Bolthole Index

Harrison County, Mississippi

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Harrison County, Mississippi

54Index Score / 100
#81 of 82 in Mississippi

Unincorporated Harrison County, Mississippi requires building permits, and Harrison County Code Administration handles them12. County zoning controls land use and dimensional standards, while the Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater systems34. Permanent RV occupancy is prohibited in unincorporated Harrison County, although narrow temporary-use provisions exist for qualifying land56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Harrison County; Code Administration handles permits needed there27
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated areas; district rules cover uses and dimensions38
Septic
MSDH handles onsite wastewater applications; sewer availability must be resolved before septic approval4910
RV living
Permanent RV occupancy is prohibited in unincorporated areas; limited temporary use requires qualifying land and approval56
Tiny home
A countywide occupancy rule was not confirmed; ask Zoning how the parcel's district classifies the proposed home1112
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner may avoid the residential-builder license, but not county land-use or permit requirements13
Minimum lot size
Varies by district and development type; Type III development has a one-acre minimum14
Septic soils
Only 10.3% of soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field15

Who to call

Building permits

Harrison County Code Administration

Building permits needed in unincorporated Harrison County

228-832-1622

15309 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503

Online permits →

Codes & inspections

Harrison County Code Administration — Permit Procedures and Fees

Published mobile-home permit fees and health-department acceptance documentation

Online permits →

Zoning

Harrison County Office of Zoning

Administration, enforcement and appeals under the county zoning ordinance

12423 Seaway Rd.

Septic permits

Harrison County Health Department

County health contact for onsite wastewater application and acceptance documentation

1-855-220-0192

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Harrison County Road Department

County-road access and culvert questions

228-896-0201

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Harrison County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Harrison County, Mississippi?

Unincorporated Harrison County, Mississippi requires building permits through Harrison County Code Administration2. County building-permit rules below apply outside city limits; Biloxi issues building permits for construction and alterations, Long Beach requires them in Special Use Districts, D'Iberville requires them before utility connections to manufactured homes in parks or subdivisions, and Pass Christian requires them for outbuildings16171819. Onsite wastewater remains under the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)4. A qualifying owner building for personal use may avoid the residential-builder license, but the exemption does not waive county building permits1320. The county enforces adopted building codes, but we could not confirm the edition or complete inspection sequence; ask Code Administration for the project checklist21227.

Who issues building permits in Harrison County, and how do you reach the office?

For unincorporated Harrison County building permits, contact Code Administration at 15309 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503, telephone 228-832-16227. The office publishes hours of 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, but we could not confirm the complete application, review and inspection sequence227. Land-use questions go to the Harrison County Office of Zoning at 12423 Seaway Rd.; the office administers, enforces and hears appeals under the zoning ordinance12. Onsite wastewater questions go through the Harrison County Health Department at 1-855-220-0192 and the state application site23. For access from a county-maintained road, contact the Harrison County Road Department at 228-896-020124. Mobile-home permits cost $50 on private property and $25 in a mobile-home park, but a complete ordinary home-permit fee schedule was not confirmed25.

Does Harrison County have zoning?

Yes. The Unified Development Code regulates uses, yards, open space and density in unincorporated Harrison County; incorporated municipalities may use separate zoning rules3. Lot size, setbacks, height and coverage depend on the district and development type26. Type III development has a one-acre minimum lot, not a universal county minimum14. Building activity next to a waterway has a 15-foot setback from the bank27. A secondary living unit requires a conditional-use permit in specified districts28. Ask the Office of Zoning to identify the parcel's district before designing the site plan12. Gulfport, Long Beach, D'Iberville and Pass Christian set their own zoning inside city limits; onsite wastewater remains with MSDH293031324.

