Overview: Are STRs allowed in Diamondhead, MS?

• Explicit answer: Yes. Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed by city ordinance and must be licensed per unit. STRs may operate in R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, and MH zones, with a separation requirement in R‑1, R‑2, and MH zones: no STR may be within 1,000 linear feet (property line to property line) of another STR.
• Occupancy is limited to 10 guests or five guest rooms for lodging houses per IRC Section 310.4 (as referenced in the ordinance).
• Rentals under 30 consecutive days are treated as short-term rentals and require a permit; the ordinance specifically excludes mobile/manufactured homes, travel trailers, tents, RVs, and bed-and-breakfasts from the STR category.

Key regulatory pillars for investors:

• One permit per STR unit; permits expire annually and are non-transferable.
• A designated local contact person living within 25 miles, available 24/7, with 60‑minute in-person response capability for complaints.
• Fire, building, and life-safety compliance verified by the Building Department and Fire Department, including smoke/CO detectors, emergency egress, and fire extinguishers.
• Off-street parking plan approved during inspection; occupant vehicles count is site-specific.
• Strict noise and nuisance rules; quiet hours 9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. for exterior sound audible to neighboring residences.
• Garbage management with two covered containers; posting of permits and rules inside the unit; prohibited activities include outdoor venues, retail sales, and renting to anyone under 25.

How to start a STR business in Diamondhead, MS

1. Confirm zoning eligibility and separation rule

• Verify that your property is in an allowed zone (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, MH) and complies with the 1,000‑foot separation requirement in R‑1, R‑2, and MH zones.
• If the property is subject to covenants (e.g., POA covenants), you may still face private enforcement even if the city allows the use; the city does not enforce private restrictive covenants.

2. Designate a local contact person

• The local contact person must live within 25 miles of the property and be available 24/7 to respond in person to complaints within 60 minutes and remediate issues.

3. Assemble required documents and compliance materials

• Proof of ownership: warranty deed, quitclaim deed, or property tax statement.
• Sales tax collection certificate for transient accommodations (Mississippi). Note: Mississippi requires sales tax to be collected and remitted on transient lodging (state-level); consult the MS Department of Revenue for specifics on registration and filings.
• Building and Fire Department statements confirming code compliance (smoke/CO, emergency egress, extinguishers, GFCI in wet locations).
• Proposed rental agreement and house rules.
• Parking plan: site‑specific off‑street parking configuration; subject to inspection/approval by the Building Department.
• Waste management plan: placement of two covered garbage containers and pickup logistics.

4. Submit application and pay fees

• Applications are filed with the Building Department. Current fee: $200 (nonrefundable), plus any inspection costs. You will receive a written decision from the Building Department.

5. Inspections and final approvals

• The Building Department (with Fire Department input) will confirm building and life-safety compliance.
• A site-specific parking and occupancy determination will be made. Permits and rules must be posted in a conspicuous location inside the STR (e.g., rear of the main entry door), including the name and phone number of the local contact person.

6. Launch and operate

• Operate under the posted occupancy limits, parking limits, and quiet hours (9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.).
• Direct complaints first to the local contact person; unresolved issues can be escalated to the Building Department or Police after hours.

7. Renew annually and maintain compliance

• Submit renewal at least 30 days before expiration; current renewal fee: $200. Renewal decisions consider any filed complaints and code violations during the prior year.
• Property transfers automatically expire the STR permit; new owners must apply for a new permit.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Short‑term rental permit (per unit) issued by the Building Department; expires one year from issuance and is non-transferable.
• Sales tax collection certificate for transient accommodations (Mississippi).
• Building and Fire Department statements/clearances demonstrating compliance with building and fire codes.
• Proof of property ownership.
• Local contact person’s name, address, email, and telephone number.
• Proposed rental agreement and rules.
• Parking plan (approved upon signing and site inspection).
• Garbage management plan (two covered containers).
• Posting requirements: permits, occupancy and parking limits, noise rules, garbage management, and local contact information must be displayed inside the STR.
• Property taxes and all applicable city fees must be current.

