Council denies conditional-use request for short-term rental at 245 McDonald Avenue

The Biloxi City Council voted 6-1 to deny a conditional-use request that would have allowed a unit at 245 McDonald Avenue to operate as a short-term rental.

The request sought conditional-use approval in an RM-30 zoning district. City staff explained the property had been converted to individually owned condominiums and that RM-30 allows short-term rentals with conditional-use approval. Planning staff also said the applicant has moved out of town and seeks to rent the unit.

Councilmember Lawrence said he could not support the request, arguing the condo complex’s character would change and that allowing short-term rentals there would be “taking this and turning it into a hotel.” He told colleagues the council had previously denied short-term rentals inside condominium complexes such as Cypress Cove and said approving this request would harm property values.

The motion before the council was to grant conditional-use approval; the motion failed on a 6-1 vote, effectively denying the application. The Planning Commission had earlier reviewed the application; council discussion referenced prior denials for short-term rentals in condominiums.

Council members asked staff and the applicant questions about surrounding uses and enforcement; staff said there are no single-family homes on the same block and that an apartment complex sits at the south end of Coventry Square Drive in a nearby case discussion. The applicant’s representative described the complex as gated and well maintained.

The council’s action denies the requested change and the applicant may pursue any rights of appeal available under local zoning procedures.