How do septic permits work in Harrison County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater systems in Harrison County; applications and fees go through its Division of On-site Wastewater49. MSDH requires a permit for onsite wastewater installation and a water meter, and a permanent water meter requires a sewer line or septic system910. Sewer systems have first right to serve: MSDH refers applications near a sewer line for connection and requires a sewer-provider rejection letter before proceeding with septic10. Standard manufactured-home parks require central water and sewer, but qualifying low-density parks may use individual septic systems; individual wells are prohibited33. A certified installer must contact MSDH 24 hours before construction to schedule inspection34. Start with the Harrison County Health Department at 1-855-220-0192 or the state application site23. Only 10.3% of county soils lack severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so obtain the site evaluation before fixing the home location15.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home in Harrison County?

A recreational vehicle is not a residential dwelling and may not be used as a permanent place of abode in unincorporated Harrison County5. A narrow temporary-use route exists for qualifying hunting property larger than 160 acres and certain waterfront property subject to routine inundation, but placement in residential or agricultural districts requires a conditional-use permit6. Under that route, an RV may remain for no more than 17 continuous days and must be removed for four days before a new period begins6. We could not confirm a countywide tiny-home occupancy rule or general minimum dwelling size; ask the Office of Zoning how the parcel's district classifies the proposed unit12. Manufactured-home parks have a separate occupancy gate: at least 45% of planned spaces must be completed and ready before any space is occupied, and residents must not travel through construction areas35. That park rule does not settle manufactured-home placement outside a park; ask the Office of Zoning about the proposed parcel3512.

How do you apply to build a home in Harrison County?

  1. Ask the Office of Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed residential use, setbacks, lot coverage and dimensional standards33612.
  2. Resolve sewer availability first, including any required sewer-provider rejection letter, then apply to MSDH if the parcel will use septic10923.
  3. Confirm flood status before earthwork: development in a special flood hazard area requires a county development permit with a $50 fee37. A floodway project requires elevation documentation and additional engineered submissions38.
  4. Confirm driveway jurisdiction; a new or altered driveway onto a state highway requires a state permit3940.
  5. Submit the project through Code Administration's portal and request the exact plans, trade permits, inspections, fees and occupancy closeout documents222417.
  6. Arrange the required septic inspection and secure the applicable health acceptance documentation3442.

What should you check before buying land in Harrison County?

Start with zoning, septic feasibility, flood exposure and legal road access because each can change where—or whether—the intended home fits343739. Mississippi treats gray water as wastewater: all wastewater must be piped to central sewer or septic, with no discharge onto the ground, into ditches or into bodies of water43. A permanent water meter also requires a permanent sewage-disposal solution10. If you plan to divide the tract, the County Engineer administers and enforces subdivision regulations44. Only 10.3% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site-specific wastewater review15. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median property-tax bill is about $1,289 per year4546. Before closing, obtain parcel-specific answers from Zoning, Health and Roads122324.

Watch-outs

  • Permanent RV living is prohibited in unincorporated Harrison County; temporary use is limited to narrowly defined qualifying land and requires the stated county approvals56.
  • A $50 county fee applies to development permits in a special flood hazard area, not to ordinary residential building permits generally37.
  • We could not confirm a complete ordinary home-permit fee schedule or countywide minimum dwelling size; ask Code Administration about fees and the Office of Zoning about dwelling standards712.

