Sharkey County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Sharkey County.

Department

Chancery Clerk's Office / Board of Supervisors

Address

120 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 39159

Phone

(662) 873-2755

Email

cc@sharkeycountyms.gov

Website

https://www.sharkeycounty.net

Application Process

1. Contact the Chancery Clerk's office by phone at (662) 873-2755 or visit 120 Locust Street during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
2. Confirm whether the specific project type and location require a county-level permit
3. Obtain application form and documentation requirements
4. Complete application with full project details: property description, legal description, scope of work, estimated cost, contractor information
5. Submit application with supporting documents (site plan, architectural drawings, engineer certification if applicable)
6. Pay applicable permit fee (contact office for current fee schedule)
7. Receive permit and inspection schedule
8. Schedule required inspections at key construction phases
9. Obtain final approval or Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

Typical processing time: Not specified publicly; contact the Chancery Clerk's office for current turnaround time. Post-tornado recovery may affect processing capacity.

Source: Chancery Clerk's Office / Board of Supervisors

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work beyond minor repairs typically require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Property description and legal description
• Scope of work and estimated project cost
• Contractor information and licensing details
• Site plan
• Architectural drawings or engineer certification (if applicable)

Permit validity

Contact Chancery Clerk for specific permit expiration terms.

Building code

No mandatory statewide residential building code for unincorporated counties. Local requirements not published online; confirm with Chancery Clerk. Mississippi adopted the 2021 IRC as an optional framework (effective July 1, 2024).

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must verify contractor licensing requirements with the Chancery Clerk.

Contractor requirements

Residential construction $50,000+: MSBOC residential license required. Residential remodeling/additions over $10,000: MSBOC license required. Commercial projects $50,000+: MSBOC commercial license required. MSBOC: (800) 880-6161 | msboc.us

Fees

Payment note

Fee schedule not published online; contact Sharkey County Chancery Clerk at (662) 873-2755.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Chancery Clerk's Office / Board of Supervisors to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (662) 873-2755 (phone)
• 120 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 39159 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Contact office for scheduling details and notice requirements.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footings (prior to concrete), Framing (prior to sheathing), MEP rough-in, Insulation, Final inspection before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: No mandatory statewide residential building code for unincorporated counties. Local requirements not published online; confirm with Chancery Clerk. Mississippi adopted the 2021 IRC as an optional framework (effective July 1, 2024).
• Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors License Lookup
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• MDEQ Geology Flood Maps
• Mississippi Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP)
• MDEQ Construction Stormwater Permits
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharkey County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sharkey County, MS?

New construction, additions, structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work beyond minor repairs typically require permits.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sharkey County, MS?

1. Contact the Chancery Clerk's office by phone at (662) 873-2755 or visit 120 Locust Street during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 2. Confirm whether the specific project type and location require a county-level permit 3. Obtain application form and documentation requirements 4. Complete application with full project details: property description, legal description, scope of work, estimated cost, contractor information 5. Submit application with supporting documents (site plan, architectural drawings, engineer certification if applicable) 6. Pay applicable permit fee (contact office for current fee schedule) 7. Receive permit and inspection schedule 8. Schedule required inspections at key construction phases 9. Obtain final approval or Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

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

Typical processing time is Not specified publicly; contact the Chancery Clerk's office for current turnaround time. Post-tornado recovery may affect processing capacity..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, non-structural minor repairs); Agricultural structures may qualify for exemptions under Mississippi Code § 17-2-7. Note: Exemptions do not override floodplain management (NFIP) requirements. Sharkey County lies in the Mississippi Delta with significant flood zone exposure. Verify FEMA flood zone status before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (662) 873-2755, 120 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 39159. Contact office for scheduling details and notice requirements..