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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harrison County
Required for all construction, alterations, repairs, and demolition in unincorporated Harrison County.
- Exempt Farm buildings and farm structures (exempt by state law, except as required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973)
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) 2018
- Permit validity
- Not explicitly published on the website; contact Code Administration for current policy.
- Owner-builder
- Not published; contact Code Administration.
- Contractor requirements
- The county issues licenses for electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors through the Code Administration office.
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact Code Administration at 228-832-1622 for current timeline.
- 01 Confirm the project is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA); if in SFHA, submit in person with all required documents.
- 02 Obtain zoning approval from the Zoning Administrator (Patrick Bonck, 228-831-3367) for intended use and setbacks before applying.
- 03 Complete the online permit application with a valid email address. Select all applicable work descriptions.
- 04 A SUCCESS confirmation is displayed and a PIN is sent to the provided email address.
- 05 Log back in using the email and PIN, then upload all required documents. Application is not forwarded to staff until all documents are uploaded.
- 06 County departments (Zoning, Engineering, Code Administration) may request additional information.
- 07 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.
- 08 Install culvert/proper property access before final inspection.
- 09 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.
Fee schedule
Harrison County building permit fees
Contact Code Administration at 228-832-1622 or visit office at 15309 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 for fee schedule and accepted payment methods.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 228-832-1622 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Harrison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harrison County, MS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harrison County Code Administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.