DeSoto County (Unincorporated), MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of DeSoto County. The five incorporated cities (Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Horn Lake, Walls) administer their own permit authority independently. This department does NOT have jurisdiction inside city limits.

Department

DeSoto County Planning and Building Department

Address

365 Losher Street, Suite 200, Hernando, MS 38632

Phone

662-469-8023

Website

https://www.desotocountyms.gov/102/Planning-Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download or access the applicable permit application form (building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing) from https://www.desotocountyms.gov/536/Permits
2. Prepare required documents: building plans, plot plan, complete contractor information
3. Submit online via the iWorQ Citizen Self Service Portal, or mail completed application with check to Planning and Building Department, 365 Losher Street Suite 200, Hernando, MS 38632, or bring in-person to the office
4. Department reviews application and plans for code compliance
5. Pay applicable fee (by check if mailed, or cash/credit/debit card in office)
6. Permit is issued upon approval
7. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Department at 662-469-8023 (before 9 am for a morning inspection, before noon for an afternoon inspection)
8. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon completion

Source: DeSoto County Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for all commercial, residential, and industrial building construction in unincorporated DeSoto County. Compliance with the county Design Standards Ordinance is required for commercial, industrial, townhomes, condos, or multi-family residential to obtain a building permit. Detached single-family residences are exempt from the Design Standards Ordinance but still require a building permit. Flood plain ordinances and floodplain permits apply in relevant areas.

Required Documents

• Building plans
• Plot plan
• Complete contractor information

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC). Flood plain ordinances also adopted.

Owner-builder

Mississippi allows property owners to pull permits for their own primary residence but trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) must be performed by MS State licensed contractors.

Contractor requirements

State licensing through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) is required. Residential projects over $50,000 require a residential builder license. Commercial projects over $50,000 require a commercial license.

Fees

Payment note

In-person payments accepted by cash or credit/debit card. Mail submissions must include a check payable to the Planning and Building Department.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the DeSoto County Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 662-469-8023 (phone)

Time windows

Morning inspections: call before 9 am. Afternoon inspections: call before noon.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, final inspection; exact sequence determined by project type

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC). Flood plain ordinances also adopted.
• Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building Codes Page
• Building Inspections Page
• Design Standards Ordinance
• GIS Zoning Map
• DeSoto County Maps
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

DeSoto County (Unincorporated) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in DeSoto County (Unincorporated), MS?

A permit is required for all commercial, residential, and industrial building construction in unincorporated DeSoto County. Compliance with the county Design Standards Ordinance is required for commercial, industrial, townhomes, condos, or multi-family residential to obtain a building permit. Detached single-family residences are exempt from the Design Standards Ordinance but still require a building permit. Flood plain ordinances and floodplain permits apply in relevant areas.

How do I apply for a building permit in DeSoto County (Unincorporated), MS?

1. Download or access the applicable permit application form (building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing) from https://www.desotocountyms.gov/536/Permits 2. Prepare required documents: building plans, plot plan, complete contractor information 3. Submit online via the iWorQ Citizen Self Service Portal, or mail completed application with check to Planning and Building Department, 365 Losher Street Suite 200, Hernando, MS 38632, or bring in-person to the office 4. Department reviews application and plans for code compliance 5. Pay applicable fee (by check if mailed, or cash/credit/debit card in office) 6. Permit is issued upon approval 7. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Department at 662-469-8023 (before 9 am for a morning inspection, before noon for an afternoon inspection) 8. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon completion

How do I schedule a building inspection in DeSoto County (Unincorporated), MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 662-469-8023.

Other cities in DeSoto County