The Jefferson Parish Council unanimously voted Wednesday to ban short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
While this issue was debated in New Orleans for years, in Jefferson Parish, residents didn't seem to mind this new development. At the vote on Wednesday morning, only two people spoke out against the ban. Outside the meeting, residents didn't really care either way.
"If you weren't asking I wouldn't have a reaction because I don't know that much about Airbnb," Metairie resident Dominique Wessel said.
Few people seemed upset when they learned short-term rentals are now banned throughout most of the parish.
"I want someone to stay and be invested in their home and care about it," Wessel continued.
Further on down the street her neighbor, Kathleen Busenlener agreed.
"I think it was a good move for Jefferson Parish. I like that I know my neighbors and I don't have transient people in and out of the neighborhood," Busenlener said.
There will be a few exceptions to the ban. Short-term rentals will be allowed in "very limited areas of mix use with some restrictions," District 5 Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken said.
"You have to get a permit, you have to get an occupational license. I think that's a good balance for us," she said.
Councilwoman Van Vrancken had her own personal experience with a short-term rental on her street and says this is a positive step for the parish.
"You know your neighbors generally but to look across the street and see people with luggage on the front porch and not knowing who they are, that's what I worry could impact our quality of life if we don't take this step forward," Van Vrancken said.
Currently Metairie has the most registered Airbnb's followed by Gretna.