Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbus, MS

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwellings or portions offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days and are allowed only where listed in the City of Columbus Chart of Permitted Uses; some districts require Planning Commission permitted-use approval and Mayor & City Council approval. Operators must designate a Local Property Manager who resides in Lowndes County and is available 24/7, meet Columbus building/property-maintenance and life-safety code requirements, and post unit information (occupancy, parking, noise/trash rules, emergency contact and STR license/permit number) plus a small exterior sign with license number and contact info.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbus. 1) Submit an STR application/permitted-use application to the Columbus Planning Department/Planning Commission including legal address and parcel ID, floor plan (bedrooms and occupancy), parking plan, trash plan, and owner and Local Property Manager contact details; pay the applicable Planning Commission/permitted-use application fee (fee schedule applies) or $125 where allowed by right. 2) Receive Planning Commission recommendation and, if required, Mayor & City Council approval; obtain a City Privilege License and register/remit state occupancy/tourism taxes. 3) Renew the STR permit annually (renewal fee stated as $50) and comply with inspections/code requirements and posting/yard-sign rules.

1) Submit an STR application/permitted-use application to the Columbus Planning Department/Planning Commission including legal address and parcel ID, floor plan (bedrooms and occupancy), parking plan, trash plan, and owner and Local Property Manager contact details; pay the applicable Planning Commission/permitted-use application fee (fee schedule applies) or $125 where allowed by right. 2) Receive Planning Commission recommendation and, if required, Mayor & City Council approval; obtain a City Privilege License and register/remit state occupancy/tourism taxes. 3) Renew the STR permit annually (renewal fee stated as $50) and comply with inspections/code requirements and posting/yard-sign rules.