OUR WEBSITE: LAFAYETTENEIGHBORHOODSTRONG.ORG

JOIN US!  CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON OCTOBER 3, 2023! Call, Write, Speak at the Meeting! ITEM #14. REGULATING STR.  Insist the City Council responsibly regulates permitted Short Term Rentals - like Airbnb, VRBO, and others - Rules and Regulations, Category "Lodging" and including prohibiting them “by right” in Residential Single-Family Zones.

We are asking that Short-Term Rentals (STRs) be defined under “Category: Lodging” in the Lafayette Development Code (LDC); and should comply with similar uses as all other "Lodging" in the City of Lafayette. This ordinance would NOT apply to accessory apartments, at-home occupations, traditional Bed & Breakfasts (all defined in the LDC), the unincorporated parts of the Parish or any other LDC Zones throughout the city and parish of Lafayette.

The proposed ordinance stems from a series of complaints concerning the operation of STRs in the older part and long-established area of the city, namely the Saint Streets and the area surrounding Myrtle Place School and Lafayette Middle School. The areas are zoned Residential Single-Family Dwelling - and have been for decades -its common sense.

We are neighbors and friends who live and believe in Lafayette's historic, traditional, residential, and family neighborhoods. Most of us grew up in these neighborhoods and plan to raise our families, grow old, and plant seeds of hope for the next generation.

Many HOA's have scurried to clarify their homeowner agreement to include the language of STR and ban from their HOA.  But this is a call for ALL of LAFAYETTE!  According to firmly established Louisiana jurisprudence, HOA building restrictions constitute real rights only in the framework of subdivision planning.  Unlike LCG zoning, HOA's could then be liable for the actions of even a rouge STR.

Not every STR owner is bad; but, however not every STR "guest" is good.  There are many happenings in Lafayette which should concern us all: Shooting near downtown, drugs, drunk and disorderly conduct, cars everywhere blocking the street, an alleged murderer hold up in the Saints Streets (neighbors forced to leave to allow SWAT team in), and the list goes on.  Imagine a young family trying desperately to put their young kids down at night.  Bedtime for the kids - 8:00 p.m.; Bedtime for the 20 "guests" - whenever.  Even with a noise ordinance, think of mom and dad's frustration.  And you call the police repeatedly, the "guests" turn down the music and go in the house ... for the moment.  Is this really the way we expect our tax dollars to be spent, the resources of the police department?

Everyone in Lafayette should be concerned. If not regulated, we stand to lose chunks of our culture-it’s the residents who are Lafayette’s secret to success!  Major hotel chains are starting to take notice and get in the game.  Think of the proposed growth and the traffic associated.  (New Rocking Bowl expansion, New Covered Sports arena, New Auditorium.  We have surely taken on a lot)  There is no stopping commercial growth within Lafayette's Residential Single-Family “RS” Zones. Once the door is opened for Short-Term Rentals. 

Believe in preserving our peaceful way of life?
We bet your neighbors do, too. 

Help us continue spreading the word - and join us for the next Council meeting on October 3, at 5:30 in support of Lafayette Neighborhood Strong!

Stand up! Sign up!

Go to the City Council meeting, if you want to speak that's great, if you sign in, no speaking, but show your support of Item #14, No STRs in RS1

If you can't go to the meeting, please call the City Council office (337)291-8800 and tell the receptionist that you support Item #14, as proposed, No STRs in RS1

If you can't call, please email the City Council:  PatrickLewis@lafayettela.gov, AndyNaquin@lafayettela.gov, LizHebert@lafayettela.gov, NanetteCook@lafayettela.gov, GlennLazard@lafayettela.gov

MayorPresidentsOffice@lafayette,la gov

Thank you all for your continued support.  The City Council WILL VOTE on October 3, 2023.  The ordinance cannot be deferred; so, Neighbors, this means THIS IS OUR TIME TO SHINE!

patrick

Demand Lafayette City Government ACT NOW on Short-Term Rental regulation and stop commercial business from overrunning our quiet, traditional historic neighborhoods. HOMES NOT HOTELS!

For more information, visit LafayetteNeighborhoodStrong.org.