DeSoto County (Unincorporated)

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.

Note: Detached single-family residences are exempt from the Design Standards Ordinance (but not from building permit requirements). Specific IRC/IBC permit exemptions (e.g., minor repairs, painting, non-structural work) may apply; contact department for official exemption list. County does not publish a detailed exemption list publicly.

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.

1. 01
   Download or access the applicable permit application form (building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing) from https://www.desotocountyms.gov/536/Permits
2. 02
   Prepare required documents: building plans, plot plan, complete contractor information
3. 03
   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. 04
   Department reviews application and plans for code compliance
5. 05
   Pay applicable fee (by check if mailed, or cash/credit/debit card in office)
6. 06
   Permit is issued upon approval
7. 07
   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. 08
   Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon completion

Source: DeSoto County Planning and Building Department ↗

• 662-469-8023 (phone)

Time windows

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

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