Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gautier, MS?

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Gautier, MS, but with significant regulatory framework. Based on the Unified Development Ordinance, Gautier permits short-term lodging operations through specific categories: Bed and Breakfast Inns (owner-occupied dwellings offering short-term lodging) and Room/Boarding Houses (accommodations for periods of one week or more). The city does not appear to have a comprehensive standalone short-term rental ordinance, but instead regulates these operations through its zoning codes and development regulations.

Important Note: The provided documents do not contain the complete content of the Unified Development Ordinance, particularly Article VI Section 6.4.2 which mentions Bed and Breakfast Inn regulations. This suggests there may be additional specific requirements for short-term rentals that are not fully detailed in the available content.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gautier

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with any STR operation, verify that your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rental activities:

• Residential Districts: Check if Bed and Breakfast operations are permitted in your specific residential zone (R-E, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3)
• Commercial Districts: Hotel/motel operations may be permitted in commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3)
• Mixed-Use Districts: Some mixed-use zones may permit hospitality operations

Step 2: Understand Operational Requirements

Based on the definitions provided:

For Bed and Breakfast Operations:

• Must be owner-occupied (owner must reside in the dwelling as primary residence)
• Must maintain façade consistency with surrounding residential houses
• Limited to one set of kitchen facilities
• May employ only residents living in the house plus up to one additional employee
• Can serve meals to lodgers and guests of private functions

For Room/Board Operations:

• Cannot operate as hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast establishment
• Minimum stay period of one (1) week or more
• Can provide meals
• Designed for longer-term accommodation arrangements

Step 3: Secure Required Approvals and Permits

1. Certificate of Zoning Compliance from Planning Director
2. Building Permits if any structural modifications are needed
3. Certificate of Occupancy ensuring habitability standards are met
4. Business License from city administration
5. Home Occupation Permit if operating from residential property

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Approvals:

1. Development Permit - Official city document authorizing commencement of construction or land alteration
2. Building Permit - Required for any construction, erection, or placement of structures
3. Certificate of Occupancy - Issued by Building Official confirming compliance with city ordinances and habitability standards
4. Certificate of Zoning Compliance - Issued by Planning Director confirming use conformity with UDO
5. Business License - Required for commercial operations

Documentation Requirements:

• Completed Application Forms with all accompanying documents and exhibits
• Development Plans/Site Plans showing specific location and design
• Certified Survey if required for property boundaries
• Construction Plans with detailed drawings and specifications
• Compliance with Building Code (International Building Code adopted by City)

Additional Considerations:

• Home Occupation Permit required for residential-based operations
• Fire Marshal approval for safety compliance
• Health Department compliance if serving food or beverages
• Parking and Access compliance per Article VII requirements

Specific Regulations by Level of Government

City of Gautier Regulations (Municipal Level):

Zoning Compliance:

• Property must be located in a zoning district that permits the intended STR operation
• All dimensional requirements (setbacks, height limits, lot coverage) must be met
• Parking requirements per Article VII must be satisfied
• Sign regulations per Article XII must be followed

Operational Standards:

• Bed and Breakfast operations must maintain owner-occupancy
• Structural modifications must comply with building codes
• Property maintenance standards per Article XVI must be maintained
• Noise, lighting, and nuisance regulations apply

Permit Process:

• Applications reviewed by Planning Department Staff (Section 4.23)
• Major developments require Planning Commission and/or City Council review
• Conditional uses may require special approval processes
• Variances available for dimensional requirement hardships

Jackson County Regulations (County Level):

The provided documents do not contain specific county-level STR regulations. However, county health department regulations may apply for food service operations and sanitation requirements.

State of Mississippi Regulations (State Level):

Cannabis-Related Considerations:

• While not directly STR-related, the UDO contains extensive cannabis facility regulations
• Any STR operations must comply with Mississippi state laws regarding cannabis possession and use

Health Department Requirements:

• State health regulations may apply for establishments serving food
• Inspection requirements for sanitation and safety standards

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - City of Gautier:

Planning Department

• Phone: (Available contact information not provided in documents)
• Email: (Email address not provided in documents)
• Address: City of Gautier, Mississippi (Specific address not provided)

Building Official

• Responsible for building permits and Certificate of Occupancy
• Enforcement of City Building Codes

Planning Director

• Issues Certificates of Zoning Compliance
• Handles administrative approvals and waivers

Secondary Contacts:

Fire Marshal/Fire Chief

• Safety inspections and compliance verification
• Emergency access and safety standard enforcement

Code Enforcement Official

• Administers and enforces UDO provisions
• Handles violations and compliance monitoring

City Council

• Legislative body for major zoning decisions
• Appeals process for development approvals

Source Links

1. Unified Development Ordinance - City of Gautier, Mississippi
   • URL: www.gautier-ms.gov/DocumentCenter/View/137/Unified-Development-Ordinance-PDF
   • Comprehensive zoning and development regulations
   • Last Updated: June 19, 2025
   • Adopted: September 29, 2009

Disclaimer: This analysis is based solely on the provided document content. The Unified Development Ordinance appears to be truncated, and some specific STR regulations (particularly Article VI Section 6.4.2 regarding Bed and Breakfast operations) were not fully visible in the provided content. Investors should contact the City of Gautier Planning Department directly for complete and current regulations, as municipal codes are subject to regular updates and amendments.