Short-term rentals (STRs) in New Orleans must comply with the general noise ordinance in Chapter 66 and the operator responsibility provisions in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Section 20.3.PP. Operators are responsible for guest behavior, and repeated noise violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation.
Following the 2023 overhaul of New Orleans short-term rental regulations through the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Section 20.3.PP, STR operators carry direct responsibility for guest noise. The city treats noise complaints from STR properties as violations attributable to the operator, not just the guest, which is a stricter standard than applied to long-term rentals.
Guests must comply with the general noise ordinance found in Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code, including the residential nighttime decibel limit of approximately 55 dB(A) measured at the property line. Quiet hours are typically 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. STR operators must post the local operator contact information inside the unit, and that contact must be available to respond within a defined time, generally one hour, when a complaint is received.
The Department of Safety and Permits tracks noise complaints against each STR permit. Multiple substantiated violations can trigger administrative action, including fines starting at several hundred dollars per violation, mandatory hearings, and ultimately revocation of the STR permit. Repeat offenders may also be barred from obtaining a future STR permit at the same property. NOPD also responds to severe disturbances and may issue separate citations to the responsible parties.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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