Gautier's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Gautier, Mississippi, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Noise Rules

Gautier applies standard noise ordinance rules to short-term rental properties. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guests comply with local quiet hours.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Operator Liability: Yes, for guest noise. Strike Policy: 3 strikes typical. House Rules: Must be posted.

First offense: warning to operator. Second offense: $200 to $500 fine. Third offense: permit suspension or revocation. Operators liable for guest violations.

Taxes & Fees

Gautier requires STR operators to collect and remit Mississippi sales tax and local tourism taxes. MS Code Ann. §27-65-23 governs accommodation tax collection.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 7%. Local Tourism Tax: 1%-3% varies. Registration: MS Dept of Revenue. Authority: MS Code Ann. §27-65-23.

Failure to collect taxes: back taxes plus 10% penalty. MS DOR may assess additional fines. Interest accrues on unpaid taxes. Business license may be suspended.

Occupancy Limits

Gautier's Code of Ordinances does not set a numeric STR occupancy cap. Industry practice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is two adults per bedroom plus two, but the binding limits are the 2018 International Building Code occupant load and the dwelling's septic or sewer capacity. Confirm with Planning and Building at 228-497-8000.

Key details: City Numeric Cap: None adopted. Building Code: 2018 IBC occupant load. Industry Norm: 2 per bedroom + 2. Septic Limit: MSDH design flow. State Preemption: None.

Exceeding the 2018 IBC occupant load for a residential dwelling, overloading a septic system above its permitted design flow, or violating future STR registration rules can trigger city code-enforcement action and Mississippi State Department of Health intervention. Specific penalty amounts should be confirmed with Gautier Planning and Building at 228-497-8000.

Parking Rules

Gautier has no STR-specific parking ordinance in its Unified Development Ordinance (Appendix A, Zoning). Operators must meet the off-street parking minimums for the dwelling's residential district and keep guest vehicles out of the right-of-way. Confirm exact stall counts with the Planning and Building Department at 228-497-8000.

Key details: Code Source: Appendix A (Zoning). STR-Specific Stalls: None adopted. Standard: Residential district minimum. On-Street Use: No fire lane/sidewalk blocking. Planning Dept: 228-497-8000.

Parking on unimproved surfaces in violation of Appendix A standards, blocking sidewalks or fire lanes, or exceeding the residential district's off-street parking minimum can be cited by Gautier code enforcement and police. Penalties follow the city's general code-enforcement schedule rather than a dedicated STR parking fine.

Permit Requirements

Gautier requires business licensing for short-term rentals. Properties near the Singing River waterfront and along Highway 90 see seasonal rental demand from Gulf Coast visitors and wildlife refuge tourists.

Key details: License Required: Business license. Zoning Check: Required. Seasonal Demand: Spring and fall peak. Renewal: Annual.

Operating without permit: $250 to $500 fine. Daily fines of $100 to $250 for continued operation. Business license revocation possible for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

Gautier's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Gautier is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Gautier's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.