Sources

  1. A building permit (2026 county census)
  2. A building permit, quoted and re-checked
  3. Harrison County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater, quoted and re-checked
  5. Harrison County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  6. Harrison County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  7. Harrison County Code Administration (harrisoncountyms.gov)
  8. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  9. Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  12. Harrison County Office of Zoning (harrisoncountyms.gov)
  13. Residential Laws and Rules Revised 2022, quoted and re-checked
  14. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Biloxi: Land Development Ordinance, Article 23-2: Administration (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Long Beach: Code of Ordinances, Appendix 1, Sec. 100, Special use district (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  18. D'Iberville: Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, Section 4.12, Manufactured Home District (R-5) (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Pass Christian: Sec. 5.14. Outbuilding policy (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Mississippi State Board of Contractors - Residential Builders Law (73-59-15) (2026 county census)
  21. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. A building permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. Harrison County Health Department (harrisoncountyms.gov)
  24. Harrison County Road Department (harrisoncountyms.gov)
  25. Code Administration, quoted and re-checked
  26. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  27. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  28. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  29. Gulfport: Gulfport Code, Appendix A, Sec. III District regulations (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Long Beach: Code of Ordinances, Appendix 1, Sec. 100, Special use district (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  31. D'Iberville: Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, Section 4.9, General Residential District (R-3) (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Pass Christian: Sec. 601. Use requirements for a Residential District, R-O (Historic Preservation) (Harrison County), quoted and re-checked
  33. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  34. Notice of Intent: New Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System, quoted and re-checked
  35. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  36. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  37. Harrison County Code Administration Development Permit Application and Instruction Sheet, quoted and re-checked
  38. Additional Information Required for Obtaining a Permit in a Floodway, quoted and re-checked
  39. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  40. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  42. Harrison County Code Administration — Permit Procedures and Fees (harrisoncountyms.gov)
  43. Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  44. Harrison County, Mississippi Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  45. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Harrison County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleHarrison CountyStone CountyHancock CountyJackson CountyPearl River CountyGeorge CountyForrest County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredNot publishedNot required
County zoningYesNoYesYesNot publishedNoNot published
Septic permitsMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMSDH

County locator

Harrison County in Mississippi

54
County map
Harrison County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Harrison County scores

Seclusion31100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$229kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$9,527Land / acre
65.5"Annual rain
6% of yrsSevere drought
4 / yr (+3.8)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
3.31" (+2.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,819Home insurance / yr
-1.8% / yrInsurance growth
3.11%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
197,029People within 30 min
3,105,120People within 2 hr
153,094Radius comparison (15 mi)
367.1People / sq mi
23.3%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
10.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
36,305 acWorkable land screen
73.9%Wooded land
43 tonsBiomass / forest ac
67.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Harrison County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Harrison County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Harrison County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits in the unincorporated areas of Harrison County.

    • The cited county page expressly limits this statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own permitting requirements.
    “Building Permits needed within the unincorporated areas of Harrison County are the responsibility of the Harrison County Code Administration.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building permits in unincorporated Harrison County.
      “Building Permits needed within the unincorporated areas of Harrison County are the responsibility of the Harrison County Code Administration.”
    • Required — Building permits in the unincorporated areas of Harrison County.
      “Building Permits needed within the unincorporated areas of Harrison County are the responsibility of the Harrison County Code Administration.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement for construction and development regulated by Harrison County.

    • The cited provision establishes that the County Building Official enforces adopted building codes; the specific edition was not identified in the excerpt.
    “Building Official - The person or persons authorized by the County to enforce the adopted building codes as they apply to construction and development within the County.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings and changes of occupancy subject to Harrison County landscape, parking, loading, or other Unified Development Code requirements.

    • The cited rules condition issuance on compliance with the applicable Code requirements.
    “No Certificate of Occupancy will be issued upon completion of any building or group of buildings or changes of occupancy of an existing building unless and until all landscape requirements conform to the requirements established by this code.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and development regulation under the Harrison County Unified Development Code.

    • The Code contains zoning districts, use regulations, dimensional standards, and conditional-use procedures.
    “A Code dividing Harrison County, Mississippi into Zoning Districts which regulate the size of yards and open spaces, density and distribution of population, and the uses of buildings, structures and lands; and prescribing procedures for the administration, enforcement and appeal of regulations contained herein.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in unincorporated Harrison County under the County Unified Development Code.
      “A Code dividing Harrison County, Mississippi into Zoning Districts which regulate the size of yards and open spaces, density and distribution of population, and the uses of buildings, structures and lands; and prescribing procedures for the administration, enforcement and appeal of regulations contained herein.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Harrison County zoning districts and associated dimensional standards.

