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Short-Term Rentals

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

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Pascagoula 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. Pascagoula has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Noise Rules

Pascagoula 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.

Parking Rules

Pascagoula's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 6.2.D classifies a short-term rental as a Visitor Accommodation use and requires the same off-street parking as a Multifamily Dwelling: 1.5 spaces per unit under 1,500 sq ft, or 2 spaces per unit at 1,500 sq ft or more. Tourist homes and B&Bs use a different formula.

Key details: Code: UDO Section 6.2.D. STR Standard: Same as multifamily. Under 1,500 sq ft: 1.5 spaces/unit. 1,500 sq ft or more: 2 spaces/unit. B&B Inn: 2 + 1 per guest room.

Providing fewer than the required 1.5 or 2 spaces per unit under UDO Table 6.2.D.1, parking guests on the street in violation of city parking rules, or operating an STR in a zoning district where it is not a permitted use can trigger zoning enforcement under UDO Article 9 and may result in revocation of the city business license.

Occupancy Limits

Pascagoula's Unified Development Ordinance does not set a numeric overnight-guest cap for short-term rentals. STR accommodations follow the multifamily dwelling standard, and the only related occupancy rule is the 6-sleeping-room maximum that UDO Section 4.3.D.10.a places on bed-and-breakfast inns. Mississippi has no statewide STR occupancy mandate.

Key details: City STR Cap: None in UDO. B&B Inn Max Rooms: 6 sleeping rooms. B&B Min Room Size: 120 sq ft. Statewide MS Cap: None. Building Code: MS IRC/IBC applies.

Because no numeric STR overnight cap appears in the Pascagoula UDO, occupancy enforcement typically runs through Mississippi Building Code violations (sleeping-room area, smoke alarm, egress) or city nuisance and noise complaints. Operating a B&B inn with more than 6 sleeping rooms or non-owner-occupied violates UDO Section 4.3.D.10.a and is enforced under UDO Article 9.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pascagoula gives residents more flexibility on occupancy limits.

Taxes & Fees

Pascagoula 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.

Permit Requirements

Mississippi does not preempt local short-term rental regulation; cities may set their own STR rules under the zoning authority in Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1. Pascagoula does not publish a dedicated short-term rental ordinance; STRs are subject to the Unified Development Ordinance, the home occupation provisions, and a City privilege license issued by the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department. Operators must collect Mississippi's 7% state sales tax under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65 and remit the state-administered tourism/hotel tax that applies to transient room rentals.

Key details: Requirement: Mississippi does not preempt local short-term rental regulation. Requirement: Zoning authority comes from Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1. Requirement: Pascagoula has no published dedicated STR ordinance; STRs fall under the UDO. Tax: Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to transient room rentals (Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65). Requirement: City privilege license issued by Pascagoula Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.

Operating a short-term rental without a privilege license or in a zoning district that does not allow transient lodging can result in code enforcement citations, daily fines, and an order to cease the use under the Pascagoula UDO and Code of Ordinances. Failure to register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and remit 7% state sales tax under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65 is a tax violation enforceable by DOR, with interest, penalties, and possible revocation of the seller's permit.

The Bottom Line

Pascagoula'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 Pascagoula is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Pascagoula's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.