County Building Permits
Lowndes County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lowndes County, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Lowndes County outside incorporated city and town limits.
- Department
- Lowndes County Planning Department / Building Inspection Division
- Address
- 17 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39701
- Phone
- 662-329-5860
- Website
- https://www.lowndescountyms.com/
Application Process
- Contact Lowndes County Building Inspection at 662-329-5860 to obtain application materials.
- Complete building permit application form with project details.
- Submit application and supporting documentation to the Planning Department.
- Pay applicable permit fees (schedule available at county office).
- County staff reviews for compliance with zoning and building codes.
- Permit is issued upon approval and fee payment.
- Commence work only after permit issuance.
- Schedule required inspections at key project stages.
General Requirements
All construction in unincorporated Lowndes County requires a building permit before commencement, including new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, mobile home setup/moves, and repairs.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan
- Project scope information
- Building code
- Lowndes County adopts building codes under Mississippi Code § 21-19-25; specific code edition not detailed in public materials.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors performing work exceeding $50,000 must hold MSBOC commercial building license or certificate of responsibility.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact Lowndes County Planning Department at 662-329-5860 for current fee schedule. Fees typically based on project valuation and scope of work.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Lowndes County Planning Department / Building Inspection Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 662-329-5860 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections include foundation/footing, framing, electrical system, plumbing system, and final inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Lowndes County adopts building codes under Mississippi Code § 21-19-25; specific code edition not detailed in public materials.
- Verify contractor license: MSBOC License Lookup
- Lowndes County Official Website
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- 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 Lowndes County Planning Department / Building Inspection Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lowndes County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lowndes County, MS?
- All construction in unincorporated Lowndes County requires a building permit before commencement, including new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, mobile home setup/moves, and repairs.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lowndes County, MS?
- 1. Contact Lowndes County Building Inspection at 662-329-5860 to obtain application materials. 2. Complete building permit application form with project details. 3. Submit application and supporting documentation to the Planning Department. 4. Pay applicable permit fees (schedule available at county office). 5. County staff reviews for compliance with zoning and building codes. 6. Permit is issued upon approval and fee payment. 7. Commence work only after permit issuance. 8. Schedule required inspections at key project stages.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lowndes County, MS?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures may qualify for exemptions under Mississippi law; contact county planning for eligibility determination.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspection Division before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lowndes County, MS?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 662-329-5860.
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