County Building Permits

Harrison County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Mississippi Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Harrison County only. Incorporated cities (Biloxi, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian) maintain their own permit authorities.

Department
Harrison County Code Administration
Address
15309 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone
228-832-1622
Website
https://harrisoncountyms.gov/departments/code_administration/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Harrison County Permit Application Portal

Platform: Harrison County Web-based Permit Application System • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm the project is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA); if in SFHA, submit in person with all required documents.
  2. Obtain zoning approval from the Zoning Administrator (Patrick Bonck, 228-831-3367) for intended use and setbacks before applying.
  3. Complete the online permit application with a valid email address. Select all applicable work descriptions.
  4. A SUCCESS confirmation is displayed and a PIN is sent to the provided email address.
  5. Log back in using the email and PIN, then upload all required documents. Application is not forwarded to staff until all documents are uploaded.
  6. County departments (Zoning, Engineering, Code Administration) may request additional information.
  7. For projects with new septic systems, obtain a Soil Evaluation Certificate (Form 335) from the Harrison County Health Department (1-855-220-0192) and submit it with the application.
  8. Install culvert/proper property access before final inspection.
  9. Permit is issued; construction begins.
  10. Complete final inspection. If a new septic system is involved, obtain the final Health Department certificate (Form 910) before power is connected to the utility.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact Code Administration at 228-832-1622 for current timeline.

Source: Harrison County Code Administration

General Requirements

Required for all construction, alterations, repairs, and demolition in unincorporated Harrison County.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Set of plans for the dwelling (including structural, floor plan, elevations)
  • Plot plan showing building on property with setbacks from front, sides, and rear lines
  • Copy of deed, tax receipt, or signed purchase contract
  • Soil Evaluation Certificate (Form 335) if new septic tank or sewer treatment plant is being installed
  • Value of work estimate
  • For properties in a SFHA: additional flood elevation documentation required; must apply in person
  • For solar panels: structural design analysis, wind/seismic design analysis, panel layout with clearances, electrical layout and schematic
  • For mobile homes: mobile home registration certificate, plot plan, health department forms if septic is involved
Permit validity
Not explicitly published on the website; contact Code Administration for current policy.
Building code
International Building Code (IBC) 2018
Owner-builder
Not published; contact Code Administration.
Contractor requirements
The county issues licenses for electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors through the Code Administration office.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Not published online. Known flat fees: Mobile home on private property $50; mobile home in mobile home park $25.
Payment note
Contact Code Administration at 228-832-1622 or visit office at 15309 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 for fee schedule and accepted payment methods.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Harrison County Code Administration to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 228-832-1622 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: (1) Foundation/footing; (2) framing/rough-in; (3) final. For mobile homes: culvert must be installed before inspection. For septic systems: a final Health Department certificate (Form 910) is required before power is connected.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Harrison County Code Administration before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harrison County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
Required for all construction, alterations, repairs, and demolition in unincorporated Harrison County.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
Fees are calculated as: Not published online. Known flat fees: Mobile home on private property $50; mobile home in mobile home park $25..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
1. Confirm the project is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA); if in SFHA, submit in person with all required documents. 2. Obtain zoning approval from the Zoning Administrator (Patrick Bonck, 228-831-3367) for intended use and setbacks before applying. 3. Complete the online permit application with a valid email address. Select all applicable work descriptions. 4. A SUCCESS confirmation is displayed and a PIN is sent to the provided email address. 5. Log back in using the email and PIN, then upload all required documents. Application is not forwarded to staff until all documents are uploaded. 6. County departments (Zoning, Engineering, Code Administration) may request additional information. 7. For projects with new septic systems, obtain a Soil Evaluation Certificate (Form 335) from the Harrison County Health Department (1-855-220-0192) and submit it with the application. 8. Install culvert/proper property access before final inspection. 9. Permit is issued; construction begins. 10. Complete final inspection. If a new septic system is involved, obtain the final Health Department certificate (Form 910) before power is connected to the utility.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
Typical processing time is Not published; contact Code Administration at 228-832-1622 for current timeline..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and farm structures (exempt by state law, except as required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973); Purely cosmetic work: painting, flooring, cabinet replacement, and minor repairs that do not affect structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Note: Always confirm specific exemptions with Code Administration at 228-832-1622, as the county does not publish a detailed exempt work list on its website.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harrison County, MS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 228-832-1622.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Harrison County (Unincorporated Areas) can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
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