Unincorporated Smith County

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.

• 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.

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/

Source: Smith County Board of Supervisors ↗

1. 01
   Contact Smith County Board of Supervisors at 601-782-4000 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type and location.
2. 02
   Determine if the property is in a flood zone (check FEMA MSC at msc.fema.gov before applying).
3. 03
   Obtain and complete the county building permit application at the Courthouse in Raleigh.
4. 04
   Prepare construction plans — typically two (2) sets including site plan, foundation, framing, electrical, and elevations.
5. 05
   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. 06
   Submit application, plans, and documentation to the Board of Supervisors or designated permit office at the Courthouse.
7. 07
   Pay applicable permit fees.
8. 08
   Receive building permit and begin construction.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
10. 10
    Obtain final inspection clearance; present septic approval if applicable before power connection.

Source: Smith County Board of Supervisors ↗

• Board of Supervisors (phone)

Inspection hours

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

Typical 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.