Lake Charles, LA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Sec. 3, 'Permitted uses,' governs short-term rentals defined by Sec. 2 as a dwelling unit rented for less than 30 days but at least one night to non-owner guests. Subsection (3) sets the occupancy formula: a maximum of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, and requires that all parking be facilitated on site rather than spilling into the street or neighboring lots. The same section bars no commercial events, such as concerts, weddings, block parties or other large gatherings, from being held at the rental.

The dwelling itself must be a permitted dwelling unit as defined in the International Residential Code; a storage building or similar structure cannot be used as an STR. Short-term rentals are allowed in every zoning district under the statement of purpose in Sec. 12-15, which the city adopted to permit STRs citywide while minimizing incompatibility with surrounding residential areas, but Sec. 4 before the occupancy and use rules apply. Sign regulations for the rental must also comply with section 5-211 of the zoning ordinance per subsection (4).