    • The Code's dimensional requirements vary by district and development type.
    “408.04 Yard Requirements - See Section 416 Table of Area and Dimensional Requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and the official zoning-map framework.
      “ARTICLE IV - DISTRICT REGULATIONS [...] A-1 GENERAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT [...] E-1 VERY LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] R-1 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] R-2. MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] R-3 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Harrison County zoning districts and development types governed by the area and dimensional requirements table.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and development type.

    minimum lot size: 1 acre (Type III development)

    “Minimum lot size for all Type III development is one (1) acre.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks under Harrison County zoning and special overlay provisions.

    • Setbacks vary by district and use.
    • Residential front and side yard setbacks may be up to 40 feet on a functionally classified road.
    • Waterway-adjacent building activity has a 15-foot setback from the bank.

    waterway setback: 15 feet (Building activity adjacent to a waterway)

    “All building activity adjacent to a waterway shall have a setback of fifteen (15) feet from the bank of all waterways.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Development proposals and building permits subject to Harrison County zoning-district coverage standards.

    • A lot-coverage worksheet must be included with building permits and land-use applications.
    • The worksheet must identify the maximum coverage for the applicable zoning district and proposed coverage percentage.

    maximum lot coverage: 75 percent (Townhouse and reduced lot-line development)

    “Maximum lot coverage Lot coverage is limited to seventy-five (75%) percent for all structures.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures subject to Harrison County zoning-district height standards.

    • Height limits vary by zoning district and development type.

    maximum structure height: 40 feet (Townhouse and reduced lot-line development)

    “Maximum height The maximum structure height is forty (40) feet.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Permanent recreational vehicle occupancy in unincorporated Harrison County.

    • The rule excludes land included in municipal jurisdictions.
    • A recreational vehicle is not considered a residential dwelling and may not be used as a permanent place of abode, occupancy, or accommodation.
    • Occupancy in an RV park exceeding six months in a twelve-month period is presumed permanent, whether continuous or part time.
    • Removing the wheels, attaching the vehicle to the ground, and permanent construction, decks, landings, or enclosed accessory spaces are prohibited.
    • Readily removable RV accessories may be used but may not be attached to the ground or made a permanent addition to the campsite.
    • RV parks or sites subject to the Harrison County Flood Damage Prevention Code must comply with that code.
    • An owner/operator may establish a site-built dwelling, manufactured home, or modular dwelling to accommodate the person owning, managing, or maintaining the facility.

    RV-park occupancy threshold presumed permanent: > 6 months in a 12-month period (applies to continuous or part-time occupancy)

    “A recreational vehicle shall not be considered a residential dwelling. No recreational vehicle shall be used as a permanent place of abode, occupancy or accommodation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary recreational vehicle use on qualifying hunting-camp and waterfront property in unincorporated Harrison County.
      “A recreational vehicle permitted by a conditional use permit shall not be allowed to remain for a continuous period of longer than seventeen (17) days. When a recreational vehicle has been removed for a period of four (4) days, the seventeen (17) day temporary placement time may begin again.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home parks regulated by Harrison County Sections 810 and 811.

    • Manufactured-home park development must satisfy county site, utility, parking, buffering, and occupancy-date requirements.
    • The cited provisions do not resolve every manufactured-home placement or occupancy scenario outside a park.

    occupancy threshold: >= 45 percent of spaces (The remaining spaces must be located so lessees do not travel through areas under construction.)

    “No space in a manufactured home park shall be occupied until at least forty-five (45) percent of the spaces shown on the manufactured home park site plan are completed and ready for occupancy.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    A secondary living unit accessory to a principal detached single-household dwelling in zoning districts specified in Section 415.

    • A conditional-use permit is required.
    • Availability is limited to the zoning districts specified in Section 415.
    “A secondary living unit shall be allowed by a conditional use permit as an accessory structure to the principal detached single household dwelling in those zoning districts specified in Section 415.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Manufactured-home parks regulated under Harrison County Sections 810 and 811.

    • Each manufactured-home space in a standard manufactured-home park must connect to approved central water and sewer.
    • For low-density parks with spaces of one acre or greater, central sewerage or individual septic systems may be allowed, while individual wells are not permitted.
    “Each manufactured home space shall be connected to an approved central water and sewer system. No individual water wells or septic systems shall be permitted.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Harrison County.

