Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Pass Christian, MS. However, the city has implemented significant regulatory controls to manage growth and prevent neighborhood overcrowding. As of October 2023, Pass Christian has adopted comprehensive amendments to its short-term rental ordinance that balance property owner rights with community preservation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pass Christian

Starting an STR operation in Pass Christian requires careful planning due to the city's regulatory framework. The process involves:

1. Property Assessment: Verify your property's zoning classification and current STR density in your neighborhood
2. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Community Development Department to confirm eligibility
3. Permit Application: Submit the required STR permit application
4. Compliance Setup: Ensure your property meets all safety and operational requirements
5. Community Integration: Designate a local contact person and establish neighbor communication protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

• STR Permit (mandatory)
• Local Contact Person designation
• Property Insurance (standard property coverage recommended)
• Business Registration (if applicable at state level)
• Safety Compliance Documentation

Operational Requirements:

• Contact information must be provided to surrounding residences
• Emergency contact protocols must be established
• Local contact person must be able to respond to complaints within 1 hour

Specific Regulations in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi

Geographic and Density Controls:

Residential and Mixed-Use Areas (T-3R and T-4L Zones):

• Maximum cap of 150 short-term rentals across these zones
• 20% density limit per neighborhood (no more than 20% of homes can be STRs)
• Approximately 100 STRs were operating as of October 2023
• Permit transfers prohibited in these zones if the neighborhood density cap has been exceeded

Commercial Areas (T-5C and T-4+ Zones):

• No overall cap on the number of STRs
• Density limits still apply in T-4+ zones (80% maximum)
• Downtown commercial district actively encourages STR development

Enforcement Framework:

Public Safety Complaints:

• Direct to Police Department
• Includes disturbing the peace and traffic obstructions

Non-Public Safety Complaints:

• First to local contact person
• If unresolved within 1 hour, escalate to Community Development Department during business hours

Compliance Monitoring:

• Community Development Department maintains STR owner database
• Contact information distributed to surrounding residences
• Public listing of STR contact information on city website

Permit Transfer Rules:

• Upon property sale, STR permits transfer to new owner except in residential and mixed-use zones where the density cap has been exceeded

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Pass Christian - Community Development Department

• Address: 200 W. Scenic Dr., Pass Christian, MS 39571
• Phone: (228) 452-3311 or (228) 452-3310
• Website: pass-christian.com
• Community Development Contact: Mark Savasta and Jenny Lowery (as referenced in ordinance amendments)
• Mayor: Kenny Torgeson - (228) 452-3311
• City Attorney: Malcolm Jones

Police Department (for public safety complaints):

• Non-emergency contact through main city number

Online Resources:

• City website: pass-christian.com
• Online payment portal: www.municipalonlinepayments.com/passchristianms

Source References

1. Pass Christian STR Ordinance Amendments (WLOX News Report)

   • www.wlox.com/2023/10/11/pass-christian-announces-changes-short-term-rental-ordinances/
   • Published: October 10, 2023
   • Key information: Cap limits, density requirements, mayor's position

2. Official City STR Update

   • pass-christian.com/short-term-rental-update/
   • Published: November 22, 2023
   • Official city confirmation of ordinance changes

3. Detailed Board Meeting Coverage (The Gazebo Gazette)

   • thegazebogazette.com/2023/10/pass-christian-adopts-amendments-to-short-term-rental-ordinance/
   • Published: October 6, 2023
   • Complete details of October 3, 2023 board meeting, voting records, and specific ordinance provisions

Investment Considerations

Opportunity Zones:

• Downtown commercial district (T-5C) offers unlimited STR potential
• Mixed-use areas near commercial zones may provide strategic positioning

Compliance Risks:

• Enforced density limits require careful neighborhood analysis before investment
• Local contact person requirement creates operational responsibility
• Enforcement framework emphasizes community relations

Market Timing:

• With 100 STRs operating versus a 150-cap in residential areas, remaining capacity exists but is limited
• Near-term investments should prioritize understanding neighborhood density status

This regulatory environment reflects Pass Christian's measured approach to tourism development while preserving residential neighborhood character. Investors should engage early with the Community Development Department to confirm property eligibility and understand current neighborhood STR density before making acquisition decisions.