Quick answer: Westlake, Louisiana is preparing to lift its short-term rental moratorium, in place since February 2024, and adopt a new ordinance at its November City Council meeting. The ordinance will outline requirements for short-term rentals citywide but will not override private neighborhood restrictions such as those in West Trace.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Westlake, Louisiana |
| What changed | City preparing to lift moratorium on short-term rentals and adopt a new ordinance outlining requirements for applications and operation |
| Who it affects | Property owners seeking to operate short-term rentals citywide; neighborhoods with CC&Rs prohibiting short-term rentals remain exempt |
| Status | Proposed |
| Effective date | Expected to be voted on at November 2026 City Council meeting |
| Penalties | West Trace neighborhood violations determined on case-by-case basis by Real Estate Board; specific penalties not yet reported |
| Governing body | City of Westlake City Council and Real Estate Board |
What Changed
The City of Westlake is preparing to lift a moratorium on short-term rentals that has been in place since February 2024. According to www.kplctv.com, at its November City Council meeting, the council is expected to vote on lifting the moratorium and adopting a new ordinance that outlines requirements for short-term rental applications and operations.
Before the February 2024 moratorium, Westlake had no specific ordinance governing short-term rentals. Mike Brignac, City of Westlake communications coordinator, said the city placed the moratorium "to give the city time to develop regulations and guidelines for their operation."
Who Is Affected
The proposed ordinance would apply citywide to property owners seeking to operate short-term rentals. However, it does not override private property restrictions. Neighborhoods with Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that prohibit short-term rentals, such as West Trace, remain exempt from the ordinance. In West Trace, short-term rentals remain prohibited regardless of any city ordinance.
What Hosts Should Do Now
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Check your neighborhood's CC&Rs to confirm whether short-term rentals are permitted in your subdivision before the new ordinance takes effect.
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Wait for the new ordinance text to be published after the November City Council vote to understand specific application requirements and operating conditions.
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Review the city's communication regarding which neighborhoods have private restrictions that override the city ordinance.
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Consult with the City of Westlake Planning Department if you are uncertain whether your property is subject to neighborhood restrictions on short-term rentals.
The Bigger Picture
The tension in Westlake centers on a couple who purchased a home in the West Trace neighborhood in January 2026 and began renting it as a short-term rental on Airbnb. The neighborhood's CC&Rs prohibit such rentals. The couple said a city official told them there was no issue with the rental, and they were even told they would be grandfathered in if an HOA was established later. A Westlake official confirmed that an error was made.
The couple applied for a variance to keep the Airbnb but the Real Estate Board unanimously denied the request. The couple is now in violation of the neighborhood's CC&Rs, and the Real Estate Board is determining the penalty. The incident highlights the need for clear communication from the city about restrictions that apply in different neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate a short-term rental in Westlake Louisiana
Starting November 2026, Westlake is expected to lift its moratorium on short-term rentals and adopt a new ordinance allowing them citywide. However, if your property is in a neighborhood with CC&Rs prohibiting short-term rentals, such as West Trace, the city ordinance does not override those restrictions and you cannot legally operate a short-term rental.
When does the Westlake short-term rental moratorium end
The City Council is expected to vote on lifting the moratorium at its November 2026 meeting. The exact effective date of the new ordinance will be determined at that time.
What are the requirements for a short-term rental license in Westlake
The new ordinance will outline requirements for applications, but the specific details have not yet been published. Check the city's website or contact the Planning Department after the November vote to learn about application fees, documentation, and operating conditions.
Do neighborhood restrictions override the Westlake short-term rental ordinance
Yes. According to the city, the proposed ordinance does not override private property restrictions in neighborhoods. If your neighborhood has CC&Rs prohibiting short-term rentals, those restrictions remain in effect regardless of the city ordinance.
Sources
Check the current rules for your area in the LawfulStay directory.