Tate County, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Tate County, Mississippi outside city limits of Senatobia and Coldwater.

Department

Tate County Planning Department

Address

201 French's Alley, Senatobia, MS 38668

Phone

(662) 562-5733

Email

spayne@tatecountyms.gov

Website

https://tatecountyms.gov/planning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project location is in unincorporated Tate County (not within Senatobia or Coldwater city limits).
2. Review the Tate County Building Permit Procedures document (updated October 2025) available on the Planning Department page.
3. Prepare required documentation: property deed or survey, site plan showing structure placement and setbacks, floor plan with dimensions, contractor/subcontractor MSBOC license copies.
4. Submit application via MGO Connect online portal or in person at 201 French's Alley, Senatobia, MS 38668.
5. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
6. Planning Department reviews application and issues permit upon approval.
7. Post permit on site and schedule all required inspections by calling (662) 562-5733.
8. Certificate of Occupancy issued after all required inspections pass.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Planning Department for specific timelines based on project type and complexity.

Source: Tate County Planning Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for all new residential and commercial construction, structural alterations, additions, repairs, manufactured/mobile home placements and relocations, accessory structures, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Property deed or survey
• Site plan showing structure placement and setbacks
• Floor plan with dimensions
• Contractor/subcontractor MSBOC license copies

Permit validity

Permit must be issued and work commenced within 180 days of application; confirmed with Planning Department.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) per October 2025 Building Permit Procedures document. Confirm current code edition with Planning Department.

Owner-builder

Mississippi allows property owners to pull permits for construction on their own primary residence. Confirm current owner-builder limitations with the Planning Department.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold a valid Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) license appropriate to the scope of work. Residential builders: license required for projects exceeding $50,000. Residential remodelers/roofers: license required for projects exceeding $10,000. Subcontractors performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or mechanical work must be MSBOC licensed regardless of project dollar amount.

Fees

Payment note

Specific fee amounts are established by the Board of Supervisors and listed in the Tate County Building Permit Procedures document (October 2025). Contact the Planning Department at (662) 562-5733 or spayne@tatecountyms.gov to obtain the current fee schedule prior to application. Fees are typically calculated based on construction valuation, project square footage, or a flat-rate schedule by permit type. Subcontractor (trade) permit fees are typically assessed separately per trade.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Farm buildings and farm structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (except as required under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 for structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas)

Important: Agricultural exemptions do not apply to structures in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Confirm project location and flood zone status with the Planning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (662) 562-5733 (phone)
• Tate County Planning Department, 201 French's Alley, Senatobia, MS 38668 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Call during office hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM) to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection points (residential new construction): Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are inspected separately by the respective trade inspectors in coordination with the Planning Department.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) per October 2025 Building Permit Procedures document. Confirm current code edition with Planning Department.
• Verify contractor license: MSBOC License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Tate County Zoning Ordinance (2022, amended May 2022)
• Tate County Subdivision Regulations (2022)
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) / FEMA Flood Zone Verification
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Tate County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required for all new residential and commercial construction, structural alterations, additions, repairs, manufactured/mobile home placements and relocations, accessory structures, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and demolition.

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

1. Confirm the project location is in unincorporated Tate County (not within Senatobia or Coldwater city limits). 2. Review the Tate County Building Permit Procedures document (updated October 2025) available on the Planning Department page. 3. Prepare required documentation: property deed or survey, site plan showing structure placement and setbacks, floor plan with dimensions, contractor/subcontractor MSBOC license copies. 4. Submit application via MGO Connect online portal or in person at 201 French's Alley, Senatobia, MS 38668. 5. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission. 6. Planning Department reviews application and issues permit upon approval. 7. Post permit on site and schedule all required inspections by calling (662) 562-5733. 8. Certificate of Occupancy issued after all required inspections pass.

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

Typical processing time is Varies; contact Planning Department for specific timelines based on project type and complexity..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and farm structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (except as required under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 for structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas). Note: Agricultural exemptions do not apply to structures in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Confirm project location and flood zone status with the Planning Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (662) 562-5733, Tate County Planning Department, 201 French's Alley, Senatobia, MS 38668. Call during office hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM) to schedule inspections..