What should Hattiesburg hosts know about 2.5% citywide cap: the total?

2.5% Citywide Cap: The total number of residential STR permits is capped at 2.5% of the city's residential structures.

What are the key requirements for Hattiesburg hosts?

Local Manager Residency: Your property manager MUST live in Forrest or Lamar County.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Hattiesburg?

Prohibited Zones: STRs are generally prohibited in low-density residential zones (R-1, R-2).

What should Hattiesburg hosts know about hoa power: even if the?

HOA Power: Even if the city approves, an HOA covenant can legally prohibit your STR.

Hattiesburg, MS Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Guide

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 21 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

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.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Hattiesburg does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Hattiesburg does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Hattiesburg: Prohibited Zones: STRs are generally prohibited in low-density residential zones (R-1, R-2).

Requirements(12)

•Hattiesburg STR warning: Prohibited Zones: STRs are generally prohibited in low-density residential zones (R-1, R-2).
•Hattiesburg STR warning: Local Manager Residency: Your property manager MUST live in Forrest or Lamar County.
•Hattiesburg: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(9)

•Hattiesburg extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee including $100 license renewal, $50 fire inspection, and $20 privilege tax.
•Hattiesburg: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Property address and unit details, Owner and manager contact information, Sales tax collection information, Proposed rental agreement, Parking and trash plans, Insurance and mortgage compliance documentation.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Hattiesburg charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $170 (Annual renewal fee including $100 license renewal, $50 fire inspection, and $20 privilege tax.).

Taxes(2)

•Hattiesburg charges a Hattiesburg Tourism Promotion & Parks Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state and local taxes if they meet the $250k annual threshold.
•Mississippi has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Hattiesburg occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Hattiesburg limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
•Hattiesburg limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Hattiesburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Local property manager must be available 24/7, Manager must reside in Forrest or Lamar County.

Penalties(2)

•Hattiesburg enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code enforcement. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Hattiesburg: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Hattiesburg: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Hattiesburg exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels and motels with more than 10 units.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Hattiesburg

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Hattiesburg

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hattiesburg?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Hattiesburg?

3Are there density limits for STRs in Hattiesburg?

4What are the local management requirements in Hattiesburg?

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