NEW ORLEANS - City planners say New Orleans should legalize the proliferating business of short-term rentals in this tourist-friendly city, and charge operators fees and regulate the practice.

On Tuesday, the City Planning Commission released recommendations on how New Orleans could regulate short-term rentals of homes and rooms, which have become very popular among travelers through websites like Airbnb and HomeAway.

Presently, the vast majority of short-term rentals are not allowed under the city's laws. Nonetheless, the City Planning Commission says there are between 2,400 and 4,000 such rentals.

The commission says the city should create a system to license the rentals. It recommends charging operators fees, making sure they pay taxes, have liability insurance and maintain a log of their activity.

The report suggested hiring three inspectors to enforce the regulations.