Bolthole Index

Lamar County, Mississippi

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Lamar County, Mississippi

62Index Score / 100
#73 of 82 in Mississippi

Unincorporated Lamar County, Mississippi requires a residential construction permit before projects meeting the state's contractor-license threshold begin1. The county has no structural code or structural inspections23. County zoning covers only portions of unincorporated Lamar County; municipalities have separate rules45. Individual septic approvals come through the Mississippi State Department of Health, while sewer land-application systems also require county approval67.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential work; $50 at application18
Structural code and inspections
No county structural code or structural inspections23
Zoning
Applies only in portions of unincorporated Lamar County95
Septic permit
Required through the Mississippi State Department of Health1011
Owner-builder
Conditional one-house-per-year contractor-license exemption12
Tiny home
Accessory dwelling up to 800 square feet; district conditions apply1314
Flood permit
Required for structures with utilities outside municipal limits15

Who to call

Building permits

Lamar County Planning Department

Issues the residential construction permit required in unincorporated Lamar County under HB 1163

601.794.1024

403 Main Street, P.O. Box 1240, Purvis, MS 39475

Zoning

Lamar County Planning Department (Zoning Ordinance)

Administers the zoning ordinance adopted for portions of unincorporated Lamar County

Floodplain permits

Lamar County Planning Department

Administers zoning, subdivision, site plan, storm water and floodplain ordinances for unincorporated Lamar County

601-794-1024

144 Shelby Speights Drive, Purvis, MS 39475

Health department

Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of On-Site Wastewater

Statewide permitting authority for individual on-site wastewater (septic) systems; Lamar County is in the program's South Region

601-576-7150

570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216

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

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

Unincorporated Lamar County requires a residential construction permit before work meeting Mississippi's contractor-license threshold begins; remodeling or expansion over $10,000 also triggers building-permit requirements for contractors or subcontracted trades16. The residential construction permit costs $50 at application8. Planning must complete and sign the application before it becomes an issued permit17. Lamar County has no structural building codes or structural inspections, although site-plan and stormwater compliance inspections may occur218. The county does not issue certificates of occupancy; ask Planning for a site-specific verification letter19. The owner-builder contractor-license exemption is limited to one house per year, and subcontracted project-management and life-safety work requires appropriate licenses20.

Who issues building permits in Lamar County, and how do you reach them?

The Lamar County Planning Department issues residential construction permits for unincorporated Lamar County; call 601.794.1024 or use the listed address at 403 Main Street, P.O. Box 1240, Purvis, MS 3947521. The department also administers zoning, subdivision, site-plan, stormwater and floodplain ordinances, with a separate listed address at 144 Shelby Speights Drive, Purvis, MS 3947522. Hattiesburg, which reaches into Lamar County, requires city building permits for new residences and most residential alterations23. MSDH still handles the state onsite-wastewater approval process inside Hattiesburg, and the city also regulates private sewage disposal24.

Does Lamar County have zoning?

Lamar County zoning applies only to portions of unincorporated Lamar County; Planning must make official parcel determinations because the online ordinance and map are reference materials425. Hattiesburg, which reaches into Lamar County, administers its own zoning inside city limits; MSDH onsite-wastewater approval and city private-sewage requirements remain separate2624. County lot area, height and dwelling-size standards vary by district and use; the published multiple-family floor-area minimums are not universal house minimums272829. The ordinance includes yards of 20 feet front, 5 feet side and 20 feet rear in cited provisions, but the applicable district and use control30. Subdivision development is separately regulated, including sanitary-sewer review where a proposed development uses sewer land application31.

How do septic permits work in Lamar County?

MSDH's On-Site Wastewater program handles individual septic approvals in Lamar County; its soil and site evaluation produces a Permit/Recommendation needed for a water meter6. Under the new-system Notice of Intent process, the certified installer must notify MSDH 24 hours before construction; final approval requires inspection and the installer's signed affidavit32. An exemption option is available for specified acreage and dwelling arrangements when county, water-supplier and lender final approval is not needed; ask MSDH which route fits the project32. Lamar County's sewer land-application systems require Board of Supervisors approval regardless of size, county permitting and applicable MDEQ permits733. Those systems require setbacks including 1,000 feet from wells, lakes and streams, 500 feet from unrelated property lines and 300 feet from public-road rights-of-way33. These are sewer land-application setbacks, not ordinary septic drain-field distances33. Reach MSDH at 601-576-7150 or its call center at 855-220-019234.

