7-11-2023: Transient Housing Study

July 11, 2023 

New Orleans City Planning Commission 
1300 Perdido Street 
New Orleans, LA 70112 

Re: Transient Housing Study 

Dear City Planning Commission: 

Louisiana Landmarks Society commends and supports the Transient Housing Study. It is our understanding that its purpose is to study the impacts, and recommend updated regulations of Commercial Short Term Rentals (CSTRs) and transient lodging uses. We would ask that the impacts include not only the effects on the availability of long term residential housing, but also the impacts on residential quality of life, on neighborhoods, and on the sense of community. 

It is noted that hotels, motels, timeshares, hostels, and bed and breakfasts are to be included in the study. We would also encourage the inclusion of residential STR’s, along with the rapid conversions of “Doubles to Dorms’ – in order to get a complete picture of transient housing in the city. It would seem that the best and most forward thinking use of the city’s resources is for the hired experts to study the whole picture, rather than just a piece – even if the next step is geared to CSTRs. The total data will prove valuable and useful – if not now, certainly in the near future. 

We also ask that the study provide clear definitions and their requirements for each category, so the regulations can be proactive – rather than attempting to rely on enforcement after the fact. And we ask that any means to restrict conversions of long term residential properties into hotels, motels, STRs or any other transient housing be employed. 

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on this important study. We look forward to further engagement. 

 Sincerely, 

Sandra Stokes 
Chair of Advocacy