Specific regulations for STRs in Diamondhead, MS

• Allowed zoning districts: R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, and MH.
• Separation rule: In R‑1, R‑2, and MH zones, STRs must be at least 1,000 linear feet from another STR (property line to property line).
• Occupancy: R‑3 lodging house classification; maximum five guest rooms and ten occupants (2018 IBC/IRC Section 310.4 reference).
• Parking: Off‑street parking required; maximum vehicle count set by site inspection and code; no camping in RVs/campers at the STR site.
• Noise and nuisance: No exterior sound audible to adjacent residences between 9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.; property owners/contact persons must ensure guests comply with noise and disturbing‑the‑peace laws.
• Garbage: Two covered containers; placed at the rear of the residence per pickup schedule; clean and sanitary conditions required.
• Prohibited uses: No retail product distribution or services to invitees; no outdoor display of goods for sale; no outdoor venues for weddings, receptions, or parties except where zoning otherwise allows.
• Minimum renter age: No rentals to individuals under 25; all renters must be present during the rental.
• Posting and records: Permits and rules displayed inside the STR; ordinance available for inspection; local contact information posted.
• Complaints and enforcement: Complaints first to local contact person; if unresolved or public‑safety related, contact Building Department; city police maintain a list of local contact persons for after‑hours issues.
• Denial, suspension, or revocation grounds: Noncompliance, three or more noise/disturbing‑the‑peace citations in a year with no corrective action, inadequate lot size/parking, failure to respond to complaints, or other code/law violations.
• Violations and fines: Operating without a permit is a misdemeanor; fines begin at $300 for the first offense and $500–$1,000 for second or subsequent offenses within 12 months, plus court costs.

County and state-level notes (context)

• Hancock County: No STR‑specific ordinances provided in the referenced documents. County rules may still apply (e.g., permitting, health, etc.). Verify requirements directly with county offices if your property or operations intersect county jurisdiction.
• Mississippi (state level): You must collect and remit state sales tax on transient lodging; obtain the appropriate state tax collection credential(s) for lodging operators. Confirm registration and filing specifics with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Local authority contacts (for STRs)

• Building Department (permits, inspections, enforcement):
  • City Hall: (228) 255‑1900
• Fire Department (life‑safety verification):
  • Diamondhead Fire Department: (228) 255‑9191
• Police Department (after‑hours complaints/contact list):
  • Diamondhead Police: (228) 255‑9191
• City of Diamondhead (general municipal contact):
  • City Hall: (228) 255‑1900
• Diamondhead Country Club & Property Owners Association, Inc. (POA) — covenants/enforcement (if applicable to your property):
  • POA Office: (228) 255‑1900
  • Emergency: 911

Important links to source pages

• City of Diamondhead — Ordinance 2023‑002: Short‑Term Rental Units (Primary regulatory document):
  • mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/diamondms-meet-41d4c0be5a814aefb796d6db1d7527e6/ITEM-Attachment-001-db589e923eaa440a946eb8c1dda91407.pdf
• City of Diamondhead — Zoning Ordinance (Review and Comment Draft, 8/17/2023):
  • mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/diamondms-meet-461dcaa467744ed0a1757657aa9f6bc9/ITEM-Attachment-001-8e1618dc78004b2c8877ef2183e68817.pdf
• Diamondhead Country Club & Property Owners Association — Rules & Regulations (context for covenant‑related restrictions):
  • diamondheadms.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Rules-and-Regulations-Review-11-18-15-clean-UPDATE-4-26-2.pdf
• City of Diamondhead — Facebook post re: STR planning (context):
  • www.facebook.com/diamondheadms/posts/last-year-the-city-council-in-diamondhead-hired-orion-planning-and-design-to-dev/311644037666217/