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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jackson County
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.
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
- Exempt Structures under 200 square feet (accessory structures, sheds, etc.)
- Exempt Routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact the Building Department at 228-769-3056 before submitting to confirm correct application type, fee amounts, required attachments, and deadlines.
- 02 Download and complete the appropriate application form: Application A (Residential), Application B (Mobile Home Placement), Application C (Commercial/Industrial), or Application D (Other).
- 03 Gather all required documents (see General Requirements below).
- 04 Submit application and documents in person at 2915 Canty Street or via GovPilot online portal.
- 05 Pay permit fees in full prior to issuance of the building permit.
- 06 Receive permit and post on-site; begin work within the validity period.
- 07 Schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
- 08 Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy.
Source: Jackson County Building Department / Planning Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jackson County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$10.00
02
Plan check fee
One-half of the building permit fee for commercial buildings and developments.
03
Permit fee formula
Flat fee structure: $10.00 base. Moving any building or structure: $100.00. Demolition of residential structure: $100.00.
04
Reinspection fee
$35.00 per additional inspection trip
05
Penalty (no permit)
2x normal permit cost for work without permit or non-compliance
Fees must be paid in full prior to permit issuance. Call 228-769-3056 to confirm current fee amounts before submitting.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 228-769-3056 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and final inspection. Specific stages depend on project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jackson County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jackson County, MS? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Jackson County, MS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, MS, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jackson County, MS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jackson County, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jackson County, MS via: 228-769-3056.
last verified April 2026
source Jackson County Building Department / Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/jackson/jackson-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jackson County Building Department / Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.