County Building Permits
Holmes County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated properties within Holmes County not within city limits.
- Department
- Holmes County Chancery Clerk & Circuit Clerk
- Address
- 2 Court Square, PO Box 1211, Lexington, MS 39095
- Phone
- 662-834-2508
Application Process
- Contact the Holmes County Chancery Clerk to determine permit requirements for your specific project.
- Obtain the appropriate application form for your project type (residential, commercial, septic, demolition, etc.).
- Complete the application with property description, project scope, estimated value, and contractor information.
- Submit application with supporting documentation (site plan, property survey, proof of ownership, contractor licenses if required).
- Pay applicable permit fees.
- Receive permit and schedule required inspections.
- Complete project and request final inspection.
- Receive Certificate of Occupancy (residential) or approval letter.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for building, remodeling, renovation, demolition, septic system installation, or land use changes affecting floodplain areas.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Property survey
- Proof of ownership
- Contractor licenses (if MSBOC work exceeding $50,000 or remodeling exceeding $10,000)
- Building code
- Holmes County does not adopt a uniform statewide code. The county may adopt provisions from the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) versions, or enforce adopted local ordinances. Applicants should verify current code standards with the Chancery Clerk.
- Contractor requirements
- Residential contractors performing work over $50,000 must be licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). Remodeling work over $10,000 also requires MSBOC licensure.
Fees
- Payment note
- Specific fee amounts not published online; fees vary by project valuation and type. Contact Chancery Clerk at 662-834-2508 for current fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Holmes County Chancery Clerk & Circuit Clerk to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 662-834-2508 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection phases: Foundation (after rough grading, before concrete), Framing (after frame-up, before insulation), Electrical (after circuits and trim hardware installed), Plumbing (of all building sewer lines before covering with dirt), Mechanical (HVAC systems installed per code), Final (after all work complete to issue Certificate of Occupancy).
Additional Resources
- Building code: Holmes County does not adopt a uniform statewide code. The county may adopt provisions from the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) versions, or enforce adopted local ordinances. Applicants should verify current code standards with the Chancery Clerk.
- Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) License Lookup
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Mississippi State Department of Health - On-Site Wastewater
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - Construction Stormwater Permits
- Mississippi State Fire Marshal
- License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Holmes County Chancery Clerk & Circuit Clerk before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holmes County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, MS?
- A building permit is required for building, remodeling, renovation, demolition, septic system installation, or land use changes affecting floodplain areas.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Holmes County, MS?
- 1. Contact the Holmes County Chancery Clerk to determine permit requirements for your specific project. 2. Obtain the appropriate application form for your project type (residential, commercial, septic, demolition, etc.). 3. Complete the application with property description, project scope, estimated value, and contractor information. 4. Submit application with supporting documentation (site plan, property survey, proof of ownership, contractor licenses if required). 5. Pay applicable permit fees. 6. Receive permit and schedule required inspections. 7. Complete project and request final inspection. 8. Receive Certificate of Occupancy (residential) or approval letter.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Holmes County, MS?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 662-834-2508.
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