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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Holly Springs, Mississippi, but under specific regulations and zoning requirements. The city permits short-term rental operations primarily through its "Bed and Breakfast" regulatory framework. Short-term rentals must operate as owner-occupied Bed and Breakfast establishments where the dwelling is the primary residence of the owner, and guests are rented rooms on a nightly basis with breakfast service provided.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Holly Springs

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

• Verify your property zoning: Short-term rentals as Bed and Breakfast operations are permitted as special exceptions in certain residential districts
• Check district requirements: Review Article 5, Table of Permissible Uses to confirm your zoning district allows Bed and Breakfast operations
• Confirm primary residence requirement: The property must be your primary residence

Step 2: Understand Operational Requirements

• Owner-occupied requirement: At least one property owner must live on the premises regardless of ownership percentage
• Nightly rental basis only: Rooms must be rented on a nightly basis
• Breakfast service requirement: The only meal that may be served is breakfast, and it must be served only to guests
• Primary residence designation: The dwelling must be the owner's primary residence

Step 3: Application and Approval Process

• Special Exception approval required: Bed and Breakfast operations require special exception approval from the Planning Commission
• Site plan submission: Prepare and submit a site plan conforming to Article 11, Section 11.2 Site Plan Standards
• Public hearing: Special exception applications require public hearing before the Planning Commission
• Compliance with district standards: Meet all dimensional and operational requirements for your zoning district

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning and Land Use Documentation

• Special Exception Application: Required for Bed and Breakfast operations
• Site Plan: Conforming to Article 11, Section 11.2 standards
• Property deed or ownership documentation: To verify primary residence status
• Zoning compliance verification: Confirm property is in an appropriate zoning district

Operational Documentation

• Business registration: As required by Marshall County
• Sales tax permit: For Mississippi state tax collection
• Fire safety inspection: Meeting local fire code requirements
• Building occupancy permit: Ensuring safety compliance

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Planning Commission approval documentation: Retain special exception approval
• Guest registration procedures: Maintain records of overnight guests
• Breakfast service documentation: If serving meals, ensure compliance with health department requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Holly Springs Municipal Code)

Zoning Districts Where Bed and Breakfast is Permitted:

Based on the Table of Permissible Uses, Bed and Breakfast operations are permitted as special exceptions (□) in:

• Agricultural District (A)
• R-15 Low Density Residential District
• R-12 Low Density Residential District
• R-10 Low Density Residential District
• R-7 Medium Density Residential District
• RM-7 High Density Residential District

Operational Standards:

1. Primary Residence Requirement: Property must be owner-occupied as primary residence
2. Nightly Rental Only: Rooms rented exclusively on nightly basis
3. Limited Food Service: Only breakfast may be served, and only to guests
4. Special Exception Required: Must obtain Planning Commission approval

Dimensional Requirements:

Bed and Breakfast operations must comply with all district dimensional requirements including:

• Setbacks: Front, side, and rear yard requirements per zoning district
• Building height limitations: Per Article 5, Table of Dimensional Requirements
• Lot coverage limits: Maximum percentage of lot coverage allowed
• Parking requirements: 1 space per guest room plus spaces for residents

Additional Standards:

• Article 10.8: Bed and Breakfast Homes are subject to specific supplemental standards
• Article 11: Off-street parking requirements apply
• Article 14: Signs and outdoor advertising regulations apply

County-Level Regulations (Marshall County)

No specific Marshall County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided documentation. County-level requirements would primarily relate to general business licensing and health department regulations for food service.

State-Level Regulations (Mississippi)

State requirements for Mississippi short-term rentals include:

1. Sales Tax Collection: Required for all short-term rental operations
2. Business Registration: With Mississippi Secretary of State if operating as LLC or corporation
3. Health Department Permits: If serving food (breakfast)
4. Workers' Compensation: If employing staff

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Holly Springs Planning Department

• Phone: 901-268-7566 (as noted in zoning ordinance)
• Address: City Hall, Holly Springs, Mississippi
• Website: hollyspringsms.gov
• Planning Commission Contact: For special exception applications

Marshall County

• County Health Department: For food service permits
• County Clerk: For business licensing
• Website: marshallco.ms.gov

Important Regulatory Notes

Non-Conforming Use Provisions

• Existing short-term rental operations may have non-conforming use rights
• Non-conforming uses cannot be changed to another non-conforming use
• Discontinuance for six months may void non-conforming status

Historic Overlay District Considerations

• Properties within Historic Overlay Districts require additional review
• Holly Springs Preservation Commission approval required
• Historic design standards must be maintained

Enforcement

• Zoning violations enforced per Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Certificate of occupancy required for operation
• Regular compliance monitoring

Source Documents

• Primary Source: Holly Springs Zoning Ordinance

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided zoning ordinance documentation. Investors should verify current regulations and obtain professional legal and planning consultation before establishing short-term rental operations in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Zoning regulations may have been updated since the provided documentation date.