    • The County Engineer is designated to administer subdivision regulations and review, process, and approve subdivision applications and plats.
    “The Harrison County Engineer is hereby designated as the agent designated to administer and enforce the regulations pertaining to the subdivision of land.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Private access and utility/driveway connections governed by the Harrison County Private Access Code.

    • A Utility Permit is generally required before a building permit or Planning Commission approval.
    • A Utility Permit is not required for single-family residential property under the cited exception.
    • County Road Department approval applies when a private road connects directly to a County-maintained road.
    “A Utility Permit shall not be required for single family residential properties connecting driveways to the County maintained right of way unless requested by the County Engineer.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development requiring a permit in a floodway within unincorporated Harrison County.

    • The Harrison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance applies.
    • An original construction-drawing elevation certificate signed and stamped by a Mississippi registered land surveyor or engineer is required and must coincide with the submitted construction plans.
    • If the property falls in multiple flood zones, all flood zones and elevations must be identified, including the flood zone and required base flood elevation.
    • As of March 1, 2014, the lowest floor must be at least 2 feet higher than FEMA's required base flood elevation.
    • Two complete sets of construction plans are required.
    • For structures within the floodway boundary, a Mississippi registered engineer must design, stamp, and sign the footing and foundation plan; a floodway calculations data report and no-rise certification are required.
    • The owner must sign and record a non-conversion agreement with the Harrison County Chancery Clerk's Office.
    • The under-construction elevation certificate must be submitted within 10 days after the lowest floor is established and before framing inspection.
    • The finished-construction elevation certificate must be submitted before final inspection.

    lowest floor elevation above FEMA required base flood elevation: >= 2 feet (Requirement stated as of March 1, 2014) · under-construction elevation certificate deadline: <= 10 days (After the lowest floor is established and before framing inspection)

    “ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQURIED FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT IN A FLOODWAY (12/21/17) REFER TO THE HARRISON COUNTY FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental units used by vacationing guests for less than 30 days in Harrison County.

    • A Short Term Rental Permit and County Tax Privilege Business License are required.
    • A residence built to Lodging House (Transient) standards allowing more than 10 overnight guests may not be used as a vacation rental.
    • The use must minimize noise, overflow parking, overflow garbage, and inconsistent neighborhood activities.
    • The use is not a boarding home, personal care home, banquet hall, resort, private club, or place for parties or receptions.
    • Violations may result in a Cease and Desist Order.

    rental duration: < 30 days · overnight guest threshold: <= 10 guests (Houses or duplexes built to transient-lodging minimum standards allowing more than 10 overnight guests are not permitted as vacation rentals)

    “The following is the minimum list of requirements necessary to obtain a Harrison County Tax Privilege “Business” License and Short-Term Rental Permit.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Harrison County Code Administration mobile-home permits administered by the county.

    • Zoning approval for the mobile-home location and setbacks is required.
    • If the property is in a special flood hazard area, additional information is required.
    • For mobile homes in a mobile-home park, connections must be made by Harrison County licensed contractors, who are responsible for their permits and inspections.
    • Septic or sewer documentation may be required before permit issuance.

    mobile home on private property permit fee: 50 USD · mobile home in mobile home park permit fee: 25 USD

    “The permit fee for a mobile home on private property is $50.00 The permit fee for a mobile home in a mobile home park is $25.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Development permits administered by Harrison County Code Administration for development in a special flood hazard area.
      “FOR ANY AND ALL DEVELOPMENT IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT IS REQUIRED PER THE HARRISON COUNTY FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT. [...] 7. THE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FEE IS $50.00.”
  • Permit processPartial

    General building-permit administration in unincorporated Harrison County.