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

We could not confirm a general rule for residential RV occupancy on private land in Lamar County; ask the Planning Department about the parcel and proposed duration21. In applicable county zoning districts, a detached accessory dwelling must be subordinate to the primary home, may not exceed 800 square feet and must meet accessory-structure setbacks13. District provisions can allow manufactured homes, campers with no wheels and tiny homes as second accessory dwellings, with sanitary-sewer or conditional-use approval required in some districts3536. Tiny-home provisions refer to units under 800 square feet and exclude converted vehicles as residences14. In manufactured-home parks, a Land Use Permit must precede utility connection, and electrical and plumbing connections require qualified licensed workers37. State factory-built-home installation inspection is required before occupation for homes installed on or after July 1, 200938.

How do you build a home in Lamar County, step by step?

  1. Ask Planning for the parcel's official zoning determination and applicable district standards25.
  2. Review subdivision requirements and obtain the flood permit required for structures with utilities outside municipal limits3115.
  3. Arrange MSDH's soil and site evaluation and confirm the inspection or exemption route with MSDH and any lender or water supplier632.
  4. Ask Planning which contractor documents apply: the application lists a material-purchase certificate or taxpayer identification and W-9, plus contractor-license or certificate-of-responsibility information17.
  5. Submit the residential construction application and $50 fee, and wait for Planning's signature before covered work begins1781.
  6. If self-contracting, confirm required licenses for subcontracted tasks under the owner-builder exemption20.
  7. Obtain applicable state well and state-highway driveway permits; arrange independent structural quality checks because Lamar County does not perform structural inspections39403.

What should you check before buying land in Lamar County?

Confirm the municipal boundary and zoning district before buying: county zoning covers only portions of unincorporated Lamar County, and municipalities have separate rules45. Any structure with utilities connected needs a county flood permit outside municipal limits, including outside the county's zoned area15. About 50.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional septic drain fields; make the parcel-specific MSDH evaluation a purchase contingency416. A qualifying well and a new or altered driveway onto a state highway require state permits3940. Manufactured-home park access points require approval from the Board of Supervisors and/or MDOT; that park rule does not establish a general county driveway-permit requirement42. Lamar County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual bill of about $1,4594344.

Watch-outs

  • Lamar County's $50 residential permit is not a structural-code approval: the county has neither adopted structural codes nor implemented structural inspections454647.
  • A structure that will have any utility connected needs a county flood permit anywhere in Lamar County outside municipal limits, even where county zoning does not apply15.
  • Lamar County's accessory-dwelling allowance depends on the zoning district, accessory setbacks and any sewer or conditional-use approval; it does not establish a general right to live in an RV on private land1336.

Sources

  1. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  3. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  4. Zoning Ordinance | Overview, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Ordinance | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  7. On-Site Wastewater, quoted and re-checked
  8. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  10. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  11. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  12. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  13. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  14. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  15. Flood Plain Management | Overview, quoted and re-checked
  16. Residential Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  17. Residential Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  18. Inspections & Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  19. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  20. Residential Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Lamar County Planning Department (lamarcountyms.gov)
  22. Lamar County Planning Department (lamarcountyms.gov)
  23. Hattiesburg: Residential - City of Hattiesburg (Lamar County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Hattiesburg: Chapter 21 - Sewer ordinance (Lamar County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Ordinance | Overview, quoted and re-checked
  26. Hattiesburg: Land Development Code (Lamar County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  29. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  30. Zoning Ordinance | Overview | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  31. County Regulations & Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  32. apps.msdh.ms.gov, quoted and re-checked
  33. FINAL 2024 0600 Sewer Land Application Systems, quoted and re-checked
  34. Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of On-Site Wastewater (msdh.ms.gov)
  35. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  36. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  37. lamarcountyms.gov, quoted and re-checked
  38. MH-5 Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Guidelines for Securing the Services of a Water Well Driller (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. 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
  42. Zoning Ordinance of Lamar County, Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  43. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  44. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  45. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  46. Residential Construction Permit | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked
  47. Inspections & Enforcement | Lamar County Mississippi, quoted and re-checked

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

RuleLamar CountyForrest CountyMarion CountyPearl River CountyPerry CountyJefferson Davis CountyStone County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredNot publishedRequiredNot publishedNot publishedRequired
County zoningYesNot publishedNoNot publishedNoNot publishedNo
Septic permitsMSDHMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of Health

County locator

Lamar County in Mississippi

62
County map
Lamar County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Lamar County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency74100% ev.
Admin Boringness47100% ev.
Durability67100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost80100% 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 →

$271kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$4,521Land / acre
62.2"Annual rain
5.3% of yrsSevere drought
12.5 / yr (+11.4)Mid-century 100°F days
16.9 daysMid-century dry spell
3.17" (+8.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,247Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.27%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
132,723People within 30 min
3,429,097People within 2 hr
56,885Radius comparison (15 mi)
133.3People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
50.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
157,108 acWorkable land screen
76.2%Wooded land
40.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lamar 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.

