Step 1
Verify Eligibility and Zoning
Ensure your property is not located in an R-1 or R-2 zone and check that your HOA (if applicable) allows short-term rentals.
1-2 daysFree
Official resourceCross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Short-term rentals in Hattiesburg are strictly regulated under Ordinance No. 3376, requiring city registration, local property management, and adherence to a citywide 2.5% density cap.
To legally host an STR in Hattiesburg, you must obtain a city permit, hire a property manager who lives locally in Forrest or Lamar County, and pass a fire safety inspection. Rentals are restricted by zoning and a citywide limit that caps the total number of permits at 2.5% of the city's residential buildings.
Step-by-step guide for Hattiesburg
Ensure your property is not located in an R-1 or R-2 zone and check that your HOA (if applicable) allows short-term rentals.
Appoint a manager who resides in Forrest or Lamar County and is available 24/7 to respond to complaints.
Visit the City Tax Department to obtain the application forms and the Privilege Tax License application.
Submit the completed application package to the Planning Division at City Hall (200 Forrest Street) and pay the initial fees.
Schedule and pass a safety inspection with the Hattiesburg Fire Department.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM