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

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

Parking Rules

Pearl has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance, so STR parking defaults to the residential off-street parking standards in the Pearl Zoning Ordinance (adopted Nov. 3, 2020) and the on-street rules in Chapter 38, Article X of the Code of Ordinances. Guests must park off-street in driveways or garages serving the dwelling; on-street parking is regulated by the Pearl Police Department. Confirm specific space counts with Community Development at 601-932-3526.

Key details: STR-Specific Parking Rule: None - defaults to residential zoning. Zoning Ordinance: Pearl Zoning Ord. adopted Nov. 3, 2020. On-Street Parking: Code Ch. 38, Art. X (Sec. 38-460+). Enforcement: Pearl PD (street); Community Dev (zoning). State STR Preemption: None.

Parking guest vehicles on the street in violation of Chapter 38 Article X, blocking driveways or fire lanes, or exceeding the off-street parking capacity of the dwelling can trigger Pearl PD citations and Community Development complaints. Repeated violations can support a nuisance finding against the rental property.

Occupancy Limits

Pearl has no STR-specific occupancy ordinance, so guest counts default to the dwelling-unit definitions in the Pearl Zoning Ordinance (adopted Nov. 3, 2020), the property maintenance and minimum room-size standards in the Mississippi-adopted International Residential Code, and the City's nuisance and rental rules. Mississippi has no statewide STR preemption. Confirm the maximum occupancy for your address with Community Development at 601-932-3526.

Key details: STR-Specific Occupancy Cap: None - defaults to IRC/IPMC and zoning. Zoning Ordinance: Pearl Zoning Ord. adopted Nov. 3, 2020. Accessory Living Quarters: Prohibited (Sec. 407.06(c)). Building Code Adopted: Mississippi statewide IRC/IPMC. Min. Sleeping Room (1 occupant): 70 sq. ft. (IPMC Sec. 404).

Listing more guests than the dwelling can lawfully sleep under IRC/IPMC room-size rules, or operating a separate accessory unit in violation of Section 407.06(c), exposes the operator to building-code citations, code-enforcement complaints, and potential nuisance abatement. Failure to collect and remit the 7% Mississippi state sales tax on stays under 30 days violates Miss. Code Ann. Title 27, Chapter 65 (unless the marketplace remits).

Permit Requirements

Pearl may require registration or permits for short-term rental properties. Mississippi law leaves STR regulation primarily to local municipalities under home rule authority.

Key details: Permit Type: Business license + STR permit. Renewal: Annual. Local Contact: May be required. Authority: MS Code Ann. §21-19-1.

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

Noise Rules

Pearl 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

Pearl 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

Pearl'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 Pearl is broadly strict or permissive.

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