Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Hammond, LA?

• Explicit allowance: The City of Hammond does not specifically prohibit short-term rentals (STRs) in its Unified Development Code (UDC). As of the provided documents, there are no city-level STR-specific ordinances in effect.
• Practical implication: If your STR is operated as a residential dwelling (hosted or unhosted), and the use remains residential in nature, it is typically allowed under standard residential zoning. However, operators must comply with:
  • Federal, state, and local building, fire, health, and safety codes;
  • Standard residential permits and inspections where applicable;
  • Zoning use restrictions for the subject district (e.g., no STRs in industrial zones).
• Note on future changes: City codes can be amended. Investors should verify no new city STR rules have been adopted since this document’s effective period.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hammond

1. Confirm zoning viability

• Confirm the property is zoned for residential use and that STR operation will not violate any district-specific use restrictions (for example, avoid industrial zones).
• If you plan to host multiple units or convert buildings into multi-unit STRs, verify whether a zoning change or special use approval is required.
• If the property lies within the Downtown Development District (DDD) or Historic District boundaries, design review and a Certificate of Appropriateness may be required before exterior changes.

2. Verify building eligibility and obtain permits

• Building Permit: Required for new construction, additions, or structural changes; issued by the Building Official after plan review and inspections.
• Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupancy; confirm the residential occupancy classification is appropriate for an STR.
• Land disturbance and stormwater: For site work, grading, or drainage changes, confirm requirements under Articles 12 and 3 of the UDC.
• Utility and addressing: Obtain a municipal address from the City Planning Department; ensure water, sewer, and address visibility meet UDC standards.

3. Plan and complete safety/operational setup

• Fire and life safety: Meet Louisiana state safety requirements for STRs, which include smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors where applicable, and posting emergency contact information inside the unit.
• Utilities: Ensure compliance with local utility service standards and any right-of-way permits for work in public areas.
• Accessibility considerations (as applicable per ADA and local guidance).

4. Taxes and state registration (Louisiana)

• Register the STR with the Louisiana Secretary of State if required and set up state tax accounts for sales and occupancy taxes.
• Collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local taxes or occupancy taxes. Confirm with local tax authorities.

5. HOA/Condominium and neighbor relations

• If the property is governed by an HOA or condo association, obtain written approval for STR operations and comply with any additional rules.
• Set house rules that reflect noise, parking, occupancy, and trash policies to minimize neighbor complaints.

6. Insurance and legal risk management

• Secure appropriate liability and property insurance for an STR and confirm coverage limits suit your business model.
• Consider property management agreements, rental contracts, and compliance with fair housing and local consumer protection rules.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on the Hammond UDC and standard Louisiana requirements:

• Zoning and land use

  • Zoning district compliance verification (UDC Article 6).
  • If applicable: Zoning Map Amendment (2.3.3), Special Exception/Variance (2.3.9), or Historic District review (2.1.6; Appendix E).

• Building and development permits (Article 3; Appendix H)

  • Building Permit
  • Demolition Permit
  • Grading Permit (may be combined with Lot & Land Clearing Permit)
  • Drainage and Driveway Permit
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Permits
  • Fence Permit
  • Mobile Home/Manufactured Housing Permit (if applicable)
  • Move a Building Permit (if relocating structures)
  • Noise Variance (Long Term; Temporary)
  • Pave Public Right-of-Way Permit
  • Portable Building Permit
  • Sign Permit (for exterior signage; UDC Article 13)
  • Swimming Pool Permit
  • Temporary Trailer Permit
  • Use of Public Sidewalk/Right-of-Way Permit (e.g., for sidewalk use, signage, or staging)
  • Certificate of Occupancy (issued by the Building Official; 2.1.5, 2.4.2).

• Health, safety, and state-level STR rules

  • Louisiana STR safety requirements: smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency contact posting (Louisiana R.S. 13:300, as applicable).
  • State sales tax registration and local occupancy tax compliance as required.

• Addressing and visibility (3.1.2E)

  • Municipal address assignment from the City Planning/GIS Section; ensure address numbers are at least 4 inches high and visible from the street.

• Permits and fees schedule

  • Fees and fines are listed in Appendix H of the UDC; consult the Building Official for current amounts.

Specific Regulations: City (Hammond), Parish (Tangipahoa), and State (Louisiana)

• City of Hammond (local)

  • STR-specific ordinance: None identified in the provided UDC.
  • Zoning compliance: STRs must operate as residential uses consistent with the underlying district (UDC Article 6).
  • Historic District: If the property is in the Hammond Historic District, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes (2.1.6; Appendix E).
  • Downtown Development District (DDD): Exterior alterations within DDD boundaries may require DDD Design Review Committee review and a Certificate of Appropriateness (2.1.7).
  • Permits and inspections: All applicable permits and a Certificate of Occupancy are required prior to operation; code enforcement is overseen by the Building Official (2.1.5; 2.4).
  • Enforcement: Violations of the UDC may result in fines and injunctive relief (2.4.3).

• Parish (Tangipahoa Parish)

  • Parish health and development standards may apply to onsite wastewater or drainage; verify with parish health and public works departments.
  • Address assignment coordination occurs with the Parish 911 Communication District (3.1.2E).

• State (Louisiana)

  • STR safety requirements (R.S. 13:300): smoke alarms, CO detectors where applicable, and emergency contact posting.
  • Sales and occupancy tax: Registration and remittance are required; confirm current rates and local add-ons.
  • Fire and life safety: Comply with state fire code requirements applicable to STRs.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs and Development)

• Hammond City Hall

  • Address: 310 East Charles Street, Hammond, LA 70401
  • Phone: (985) 345-1010
  • Website: hammond.org

• Building Department / Building Official

  • Phone: (985) 345-1010 (general line; ask for Building Department)
  • Responsible for: Building Permits, Certificate of Occupancy, plan review, inspections, and code enforcement (2.1.5; 2.4).

• City Planner / Planning Department

  • Phone: (985) 345-1010 (general line; ask for Planning)
  • Responsible for: Site plan review, subdivisions, zoning map amendments, and Certificates of Appropriateness coordination.

• Fire Department

  • Phone: (985) 345-1010 (general line; ask for Fire Department)
  • Responsible for: Fire code compliance and life safety reviews.

• Downtown Development District (DDD) Design Review Committee

  • Address: 310 East Charles Street, Hammond, LA 70401
  • Phone: (985) 345-1010
  • Responsible for: DDD design review and Certificates of Appropriateness within the Downtown Development District (2.1.7).

• Tangipahoa Parish Health Unit

  • Address: 15481 West Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, LA 70403
  • Phone: (985) 543-4175
  • Responsible for: Onsite wastewater approvals and related health permits.

• Louisiana Department of Revenue (State tax registration)

  • Website: revenue.louisiana.gov
  • Use for: Sales tax registration and occupancy tax administration for STRs.

• Louisiana Secretary of State (Business filings)

  • Website: www.sos.la.gov
  • Use for: Commercial file/registration if applicable.

Source Links

• Hammond Unified Development Code (effective February 2014; amended through 2022): hammond.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Amended-UDC_2022.pdf

Notes for investors:

• Since no city STR ordinance is provided, proceed under standard residential use compliance and state law. Monitor city council activity for future STR-specific changes.
• Obtain and keep records of all permits, inspections, and approvals (including Certificates of Appropriateness where applicable).
• If you plan to operate multiple units or operate in high-impact areas (historic or downtown), budget time and cost for design review and public hearings.