How Raymond Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Raymond maintains 34 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Raymond falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Noise Rules

Raymond 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

Raymond does not publish a city-specific STR ordinance and posts no STR parking ratio. Mississippi has not enacted a statewide STR preemption, so any rule derives from Raymond's underlying zoning district standard. Confirm STR parking expectations with the City Building Inspector at City Hall (110 Courtyard Square, 601-857-8041).

Key details: STR Ordinance Online: Not published — confirm at City Hall. State Preemption: None — local rules control. Default Residential: Confirm zoning district minimum at City Hall. City Hall: 110 Courtyard Square, 601-857-8041. Building Inspector: Jeff Williamson.

Unpermitted transient lodging is a zoning violation under Miss. Code Ann. §17-1-27 (injunctive relief) and §21-19-1, with municipal-court fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days under §99-19-31.

Occupancy Limits

Raymond has no published STR occupancy ordinance. Mississippi has not enacted a statewide STR preemption or maximum-occupancy law. Practical limits derive from the 2021 IRC (Mississippi base code, effective July 1, 2024). Confirm specific occupancy expectations with the Raymond Building Inspector at 110 Courtyard Square (601-857-8041).

Key details: State Occupancy Cap: None — local rules control. Local Cap Published: Not published — confirm at City Hall. IRC Min. Sleeping Area: 70 sq ft + 50 sq ft per occupant > 2 (§R304). Sleeping-Room Egress: Required (IRC §R310). MS Hotel Sales Tax: 7 percent state (§27-65-23).

Operating transient lodging in a non-permitted district is enforceable by the City Building Inspector under Miss. Code Ann. §17-1-27 and §21-19-1, with fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days. IRC overcrowding can trigger an unsafe-structure order.

Taxes & Fees

Raymond 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

Raymond 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.

The Bottom Line

Raymond'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 Raymond is broadly strict or permissive.

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