    • The county identifies Code Administration as responsible for permits and provides a physical address, telephone number, and hours.
    • The opened page does not provide the complete application, review, inspection, or issuance workflow.
    “Building Permits needed within the unincorporated areas of Harrison County are the responsibility of the Harrison County Code Administration. Harrison County Code Administration 15309 Community Road Gulfport, MS 39503 228-832-1622 Hours of Operation: 8 am to 5 pm Monday - Friday”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Building-permit administration in unincorporated Harrison County.
      “Building Permits needed within the unincorporated areas of Harrison County are the responsibility of the Harrison County Code Administration.”

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Property owners who assume charge of construction on their property for their own use.

    • The property use must not be for sale, rent, public use, or public assembly.
    • The exemption concerns residential-builder licensing and does not establish exemption from county permitting.
    “The owners of property who supervise, superintend, oversee, direct or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down or maintenance of any building, railroad, excavation, project, development, improvement, plant facility or any other construction undertaking on such property for use by such owner and which will not be for sale, rent, public use or public assembly;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person undertaking construction or improvement on the person's own residence or acting as the person's own general contractor for construction or improvement on that residence, for purposes of Mississippi residential builder and remodeler licensing requirements.
      “(1) This chapter shall not apply to: [...] (b) Any person who undertakes construction or improvement on his own residence, or who acts as his own general contractor in the performance of construction or improvement on his own residence;”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Pediatric skilled nursing facilities regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health.

    • Upon completion of construction, the Licensing Agency must inspect and approve the facility before occupancy.
    • The state and county health departments may access the job site during regular business hours and conduct construction progress inspections as deemed necessary by the agency.
    “Upon completion of construction, an inspection shall be made by the Licensing Agency and approval given prior to occupying the building or any part thereof. The state and county health departments shall have access to the job site during regular business hours and shall conduct construction progress inspections as deemed necessary by the agency.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Individual onsite wastewater systems and related inspections in Harrison County.

    • Harrison County is listed in MSDH's South Region.
    • The source describes MSDH's statewide program; local ordinances may impose additional requirements.
    “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists in designing and inspecting Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems (IOWDS), recreational vehicle campgrounds/lodging parks, septage pumpers/haulers and individual water supplies.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — On-site wastewater systems and related inspections in Harrison County.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists in designing and inspecting Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems (IOWDS), recreational vehicle campgrounds/lodging parks, septage pumpers/haulers and individual water supplies.”
    • State (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems and individual water supplies serving Harrison County.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists in designing and inspecting Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems (IOWDS), recreational vehicle campgrounds/lodging parks, septage pumpers/haulers and individual water supplies.”
    • State — On-site wastewater regulation and administration applicable in Harrison County.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists”
    • Mixed — Statewide individual onsite wastewater disposal systems; the Mississippi State Department of Health establishes the rules and the appropriate county Department of Health performs local inspections.
      “Notify the Department at least 48 hours before beginning construction if acting as the Certified Installer of an Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System and, at that time, schedule a time for inspection of the system with the appropriate county Department of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A water meter or installation of an onsite wastewater disposal system in Harrison County.

    • A permanent sewage-disposal solution may be a sewer line or septic system.
    • Applications and fees are handled through MSDH's Division of On-site Wastewater.
    • Local ordinances or institutions may impose additional approval requirements.
    “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or applicable individual on-site wastewater systems in Harrison County.
      “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an individual onsite wastewater disposal system in Harrison County.

    • The certified installer must contact the Department 24 hours before construction to schedule inspection.
    • The form provides a soil-and-site-evaluation plus exemption option under which final approval is not required; it still states that Steps 1-4 are followed.
    • The Department reserves the right to inspect systems after more than 30 days on properties using a two-acre exemption.
    “The Certified Installer is responsible for contacting the Department 24 hours BEFORE beginning construction to schedule an inspection.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation without public sewer in Harrison County.

