Short-Term Rentals in Lake Charles, LA (2026)
3 verified short-term rentals rules for Lake Charles, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Short-term rentals are allowed citywide in Lake Charles, but a rental in a residential or neighborhood zoning district needs a minor conditional use permit first, and every STR must also carry a yearly occupational license under Sec. 12-15.3 and 12-15.4.
Lake Charles Short-Term Rental Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsLake Charles City Code §§ 12-15.3, 12-15.4
Sec. 12-15.3 - Permitted uses. Short-term rentals are permitted in all zoning districts with the exception of residential and neighborhood districts which will require the issuance of a minor conditional use permit as outlined in section 24-4-203.4 and subject to the following provisions... Sec. 12-15.4. - Occupational license, fee and contact. (a)An occupational license shall be obtained and a...
Taxes & Fees
Every Lake Charles short-term rental pays a $100.00 yearly occupational license fee and must either book through a platform that remits local taxes, including hotel tax, or show yearly proof of its own tax compliance, under Sec. 12-15.4 of the city code.
Lake Charles Short-Term Rental License Fee & Tax
Some RestrictionsLake Charles City Code § 12-15.4
Sec. 12-15.4. - Occupational license, fee and contact. (a)An occupational license shall be obtained and a fee of $100.00 shall be paid yearly for each dwelling unit offered for short-term rental purposes.(b)Each short-term rental must either utilize a book platform that remits local taxes including hotel tax or must show proof of tax compliance on a yearly basis.(c)A local emergency contact or ...
Occupancy Limits
Lake Charles caps short-term rental occupancy at two guests per bedroom plus two additional people, bans commercial events like weddings or concerts on the property, and requires all parking to happen on site, under Sec. 12-15.3 of the city code.
Lake Charles Short-Term Rental Occupancy Cap
Some RestrictionsLake Charles City Code § 12-15.3
Sec. 12-15.3 - Permitted uses. Short-term rentals are permitted in all zoning districts with the exception of residential and neighborhood districts which will require the issuance of a minor conditional use permit as outlined in section 24-4-203.4 and subject to the following provisions: (1)The dwelling must be a permitted dwelling unit as defined in the International Residential Code. A stora...