Short-term rental permit rules in Ocean Springs, MS — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
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).
Ocean Springs adopted Ordinance No. 2015-11 to amend Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 13-1976 and create a permitting framework for short-term rentals (rentals of fewer than 30 days) in residential zones. The Planning Department (228-875-4415) administers the program. Residential STR permits are capped at 115 citywide; commercial STRs (in commercial zones) have no cap. The application fee is $501.00 per permit; annual renewal is $50.00 through the City Building Department. New residential applications require Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen approval, with a sign posted on the property and notices to adjacent neighbors. The permit must be displayed inside the unit, and the local contact person's name, address, and phone number must be permanently posted inside the rental. Renewals do not require a public hearing. Operators must obtain a city privilege license from the Tax Counter (228-875-4236) and register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue to collect 7% state sales tax under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65-23 on hotel/transient room rentals. Ocean Springs also imposes a 2% Tourism and Economic Development Tax on gross room-rental proceeds under House Bill 1836 (1998 Regular Session), effective December 1, 1998. Properties in HOA subdivisions must obtain HOA approval before the city issues a permit. Annual life-safety inspections are scheduled Monday-Friday at 10:00 AM; failed inspections incur reinspection fees.
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.
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