How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MS?

Typical processing time is Varies; contact department for project-specific timeline..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farm structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes on farms (per MS Code § 17-2-7; verify applicability with Community Development Department).. Note: Exemption from county building permit requirements does not mean exemption from state requirements (MSDH, MDEQ, MSBOC, State Fire Marshal). Contact the Community Development Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 742-1997, cd@scottcountyms.gov. Contact department for scheduling procedures..

County Building Permits

Scott County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Mississippi Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Scott County.

Department: Scott County Community Development Department
Address: 100 East Main Street, 1st Floor, Courthouse, Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 742-1997
Email: cd@scottcountyms.gov
Website: https://www.scottcountyms.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Scott County Website

Platform: Manual Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Scott County Community Development Department at (601) 742-1997 or cd@scottcountyms.gov to determine whether a permit is required for your specific project in unincorporated Scott County.
For any project where a permit is issued, submit the application in person at the County Courthouse, 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074.
For projects exceeding $50,000, the contractor must hold a valid MSBOC license.
The permit must include the contractor's MSBOC certificate of responsibility number and material purchase certificate number or TIN.
For septic/onsite wastewater systems, a separate MSDH permit is required regardless of county requirements.
For projects disturbing 1+ acres, a separate MDEQ NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit is required.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact department for project-specific timeline.

Source: Scott County Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permits may be required for certain projects in unincorporated Scott County; contact the Community Development Department to determine applicability. Scott County currently operates without an active countywide building code (adopted ordinances were repealed December 1, 2025).

Required Documents

Permit application
Site plan
Project description
Contractor license/registration information

Permit validity: Contact department for permit validity period.
Building code: No countywide building code currently in effect (ordinances adopted November 21, 2025 were repealed December 1, 2025). Mandatory statewide residential building code does not exist in Mississippi (MS Code § 17-2-4).
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with all applicable state and federal requirements.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid MSBOC license for projects $50,000 or more (residential or commercial). Contractors must hold an MSBOC license for residential remodeling/roofing over $10,000. All permits must include contractor's MSBOC certificate of responsibility number and material purchase certificate number or TIN per MS Code § 19-5-11.

Fees

Payment note: Contact the Community Development Department at (601) 742-1997 or cd@scottcountyms.gov for current permit fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Scott County Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(601) 742-1997 (phone)
cd@scottcountyms.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Contact department for scheduling procedures.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No formal county building inspection program exists. Projects may require inspections by state agencies: MSDH (septic), MDEQ (stormwater/erosion control), State Fire Marshal (commercial/public buildings), and electrical inspections by local utility provider.

Additional Resources

Building code: No countywide building code currently in effect (ordinances adopted November 21, 2025 were repealed December 1, 2025). Mandatory statewide residential building code does not exist in Mississippi (MS Code § 17-2-4).
Verify contractor license: Mississippi Board of Contractors (MSBOC) License Lookup
MS State Fire Marshal (Commercial Buildings)
MDEQ Stormwater Permits (1+ Acre)
MSDH Septic/Onsite Wastewater
Chancery Clerk (Deeds, Plats, Records)
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 Scott County Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scott County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MS?: Building permits may be required for certain projects in unincorporated Scott County; contact the Community Development Department to determine applicability. Scott County currently operates without an active countywide building code (adopted ordinances were repealed December 1, 2025).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MS?: 1. Contact the Scott County Community Development Department at (601) 742-1997 or cd@scottcountyms.gov to determine whether a permit is required for your specific project in unincorporated Scott County. 2. For any project where a permit is issued, submit the application in person at the County Courthouse, 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074. 3. For projects exceeding $50,000, the contractor must hold a valid MSBOC license. 4. The permit must include the contractor's MSBOC certificate of responsibility number and material purchase certificate number or TIN. 5. For septic/onsite wastewater systems, a separate MSDH permit is required regardless of county requirements. 6. For projects disturbing 1+ acres, a separate MDEQ NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit is required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MS?: Typical processing time is Varies; contact department for project-specific timeline..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Scott County, MS?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farm structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes on farms (per MS Code § 17-2-7; verify applicability with Community Development Department).. Note: Exemption from county building permit requirements does not mean exemption from state requirements (MSDH, MDEQ, MSBOC, State Fire Marshal). Contact the Community Development Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Scott County, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 742-1997, cd@scottcountyms.gov. Contact department for scheduling procedures..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Scott County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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