Unincorporated Tallahatchie County

Mississippi Code § 19-5-9 requires permitting for all construction in unincorporated areas, including new construction, additions, substantial alterations, demolition, relocation, and any construction within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.

• Exempt Farm buildings and farm structures in unincorporated areas are exempt from adopted building code requirements (Mississippi Code § 17-2-7); however, this exemption does not eliminate obligations under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for properties in designated flood zones.

Note: Agricultural exemption applies only to farm structures. Confirm applicability for your specific project with the Chancery Clerk.

Building code

Tallahatchie County has not publicly adopted the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) for unincorporated areas. Confirm current adoption status with the Board of Supervisors.

Permit validity

Not specified; confirm with Chancery Clerk.

Owner-builder

Not specified; confirm with Chancery Clerk.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) license if contract value exceeds $50,000 (commercial) or $10,000 (residential remodeling).

1. 01
   Contact the Chancery Clerk's office in Charleston (662-647-5551) or Sumner (662-375-8731) to obtain a building permit application form.
2. 02
   Complete the application with full project description, property location (parcel ID or legal description), estimated project value, and owner/contractor information.
3. 03
   Submit the application in person at the appropriate district courthouse office.
4. 04
   The Board of Supervisors or its designated agent reviews the application.
5. 05
   Applicant is notified of approval or required corrections.
6. 06
   Permit fee is collected and permit is issued upon approval.
7. 07
   Inspections (if required by the county) are scheduled and conducted.

Typical processing time: Variable; direct phone contact is essential to confirm timeline before beginning any project.

Typical sequence: No formal county inspection program identified for unincorporated Tallahatchie County. If inspections are required by Board permit conditions, coordinate with the Chancery Clerk's office. For projects in floodplain areas, the county Floodplain Administrator must inspect and certify compliance.