Smith County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within unincorporated Smith County. Building permits for unincorporated areas are administered through or under the authority of the Board of Supervisors per Mississippi Code § 17-2-5.

Department

Smith County Board of Supervisors

Address

201 Courthouse Square, Raleigh, MS 39153

Phone

601-782-4000

Email

hdolan@smithcountyms.gov

Website

https://www.smithcountyms.gov/

Application Process

1. Contact Smith County Board of Supervisors at 601-782-4000 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type and location.
2. Determine if the property is in a flood zone (check FEMA MSC at msc.fema.gov before applying).
3. Obtain and complete the county building permit application at the Courthouse in Raleigh.
4. Prepare construction plans — typically two (2) sets including site plan, foundation, framing, electrical, and elevations.
5. If the property lacks public sewer, obtain a septic site evaluation from the Smith County Health Department (601-782-4472) before or concurrent with permit application.
6. Submit application, plans, and documentation to the Board of Supervisors or designated permit office at the Courthouse.
7. Pay applicable permit fees.
8. Receive building permit and begin construction.
9. Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
10. Obtain final inspection clearance; present septic approval if applicable before power connection.

Source: Smith County Board of Supervisors

General Requirements

All new residential construction in unincorporated areas, commercial and industrial construction, structural additions and alterations, and changes in building use or occupancy per Mississippi Code § 17-2-5.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Two (2) sets of construction plans including: site/plot plan showing property lines and structure location, foundation and footing details, framing plan and details, electrical layout, and front, side, and rear elevations
• Proof of property ownership (warranty deed if homeowner acts as builder)
• Property address (E-911 address; contact EMA/E-911 at 601-782-9151 for new addresses)
• MSDH Soil and Site Recommendation (Form 335) if property is not on public sewer

Building code

Smith County is required under Mississippi Code § 17-2-5 to adopt one of the last three editions of the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) as minimum codes. The most recent statewide editions are the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Mississippi amendments, effective July 1, 2024. Smith County's specific local adoption should be confirmed directly with the Board of Supervisors.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid MSBOC license for projects $50,000 or more (residential new construction) or $10,000+ (residential remodeling/roofing). Contact MSBOC at 800-880-6161 or https://www.msboc.us/

Fees

Payment note

No fee schedule is publicly available on the Smith County website. Fees are based on project type and construction cost. Contact the Board of Supervisors at 601-782-4000 for the current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Smith County Board of Supervisors to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Board of Supervisors (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday (contact Board of Supervisors for specific hours)

Typical inspection sequence: Smith County does not publicly list a building inspector or inspection schedule. Under Mississippi law, counties must provide permitting but inspection programs vary. Likely inspection stages for residential construction: 1) Foundation/footing inspection (before concrete pour), 2) Framing inspection (after frame erected, before walls closed), 3) Rough-in inspections — electrical, plumbing, HVAC (if applicable), 4) Final inspection (before occupancy). Septic system inspection by MSDH or Smith County Health Department is required separately for properties not on public sewer.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Smith County is required under Mississippi Code § 17-2-5 to adopt one of the last three editions of the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) as minimum codes. The most recent statewide editions are the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Mississippi amendments, effective July 1, 2024. Smith County's specific local adoption should be confirmed directly with the Board of Supervisors.
• Verify contractor license: MSBOC License Lookup
• Smith County Health Department (Septic Evaluations)
• FEMA Flood Maps
• MSDH Division of On-Site Wastewater
• MDEQ Stormwater Permits (1+ Acre Projects)
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Smith County Building Permit FAQ

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

All new residential construction in unincorporated areas, commercial and industrial construction, structural additions and alterations, and changes in building use or occupancy per Mississippi Code § 17-2-5.

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

1. Contact Smith County Board of Supervisors at 601-782-4000 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type and location. 2. Determine if the property is in a flood zone (check FEMA MSC at msc.fema.gov before applying). 3. Obtain and complete the county building permit application at the Courthouse in Raleigh. 4. Prepare construction plans — typically two (2) sets including site plan, foundation, framing, electrical, and elevations. 5. If the property lacks public sewer, obtain a septic site evaluation from the Smith County Health Department (601-782-4472) before or concurrent with permit application. 6. Submit application, plans, and documentation to the Board of Supervisors or designated permit office at the Courthouse. 7. Pay applicable permit fees. 8. Receive building permit and begin construction. 9. Schedule required inspections as work progresses. 10. Obtain final inspection clearance; present septic approval if applicable before power connection.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Certain agricultural and farm buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes may be exempt from the State Uniform Construction Code per Mississippi Code § 17-2-9. Confirm with Board of Supervisors.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Board of Supervisors before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Board of Supervisors.