Short-Term Rentals in Ocean Springs, MS: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Ocean Springs or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ocean Springs has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Noise Rules

Ocean Springs 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.

Permit Requirements

Ocean Springs requires a Residential or Commercial Short-Term Rental (STR) permit under Ordinance No. 2015-11, which amended Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 13-1976. Residential STR permits are capped at 115 citywide; commercial STR permits have no cap. New permits cost $501.00; renewals are $50.00 annually. New residential permits require Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen approval after public notice. Operators must collect Mississippi state sales tax (7%) under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65-23 plus the 2% Ocean Springs Tourism and Economic Development Tax (HB 1836, 1998).

Key details: City Ordinance: Ord. 2015-11 (amends 13-1976). Residential Permit Cap: 115 citywide. Commercial Permit Cap: None. New Permit Fee: $501.00. Annual Renewal: $50.00.

Operating a short-term rental without an Ocean Springs STR permit violates Ordinance No. 2015-11 and is enforced by the Planning Department. Failure to renew before expiration may cause permit revocation. Tampering with or removing the planning notice sign incurs a charge. Failure to collect or remit the 7% Mississippi state sales tax or the 2% Ocean Springs Tourism Tax can result in Mississippi Department of Revenue assessments, penalties, and interest under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65 et seq.

Compared to other cities, Ocean Springs takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Parking Rules

Ocean Springs requires every residentially zoned STR to provide adequate off-street parking for guests. A site parking plan is required at application, and on-grass and on-street designated parking are prohibited under the city's Enhanced Life Safety inspection rules.

Key details: Ordinance: No. 2015-11 (Residential STR). Parking Plan: Required sketch at application. On-Street Designated: Prohibited. Grass Parking: Prohibited. Max Spaces Set By: Planning Dept inspection.

Designating grass or street parking, exceeding the permitted vehicle count, or operating without an approved parking plan can trigger STR permit revocation by the Board of Aldermen and code enforcement citations. Confirm penalty amounts with Planning at 228-875-4415.

Occupancy Limits

Ocean Springs sets a Maximum Occupancy Determination for each residentially zoned STR during the pre-permit inspection rather than using a fixed per-bedroom formula. The figure is recorded on the permit and must be honored by the host and local property manager.

Key details: Ordinance: No. 2015-11. Occupancy Set By: Planning inspection (case-by-case). Application Submission: Floor plan + proposed max guests. Permit Cap (Residential): 115 (City-Wide & Density). Downtown Overlay Cap: None.

Exceeding the Maximum Occupancy Determination, removing required smoke detectors, or failing reinspection ($25 per occurrence, three failures restart the application) can lead to permit revocation by the Board of Aldermen. Confirm fine amounts with Planning at 228-875-4415.

Taxes & Fees

Ocean Springs 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.

The Bottom Line

Ocean Springs'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 Ocean Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Ocean Springs's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.