What zoning rules apply to STRs in Ruston?

Confusion with Ruston, WA: Many online search results for 'Ruston STR code' refer to the city in Washington state which has much stricter rules (ADU requirements, 12-week limits). Ruston, LA currently follows more traditional Louisiana zoning.

What should Ruston hosts know about combined tax rate: the total?

Combined Tax Rate: The total tax burden is high (15%) because of the combination of state sales tax (5%), city sales tax (6%), and parish occupancy tax (4%).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Ruston?

Home Occupation Rules: Operating an Airbnb in a residential zone may require a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning department.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ruston, Louisiana

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

The City of Ruston has no specific short-term rental ordinance; however, operators must comply with general business licensing, zoning, and tax requirements.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

Ruston does not require a specific short-term rental permit, but you must register for state and parish sales taxes. If you are running the rental from your home, you may need a Home Occupation Permit from the city's Planning and Zoning department. All hosts are required to collect a 4% occupancy tax for Lincoln Parish in addition to standard sales taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Confusion with Ruston, WA: Many online search results for 'Ruston STR code' refer to the city in Washington state which has much stricter rules (ADU requirements, 12-week limits). Ruston, LA currently follows more traditional Louisiana zoning.
2.Combined Tax Rate: The total tax burden is high (15%) because of the combination of state sales tax (5%), city sales tax (6%), and parish occupancy tax (4%).
3.Home Occupation Rules: Operating an Airbnb in a residential zone may require a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning department.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Ruston: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Ruston allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written landlord consent and general tax compliance.
•Ruston: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Ruston does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(9)

•Ruston: Home Occupation Rules: Operating an Airbnb in a residential zone may require a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning department.
•Ruston STR warning: Home Occupation Rules: Operating an Airbnb in a residential zone may require a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning department.
•Ruston: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Ruston: Step 1: Register for Louisiana State Sales Tax - Obtain a sales tax registration certificate from the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) to handle state-level tax obligations. Documents needed: SSN or EIN, Business Name. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://revenue.louisiana.gov/SalesTax Step 2: Register with Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission - Register locally to report the city and parish sales taxes, as well as the 4% occupancy tax required for lodging. Documents needed: State Sales Tax Number, Physical Address of Rental. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://lataonline.org/parishes/lincoln-parish/ Step 3: Verify Zoning and Home Occupation Permit - Contact the Ruston Planning and Zoning department to ensure your property is zoned correctly and apply for a Home Occupation Permit if the rental is your primary residence. Documents needed: Proof of Ownership, Property Address. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.mygovernmentonline.org/

Taxes(3)

•Ruston charges a Lincoln Parish Occupancy Tax of 0.04%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 4% Lincoln Parish occupancy tax.
•Ruston: Combined Tax Rate: The total tax burden is high (15%) because of the combination of state sales tax (5%), city sales tax (6%), and parish occupancy tax (4%).

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Ruston: Confusion with Ruston, WA: Many online search results for 'Ruston STR code' refer to the city in Washington state which has much stricter rules (ADU requirements, 12-week limits). Ruston, LA currently follows more traditional Louisiana zoning.
•Ruston enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Ruston limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ruston requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, Compliance with Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code.

Penalties(2)

•Ruston enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or Zoning Violation Fine. Second offense: Variable daily fines. Third offense: Injunction. Daily fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Ruston: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Ruston: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Ruston exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Louisiana Markets

Breaux Bridge

Louisiana

Permissive

The City of Breaux Bridge does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance. As of 2024, STRs are unregulated at the municipal level but must comply with general occupational licensing and St. Martin Parish occupancy tax requirements (4%).

0.1% total tax

Baton Rouge

Louisiana

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Baton Rouge require registration and adherence to specific occupancy, parking, and insurance standards under Ordinance 16370.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Shreveport

Louisiana

Permissive

Shreveport requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit from the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and adhere to zoning-specific use requirements.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

St. Martinville

Louisiana

Permissive

St. Martinville currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance. While the city does not have a specific permit system, hosts are generally expected to comply with Parish-level tax requirements and general city business licensing.

Ruston

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(7)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Ruston

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ruston?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ruston?

3Are there rental night limits in Ruston?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Ruston?

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Breaux Bridge

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St. Martinville