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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Rankin County
New construction, additions, renovations, storage structures, manufactured home placement, and any work subject to the county Real Property Inspection Ordinance. A utility permit is required whenever electrical service is being transferred to a new name or there is a change in occupancy.
Note: No specific list of exempt work types was publicly accessible as of March 2026. General IBC-based exemptions typically include: minor repairs (stopping pipe leaks, replacing fixtures without rearranging piping), cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinetry not involving structural changes), and replacement of electrical lamps or connection to existing approved receptacles. Confirm specific exemptions directly with the Office of Community Development at (601) 824-2570.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing location of proposed construction
- Names and license numbers for general, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors
- MSBOC license required for contractors on projects over $10,000 (residential remodeling/roofing) or over $50,000 (residential new construction and commercial work)
- $5,000 performance bond per contractor
- Proof of $300,000 minimum commercial liability insurance
- Final 910 form from Mississippi State Department of Health (1-855-220-0192) required before permanent power is released
- Water service approval from the applicable water provider required at final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy
- Building code
- International Building Code (2018 IBC is the Mississippi state baseline as of 2019; confirm the current local adoption with the Office of Community Development)
- Contractor requirements
- MSBOC license required for projects over applicable thresholds (see above); $5,000 performance bond; $300,000 liability insurance
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact the Office of Community Development at (601) 824-2570 to confirm permit requirements for your project type.
- 02 Obtain the appropriate permit application (available from the office or referenced on the county document center).
- 03 Gather required documents: site plan, contractor information (general, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), proof of contractor licenses and bonds, proof of liability insurance.
- 04 Submit application and pay permit fee in person at 203 E Government St Suite 205, Brandon, MS 39042.
- 05 Plans are reviewed for code compliance.
- 06 Once approved, permit is issued and posted at the job site.
- 07 Schedule required inspections by calling (601) 824-2570 as work progresses.
- 08 After final inspection is passed, a Certificate of Occupancy or final sign-off is issued.
- 09 A utility permit and inspection are also required before a change in occupancy in any dwelling or building (ordinance effective October 1, 2013).
Fee schedule
Rankin County building permit fees
In-person payment required; call (601) 824-2570 to schedule inspections and arrange payment
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (601) 824-2570 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Foundation (before concrete is poured), Frame/mechanical/electrical rough-in (before insulation), Electrical service (transfer from temporary to permanent power), Final inspection (leads to Certificate of Occupancy), Utility permit inspection (required for change in occupancy)
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Rankin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Rankin County, MS? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Rankin County, MS? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rankin County, MS? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rankin County, MS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.