Unincorporated Quitman County

A building permit is required for new construction of residential or commercial structures, additions and alterations beyond minor repairs, electrical/plumbing/mechanical/gas system installations, manufactured/mobile home placement, demolition, and accessory structures of substantial size.

• Exempt Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinetry, minor repairs) generally does not require a permit.
• Exempt Bona fide farm structures used for agricultural purposes (Mississippi Code § 17-2-7, with affidavit filing requirement; does not override floodplain management ordinances).

Note: Exemptions from building code provisions do not override FEMA floodplain management requirements. All structures in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) must comply with NFIP requirements regardless of other exemptions.

Building code

Quitman County does not mandate a statewide residential building code. The county has adopted a modern Zoning Ordinance (updated with assistance from the Fred Carl, Jr. Small Town Center at Mississippi State University). Local building standards are authorized under Mississippi Code Title 17, Chapter 2. Local jurisdictions may adopt any of the three most recent editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Confirm the specific edition currently adopted with the Code Enforcement office.

1. 01
   Contact Jonathan Dancy, Permits & Code Enforcement Officer, at (662) 326-3522 or visit 341 Pecan Street, Marks, MS 38646.
2. 02
   Obtain the applicable permit application form (residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, manufactured housing, or zoning-related).
3. 03
   Complete the application with full project plans and specifications.
4. 04
   Submit the application to the Code Enforcement/Zoning office with required documentation.
5. 05
   Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
6. 06
   Code Enforcement Officer reviews and approves or conditionally approves the application.
7. 07
   Obtain permit and schedule required inspections.
8. 08
   Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact Code Enforcement office for estimates on specific project types.

Source: Code Enforcement and Zoning Office ↗

• (662) 326-3522 (phone)
• Code Enforcement Office at 341 Pecan Street, Marks, MS 38646 (in-person)

Typical sequence: Standard inspection stages for construction: foundation inspection (prior to concrete placement), framing inspection (after structural framing complete, before covering), electrical rough-in inspection (before walls are closed), plumbing rough-in inspection (before walls are closed), mechanical/HVAC inspection (before final enclosure), and final inspection (confirms overall code compliance; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing).