Short-term rentals (STRs) in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, are legal but face significant restrictions. Locally termed "vacation rentals," these accommodations are primarily limited to commercial zones, as a ban exists for residential areas to mitigate noise and community impact issues. STR operators must obtain a permit, which involves a $250 application fee and an annual permit fee of $750, along with compliance with local hotel-motel taxes. Properties that thrive in this market include cabins in the rural, natural settings of the parish and apartments in more urban areas like Covington and Mandeville. The market is predominantly influenced by tourism—particularly from visitors seeking outdoor activities, festivals, and events—though business travelers also contribute, especially during peak vacation seasons. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Planning and Zoning oversees STR regulations and applications, ensuring that allocations are made to prevent overly dense commercial development in residential neighborhoods. For official regulations and more details, visit the St. Tammany Parish government website at.