Unincorporated Wilkinson County

Building permits are required for new residential and commercial construction, additions and structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work (above minor repairs), change of use or occupancy classification, and demolition of structures.

• Exempt Farm buildings and structures are exempt from building code provisions under MS Code § 17-2-7, except where required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act (1973). A permit affidavit may still be required before construction.

Note: Confirm all exemptions with the Board of Supervisors before proceeding. Properties in FEMA-designated flood zones must comply with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards regardless of exemption status.

Building code

Under MS Code § 17-2-4, county boards of supervisors must adopt one of the last three editions of the IBC or IRC. Mississippi adopted the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC statewide (effective 2024). Wilkinson County's specific adoption is not publicly documented; verify with Board of Supervisors.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold appropriate Mississippi Board of Contractors (MSBOC) licensing if project exceeds thresholds (residential builder license for $50,000+, residential remodeler for $10,000+, commercial general contractor for $50,000+).

1. 01
   Contact the Board of Supervisors office at (601) 888-4381 or County Administrator at (601) 430-1804 to determine permit requirements for the specific project.
2. 02
   Confirm that the property is in unincorporated county territory (not within a municipality).
3. 03
   Complete a building permit application form (obtain from Board of Supervisors office).
4. 04
   Submit application with required documentation: site plan, project description, property ownership proof, contractor license information.
5. 05
   Pay applicable permit fees.
6. 06
   Receive permit approval before commencing construction.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
8. 08
   Obtain final approval before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Processing time not documented; contact Board of Supervisors for current timeline.

Source: Board of Supervisors ↗

• (601) 888-4381 (phone)

Inspection hours

Contact Board of Supervisors for office hours and inspection availability.

Typical sequence: Standard inspection stages (verify with Board of Supervisors): Foundation/Footing Inspection (before concrete pour), Framing Inspection (after structural framing, before enclosure), Rough Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Inspection (before wall concealment), Final Inspection (before occupancy). State-level inspections also apply independently: MSDH (onsite wastewater/septic), MDEQ (stormwater for 1+ acre disturbance), State Fire Marshal (commercial and public buildings).