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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County
A permit is required for all new construction and significant alterations in unincorporated Washington County under Mississippi state law (Miss. Code Ann. § 19-5-91).
- Exempt Agricultural structures may be exempt; confirm with county Planning Department
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from floodplain or other regulatory requirements. Washington County is deeply embedded in the Mississippi Delta floodplain; verify flood zone status before breaking ground.
- Completed permit application
- Site/project description and location
- Contractor's material purchase certificate number or Taxpayer Identification Number
- Contractor's license or certificate of responsibility number (MSBOC) for applicable projects
- Building code
- Mississippi Building Codes Council has adopted the 2021 IBC/IRC as reference codes; Washington County's specific adoption status should be confirmed with the Planning Department.
- Permit validity
- Contact the Planning Department for permit validity terms.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with state permitting requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- MSBOC license required for commercial projects over $50,000 and residential new construction over $50,000.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; contact the Planning Department for estimates on your specific project.
- 01 Contact the Planning, Zoning & Engineering Department at 662-334-2647 or visit the county courthouse to initiate the application.
- 02 Provide contractor's material purchase certificate number or Taxpayer Identification Number.
- 03 Provide contractor's license or certificate of responsibility number (MSBOC) if applicable.
- 04 Provide site/project description and location details.
- 05 Contact Roy Johnson (Planning Inspector) at 662-334-2647 or 662-820-8142 (cell) to coordinate permit processing.
- 06 Complete application and submit required documents.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fees.
- 08 Upon approval, post permit on-site during construction.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact the Planning Department for estimates on your specific project.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Roy Johnson, Planning Inspector: 662-334-2647 or 662-820-8142 (cell) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Planning Department to schedule.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Typical sequence: The Planning, Zoning & Engineering Department handles inspection coordination, including right-of-way permits, floodplain administration, and development review.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, MS? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, MS? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, MS? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, MS? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, MS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning, Zoning & Engineering Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.