Planning commissioners recommend permits for two Ocean Springs short-term rentals with tightened parking limits

The Ocean Springs Planning Commission voted May 12 to recommend approval of two short‑term rental permits after staff and neighbors discussed occupancy and parking rules.

Planning staff presented both applications and said each property is in a short‑term rental district and had passed initial inspections. For 703 Ward Avenue staff said approved maximum occupancy was six and that the guest rules must be corrected to show four off‑street parking spaces rather than five as shown in one part of the staff report. "The proposed parking plan does show 5 vehicles. However, 4 vehicles were approved," staff said, and recommended updating the guest rules before renting.

Neighbors did not appear to speak against the 703 Ward Avenue application at the public hearing. Commissioners moved to recommend approval with an annual renewal and compliance with the City of Ocean Springs short‑term rental ordinance; the commission's recommendation will go to the Board of Aldermen for final approval on June 2.

The second permit, for 9609 Iroquois Drive, drew multiple nearby residents to the microphone. Jimmy Jordan, a neighbor, said the main worry was parties and noise and that absentee ownership made enforcement of neighborhood norms harder: "The only problem we have ... I can see especially 7 cars that that could lead to a lot of party stuff," he said.

Planning staff explained the city's short‑term rental rules require a local property manager and posted guest rules (including quiet‑hours and a no‑parties provision) and noted that repeated complaints can lead to permit revocation. Staff also corrected the record that one opposition letter had been received and placed it into the meeting minutes.

After discussion, commissioners recommended approval of the 9609 Iroquois permit subject to rules amended to limit parking to no more than six vehicles and to prohibit on‑street parking. During the voice vote a commissioner recorded a nay; the commission's recommendation will be considered by the Board of Aldermen on June 2.

What happens next: Both recommendations from the planning commission will be presented to the Board of Aldermen at their next meeting on June 2 for final decision. If the board approves, permit holders must ensure posted guest rules and local manager contact information reflect the conditions the commission placed on each approval.