any STR ordinance, business license requirements, and fee schedules.
• Note timelines, inspections, and renewal requirements.

4. Taxes

• Register for state tax accounts as needed.
• Confirm local occupancy or hotel-type taxes and who remits what.
• Estimate annual costs and admin time.

5. Safety and insurance

• Get the inspection checklist and confirm any fire marshal steps.
• Review floodplain status and required documents.
• Obtain quotes for short-term rental insurance and verify coverage.

6. Neighborhood operations

• Check parking availability and local limits.
• Learn occupancy caps, quiet hours, trash, and signage rules.
• Plan your guest communications to reduce complaints.

7. HOA and private rules

• Read CC&Rs and any STR amendments.
• Ask for recent meeting minutes related to rentals and enforcement patterns.

8. Costs and timelines

• Tally permit fees, upgrades, inspections, insurance, and taxes.
• Build a timeline from application to go-live, including contingencies.

9. Closing documents (if buying)

• Collect zoning verification and relevant ordinance excerpts.
• Get copies of any existing STR permits and proof of compliance.
• Check for outstanding code enforcement notices.

Costs, timelines, and ROI

Run the numbers with compliance in mind. Upfront costs might include application fees, safety upgrades, floodplain documentation, and insurance adjustments. Ongoing costs can include renewals, local and state taxes, increased utilities, and maintenance between stays.

• Build a conservative occupancy forecast and test different nightly rates.
• Add a buffer for fines or mitigation if rules change or complaints arise.
• Plan for platform and payment processing fees.
• Keep a reserve for insurance deductibles and storm-related issues.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Operating without a required permit or license can lead to fines and shutdowns. Confirm what you need, apply early, and keep renewals on a calendar.
• Tax noncompliance can create back taxes, penalties, and audits. Register correctly and document every remittance.
• HOA violations can trigger injunctions or removal of listings. Read every page of your covenants and ask for written clarification.
• Insurance denial can happen if STR use was undisclosed. Confirm coverage terms in writing.
• Zoning nonconformity can terminate a prior owner’s “grandfathered” use at sale. Get current written verification.
• Floodplain or safety noncompliance can block occupancy and raise premiums. Follow inspections and checklists closely.
• Neighborhood opposition can drive policy changes. Communicate proactively with neighbors and run a respectful, well-managed operation.

Who to contact for reliable answers

• City of Slidell: Planning and zoning, code enforcement, and business licensing for properties inside city limits; consult the municipal code for transient lodging, noise, and licensing.
• St. Tammany Parish Government: Parish planning and zoning for unincorporated areas; code enforcement; business license and tax offices; tourism authority for occupancy tax rules.
• State and regional: Louisiana Department of Revenue for tax obligations; Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal for safety guidance; FEMA flood maps and local floodplain administration for elevation and flood requirements.
• Other helpful contacts: Parish tax assessor and tax collector; local police for noise enforcement practices; HOA board or manager; your title company or closing attorney for recorded restrictions.

Ask each office for current documents, including the zoning map and verification letter, STR ordinance or code sections, permit and fee schedules, tax registration details and rates, inspection checklists, and any floodplain requirements.

Smart questions to ask city or parish staff

• Is this parcel inside Slidell or in unincorporated St. Tammany? Please provide the official designation.
• Does the current zoning allow a short-term rental, and is a conditional use possible if not?
• What registration, permit, or business license is required today, and what are the fees and timelines?
• What inspections are required before a permit or license is issued?
• What local taxes apply, and do any platforms remit them on my behalf? What am I still responsible to file?
• What are the occupancy, parking, and quiet hours rules that most often cause violations?
• Are there any recent updates, moratoria, or scheduled hearings that could change STR rules soon?

Slidell vs. parish: choosing the right fit

If you prefer clear steps, city programs can sometimes be more structured but also more specific and strict. Parish properties may offer flexibility in certain districts, but you still need to confirm permitted use and follow general codes. Either way, your best hedge is documentation.

Focus on three moves:

• Confirm jurisdiction and zoning in writing.
• Budget for permits, taxes, inspections, and insurance.
• Operate to neighborhood standards to avoid complaints.

If you want a local partner to help you weigh cash flow, compliance, and neighborhood fit on the Northshore, we’re here to help. Let’s review your options and build a plan that works for your goals. Reach out to Unknown Company to get started.

FAQs

What’s the main difference between Slidell and the parish for STRs?

• Inside the City of Slidell, you’re more likely to encounter a detailed STR framework with specific permits and neighborhood standards. In unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, STRs often hinge on zoning and general codes, which can vary by district.

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Slidell?

• You should verify current permit or licensing requirements with the City of Slidell, request the relevant ordinance sections, and obtain any application and fee schedules before you list.

Are there special taxes on short-term rentals in St. Tammany Parish?

• Short-term rentals typically owe state taxes and may also owe parish occupancy or tourism taxes. Confirm with the parish tax authority and the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and ask whether platforms remit any portion for you.

How do HOAs affect STRs in Slidell or the parish?

• HOA covenants can prohibit, cap, or condition STRs even when public rules allow them. Request the HOA’s written policy, approval process, and fine schedule before you buy or list.

What safety or inspection steps should I expect?

• You may need safety equipment like smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear egress, plus inspections under local or state fire guidance. In flood-prone areas, elevation documentation and flood compliance may also be required.

What documents should I collect before closing on a potential STR?

• Secure a zoning verification letter, relevant code or ordinance excerpts, any existing STR permits, HOA rules and recent minutes on STRs, tax registration details, and records of any outstanding code enforcement notices.