Ocean Springs alderman backs lowering short-term rental permit caps
OCEAN SPRINGS - An Ocean Springs alderman said Aug. 29 he will support reducing the city's short-term rental permit caps, citing opposition from residents in his ward.
Speaking at a Board of Aldermen work session on proposed changes to the short-term rental ordinance, the alderman, addressed as "Steve" during the discussion, told the mayor, "Mayor, the citizens that in my ward don't want it. This is one of the things I ran on. I ran for election. So, I'm going to go with the 55 down to 45 and the 60 to 50. That's what I'm going to support." His full identity was not confirmed in the meeting record.
The city currently caps short-term rental permits at 55 in its density zone and 60 citywide. Any reduction would occur through attrition as existing permits lapse, leaving current holders grandfathered while narrowing the pool available to other property owners. The proposal awaits formal introduction and adoption.