Jackson County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Jackson County. Incorporated municipalities (Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Moss Point, Gautier, D'Iberville) have their own permit authorities.

Department

Jackson County Building Department / Planning Department

Address

2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567

Phone

228-769-3056

Website

https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/542/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Building Department at 228-769-3056 before submitting to confirm correct application type, fee amounts, required attachments, and deadlines.
2. Download and complete the appropriate application form: Application A (Residential), Application B (Mobile Home Placement), Application C (Commercial/Industrial), or Application D (Other).
3. Gather all required documents (see General Requirements below).
4. Submit application and documents in person at 2915 Canty Street or via GovPilot online portal.
5. Pay permit fees in full prior to issuance of the building permit.
6. Receive permit and post on-site; begin work within the validity period.
7. Schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
8. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy.

Source: Jackson County Building Department / Planning Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and major repairs. Structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt (see Exempt Work). Contact department to confirm for specific projects.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Proof of property ownership or recorded deed
• Property tax receipt
• Water and sewer payment receipt
• Two sets of complete construction plans (site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, electrical/plumbing/mechanical plans, exterior elevations)
• Architect or engineer compliance statement where required
• Elevation certificates (for flood zone properties)

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) suite

Contractor requirements

Mississippi requires state contractor licensing for work above certain thresholds. Contact department to confirm local requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10.00

Plan check fee

One-half of the building permit fee for commercial buildings and developments.

Permit fee formula

Flat fee structure: $10.00 base. Moving any building or structure: $100.00. Demolition of residential structure: $100.00.

Reinspection fee

$35.00 per additional inspection trip

Penalty (no permit)

2x normal permit cost for work without permit or non-compliance

Payment note

Fees must be paid in full prior to permit issuance. Call 228-769-3056 to confirm current fee amounts before submitting.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 228-769-3056 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and final inspection. Specific stages depend on project type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) suite
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, MS?

A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and major repairs. Structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt (see Exempt Work). Contact department to confirm for specific projects.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jackson County, MS?

The minimum permit fee is $10.00. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee structure: $10.00 base. Moving any building or structure: $100.00. Demolition of residential structure: $100.00.. Plan check fee: One-half of the building permit fee for commercial buildings and developments..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, MS?

1. Contact the Building Department at 228-769-3056 before submitting to confirm correct application type, fee amounts, required attachments, and deadlines. 2. Download and complete the appropriate application form: Application A (Residential), Application B (Mobile Home Placement), Application C (Commercial/Industrial), or Application D (Other). 3. Gather all required documents (see General Requirements below). 4. Submit application and documents in person at 2915 Canty Street or via GovPilot online portal. 5. Pay permit fees in full prior to issuance of the building permit. 6. Receive permit and post on-site; begin work within the validity period. 7. Schedule required inspections at each construction phase. 8. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jackson County, MS?

The following work is generally exempt: Structures under 200 square feet (accessory structures, sheds, etc.); Routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Painting and flooring replacement. Note: The county does not publish a detailed exempt work list on its website. Call 228-769-3056 to confirm exemption status for specific work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jackson County, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 228-769-3056.