    • Mississippi does not recognize gray water.
    • All wastewater must be piped into a central sewer system or septic system.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged on the ground, into ditches, or into bodies of water.
    • A septic system remains subject to MSDH requirements.
    “All wastewater is required to pipe into a central sewer system or a septic system for proper disposal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Wastewater disposal without connection to a central sewer system in Harrison County.
      “Mississippi does not recognize gray water. Anything that could be considered gray water in other states is classified as wastewater in Mississippi. All wastewater is required to pipe into a central sewer system or a septic system for proper disposal. No “gray water” can be discharged on the ground, ditches, or bodies of water.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater withdrawal permits for water wells in Mississippi.

    • A groundwater withdrawal permit is required for water wells with surface casing diameters of 6 inches or greater.
    • Some exclusions apply.
    • A separate contractor licensing requirement generally applies, but a landowner may drill without a Water Well Contractor license for a single-family permanent residence or farm livestock use if applicable construction standards are followed.
    • Wells with surface casing diameters below 6 inches may still be regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health when part of a public water system.

    surface casing diameter threshold: >= 6 inches (Some exclusions apply.)

    “State law requires that you obtain a groundwater withdrawal permit for water wells with surface casing diameters 6-inches or greater in diameter. Some exclusions apply to this requirement.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy at campgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, including Coal Bluff, Goshen Springs, Leake County Water Park, Low Head Dam, and Timberlake.

    • The rules apply within all campgrounds under the District’s jurisdiction.
    • Campgrounds are not intended to be permanent domiciles for campground guests.
    • A recreational vehicle must be in operable road-worthy condition, properly registered and insured in its domicile state or province, with a current license plate affixed.
    • Campers may not stay on any pad longer than 12 consecutive months; Standard Plus campers may move to another available pad after 12 months, but the District is not responsible for making a pad available.
    • Campsites are typically designed for trailers or recreational vehicles no longer than 32 feet or wider than 8 feet, subject to the stated RVIA-seal, holding-tank, facility-capacity, and prohibited-unit conditions.
    • Primitive camping areas without water, electricity, or sewer are not intended for recreational vehicles.
    • No permanent structures may be erected on a campsite; temporary accessibility stairs, stoops, steps, or ramps require the stated approvals and size limits.
    • Camping is confined to designated campground or overflow areas, and no more than one camping unit is allowed per pad without Campground Manager approval.

    maximum stay on one pad: <= 12 consecutive months (Campers may move to a different available pad after 12 months.) · typical campsite RV length: <= 32 feet (Larger units may be accepted if they satisfy the stated RVIA seal, holding-tank, and facility-capacity conditions.) · typical campsite RV width: <= 8 feet (Larger units may be accepted if they satisfy the stated RVIA seal, holding-tank, and facility-capacity conditions.)

    “Campers shall not stay on any pad longer than 12 consecutive months”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Mississippi county boards of supervisors' authority and obligation to adopt uniform building codes, including in unincorporated county territory, subject to the statutory opt-out framework.

    • All counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before November 30, 2014.
    • A county board of supervisors adopting building codes after July 1, 2008 must adopt as minimum codes codes established and promulgated by the Mississippi Building Codes Council.
    • The statewide source does not identify current county-by-county residential permit enforcement or opt-out status.

    opt-out deadline: 2014-11-30 · minimum-code requirement for codes adopted after: >= 2008-07-01

    “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Harrison County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size under Harrison County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Harrison County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Harrison County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Harrison County land-use or permitting requirements.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Harrison County, Mississippi

Is Harrison County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Harrison County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 65.5″/yr rainfall plus 73.9% wooded land and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 197,029 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Harrison County, Mississippi?

Harrison County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) On-Site Wastewater. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Harrison County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Harrison County is prohibited: Permanent recreational vehicle occupancy in unincorporated Harrison County. The rule excludes land included in municipal jurisdictions. A recreational vehicle is not considered a residential dwelling and may not be used as a permanent place of abode, occupancy, or accommodation. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Harrison County, Mississippi?

Land in Harrison County runs about $9,527 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Harrison County?

Harrison County gets about 65.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6% of years.

How remote is Harrison County?

A representative private-land location has about 197,029 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,105,120 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Harrison compares in Mississippi

Compare side-by-side →See all 82 Mississippi counties ranked →