Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Woodville, MS?

Yes. Short‑term rentals appear to be permitted in Woodville, MS. The presence of The Joshua on 61—studio apartments offered on Airbnb as short‑term stays—demonstrates active STR operations within the city. However, no city‑specific zoning, permitting, or licensing documents were provided. Investors should confirm allowable use, parking, occupancy limits, and any historic district standards with the City of Woodville and Wilkinson County before converting or listing a property.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Woodville

• Confirm zoning and allowable use:
  • Identify the zoning of your property. If located in the Woodville Historic District (NRHP Boundary Increase III), engage the City of Woodville and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) regarding design and material standards for exterior work.
• Notify the City and County:
  • City of Woodville: City Clerk (Business License/Permits).
  • Wilkinson County: Tax Assessor‑Collector (Hotel/Motel Tax registration) and Sheriff’s Office/County Emergency Management (as needed for safety plans).
• Register for lodging taxes:
  • Complete the Mississippi state sales tax application (MS‑9511) and register for Hotel/Motel Tax with Wilkinson County.
• Obtain required permits:
  • Building permit (if significant work), signage, and any fire/safety inspections. Confirm occupancy limits and egress standards.
• Align with fire and safety standards:
  • Provide smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, posted emergency exits, and safe egress. Keep a guest safety plan.
• Prepare amenities and operations:
  • Kitchenette or full kitchen; linens; high‑speed Wi‑Fi; on‑site or nearby parking; clear house rules; 24/7 guest communication process.
• Platform listing:
  • Create listings (Airbnb, VRBO, direct website). Ensure occupancy caps align with building code and local rules.
• Insurance and accounting:
  • Secure short‑term rental liability coverage and set up accounting/tax remittance for sales and lodging taxes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Business Registration/Tax ID:
  • Mississippi Sales Tax Application (MS‑9511).
  • EIN (if operating through an LLC/company).
• Local Business License:
  • City of Woodville business license; confirm occupancy/short‑term rental endorsement if applicable.
• Lodging Tax Registration:
  • Wilkinson County Hotel/Motel Tax registration.
• Zoning/Use Confirmation:
  • Written confirmation from the City (and County, if applicable) that short‑term rentals are a permitted use at the property address.
• Building/Fire Permits:
  • Building permit for conversions or renovations; fire safety inspection certificate; signage permit (if needed).
• Guest Safety Documentation:
  • Smoke/CO detector compliance; posted emergency exits/egress plan; fire extinguisher; guest safety guide (contact info, quiet hours, parking rules, pet policy).
• Platform Compliance:
  • Airbnb/VRBO listing details; cancellation policy; occupancy caps; taxes and fees disclosure.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• State (Mississippi):
  • No state‑wide short‑term rental license; lodging businesses must collect and remit sales tax and applicable county Hotel/Motel Tax.
  • Safety duties fall under standard fire, building, and health codes (confirm local adoption).
• County (Wilkinson County):
  • County lodging/Hotel‑Motels Tax applies to transient accommodations; registration with the Tax Assessor‑Collector is required.
• City (Woodville):
  • No city‑specific STR licensing, occupancy, or zoning codes were provided in the referenced materials.
  • Existing STR operations (e.g., The Joshua on 61) imply short‑term stays are viable; however, confirm whether zoning, short‑term rental permits, guest caps, parking standards, or quiet‑hours ordinances exist locally.
• Historic District (NRHP Boundary Increase III):
  • Several properties in the district are undergoing or intended for lodging use, including a “Bed and Breakfast” conversion (House #346). Projects within or immediately adjacent to the National Register district may trigger historic review for exterior work.
  • If your property is in or near the designated area, coordinate design approvals with the City and MDAH to avoid adverse effects to historic features.

Contact Information for Local Authority

• City of Woodville
  • Phone: Contact City Hall via the Wilkinson County Courthouse switchboard at 601‑888‑3511.
  • Email: Contact City Hall at cityhall@cityofwoodville.com.
  • Website: www.cityofwoodville.com
• Wilkinson County (General Government and Tax Office)
  • Phone: 601‑888‑3511
  • Email: Contact via County website.
  • Website: www.wilkinsoncountyms.com
• Wilkinson County Tax Assessor‑Collector (Hotel/Motel Tax Registration)
  • Phone: 601‑888‑3541
• Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Phone: 601‑888-3131
• Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) – Historic Preservation
  • Phone: 601‑576‑6850
  • Website: www.apps.mdah.ms.gov
• Mississippi Department of Revenue (Sales Tax Registration – MS‑9511)
  • Phone: 601‑923‑7700
  • Website: www.dor.ms.gov

Links to Source Pages

• Mississippi Department of Archives and History (NPS Form 10‑900) – Woodville Historic District (Boundary Increase III):
  www.apps.mdah.ms.gov/nom/dist/170.pdf

• The Joshua on 61 – Short‑Term Stay Apartments (demonstrates active STR operation in Woodville):
  www.thejoshuaon61.com/short-term-stays

• City of Woodville (General Information and Contact):
  www.cityofwoodville.com

• Wilkinson County (General Government and Contact):
  www.wilkinsoncountyms.com

Practical notes for investors:

• Document all approvals and registrations in a compliance file for lenders and insurers.
• Verify building occupancy classification and guest caps before listing.
• If your property is in or adjacent to the historic district, use reversible treatments for any exterior work and obtain written approvals to preserve investment value.
• Confirm sales tax and lodging tax rates with the State and County prior to launch and set up automated remittances.