OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — Alderman Rickey Authement has announced plans to propose a temporary halt on new permits for short-term rentals in residential areas of Ocean Springs.
During a recent Board of Aldermen meeting, Authement signaled a potential shift in the city’s approach to regulating the booming short-term rental market. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have simplified the process for property owners to list vacation rentals, fueling rapid growth in the sector.
These services have revolutionized property rental opportunities, enabling homeowners to generate significant income. However, they’ve also raised concerns among residents who cite issues like noise, parking shortages, and disruptions to neighborhood stability. The increasing pressure has prompted city officials to explore regulatory measures.
A Temporary Pause with Far-Reaching Implications
At the November 5 meeting, Authement explained his intent to bring the moratorium to the table during the next board meeting, giving officials and residents time to evaluate the idea. “There’s been a lot of question about short-term rentals,” he said, recalling his time on the Planning Commission. “Short-term rentals never came around because it was something the city came up with; it was something that was already happening.”
Authement emphasized that the city now has an opportunity to reassess these rentals in light of updated zoning overlays.
The proposed moratorium would prevent new short-term rental permits in residential areas while allowing current rentals to continue, though with limits on renewals. Authement framed the pause as a necessary step to reevaluate how these properties fit into the city’s vision for balanced growth and community integrity.
In an email response to a request for comment, Authement said, “Statements will be made Tuesday to the public at the BOA meeting. I am not interested in creating chaos on this matter.”
Authement’s use of the word “chaos” suggests he anticipates polarized opinions and potential tensions within the community. His decision to withhold further comment until the meeting reflects an intent to keep the discussion within a controlled environment where public input is more structured.
Residents Speak Out on the Proposal
The moratorium proposal has elicited a range of reactions from the community. Many residents view short-term rentals as disruptive, citing noise and traffic issues. Others see them as an economic lifeline.
“There should definitely be a moratorium,” said Keith Broadaway. “There are too many short-term rentals now. Short-term rentals make Ocean Springs a tourist haven which detracts from the city’s charm.”
On the other hand, property owners argue that short-term rentals provide substantial economic benefits. “The short-term rental people are spending tons of money in the town,” said Rick Schmeltzer. “Get rid of government overreach. You have to have permission from the government for everything, and it needs to stop immediately. This is not a socialist country. You realize the short-term tourist, they support the local businesses, festivals, and generate revenue for the city.”
Some residents propose a middle ground. “Instead of a moratorium, better yet, would be a cap,” suggested Holly Bloch. “Any increase to the cap should be voter approved. A moratorium is only a temporary pause.”
The diverging perspectives reflect the tension between preserving the city’s residential character and fostering economic opportunities. These voices are likely to shape the discussion at the upcoming meeting.
Navigating Legal and Constitutional Questions
The moratorium proposal also raises potential legal challenges. Property rights, safeguarded by state and federal constitutions, could come into play if the restrictions are deemed excessive.
While municipalities have authority to regulate land use, courts tend to scrutinize measures that restrict property owners’ rights without clear public benefits. A recent Mississippi Supreme Court decision in Lake Serene Property Owners Association, Inc. v. Esplin (2022) affirmed that short-term rentals can be classified as residential use under certain covenants, setting a precedent that cities must tread carefully when crafting regulations.
Nationally, the courts have seen similar debates. In Hignell-Stark v. City of New Orleans (2022), the Fifth Circuit struck down a rule that limited short-term rental licenses to local residents, ruling it violated the Constitution’s Commerce Clause. This demonstrates the legal complexities Ocean Springs could face if its moratorium is challenged.
Balancing Economic Growth and Residential Harmony
Mississippi law grants cities the power to regulate land use through zoning but requires that such regulations serve a clear public interest. If Ocean Springs moves forward, officials must justify that the moratorium is both necessary and temporary.
The proposal places the Board of Aldermen in a tricky position. On one side are residents seeking a peaceful living environment; on the other, property owners and operators who argue short-term rentals are vital for tourism and the local economy.
What’s Next for Ocean Springs?
The Board of Aldermen’s decision on the moratorium could establish a precedent for other Mississippi cities grappling with similar issues. The stakes are high, as the outcome could reshape Ocean Springs for residents, investors, and visitors alike.
Authement plans to formally introduce the moratorium at the Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting will include public comment, giving residents a chance to make their voices heard.