Lumberton · Purvis · Town of Sumrall

Answers from the rulebook for Lamar County

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

Lamar County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction in unincorporated Lamar County meeting the state-law contractor-license threshold.

    • The permit is required before construction begins.
    • The requirement applies to residential construction meeting the applicable Mississippi contractor-license threshold.
    • Municipal jurisdictions have separate regulations.
    • Remodeling or expansion over $10,000 requires permits for contractors or subcontracted trades.
    • The application is not an issued permit until Planning Department staff completes and signs it.

    permit fee: 50 USD (Payable at application; fee stated as established July 5, 2022.) · remodel or expansion threshold: > 10000 USD (Contractors and subcontractors must obtain permits.)

    “This page explains the regulation which establishes the requirement for a permit to be issued prior to the start of construction of any residential project that meets the minimum threshold as set by the appropriate state statutes for needing a contractor’s license to perform such a project or task.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction in unincorporated Lamar County meeting Mississippi's contractor-license threshold.
      “This page explains the regulation which establishes the requirement for a permit to be issued prior to the start of construction of any residential project that meets the minimum threshold as set by the appropriate state statutes for needing a contractor’s license to perform such a project or task.”
    • Required — Residential construction meeting the statutory threshold in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “This page explains the regulation which establishes the requirement for a permit to be issued prior to the start of construction of any residential project that meets the minimum threshold as set by the appropriate state statutes for needing a contractor’s license to perform such a project or task.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Self-contracting residential construction in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • A person may build only one house per year without a contractor's license.
    • Project manager, overseer, gas, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing licenses are mandatory if the exempt person subcontracts those tasks.
    • A project ceases to be exempt if a general contractor assumes primary contractor responsibility.
    • Fully exempt projects cannot use the listed project-manager, overseer, or life-safety subcontractors.
    • Any portion independently requiring a county permit must comply with Mississippi Board of Contractors licensing rules.

    houses per year: 1 house/year (One-house exemption only.)

    “A person can only build one house a year without a contractor’s license being required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    Structural building codes in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • The page distinguishes unincorporated areas from municipal jurisdictions, which may have their own regulations.
    “Lamar County Board of Supervisors has not adopted structural codes and has not implemented any structural code-based inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted — Structural building codes administered by Lamar County in unincorporated areas.
      “Lamar County Board of Supervisors has not adopted structural codes and has not implemented any structural code-based inspections.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • No inspections are conducted on single-family residential construction.
    • No structural inspections are conducted for any construction project in unincorporated areas.
    • Site-plan and stormwater compliance inspections may occur.
    • A flood permit is required for structures requiring utilities.
    “Lamar County unincorporated areas currently does not conduct inspections on single-family residential construction. In addition, we do not conduct structural inspections in unincorporated areas at this time for any construction project.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “Lamar County unincorporated areas currently does not conduct inspections on single-family residential construction. In addition, we do not conduct structural inspections in unincorporated areas at this time for any construction project.”
    • Not required — Structural-code-based building inspections by Lamar County.
      “Lamar County Board of Supervisors has not adopted structural codes and has not implemented any structural code-based inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Certificates of occupancy issued by Lamar County in unincorporated areas.

    • The county page says the county does not issue certificates of occupancy; a generic verification letter may be provided for a site-specific request.
    • Municipal rules may differ.
    “Lamar County Board of Supervisors does not issue certificates of occupancy as maybe typically obtainable from jurisdictions which have adopted and implemented structural codes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — County-issued certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “Lamar County Board of Supervisors does not issue certificates of occupancy as maybe typically obtainable from jurisdictions which have adopted and implemented structural codes.”
    • Not required — County-issued certificates of occupancy for unincorporated Lamar County residential construction.
      “Lamar County Board of Supervisors does not issue certificates of occupancy as maybe typically obtainable from jurisdictions which have adopted and implemented structural codes.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning adopted for portions of unincorporated Lamar County; incorporated municipalities administer their own rules.

    • The county page states zoning applies to portions of the unincorporated county, not uniformly countywide.
    • The zoning page states the online ordinance is for reference and official determinations require contacting the Planning Department.
    “Lamar County Board of Supervisors under authorization from the Mississippi State Legislature House Bill 1661 enabled Lamar County to adopt zoning for portions of the unincorporated County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Certain portions of unincorporated Lamar County.
      “THIS ORDINANCE SHALL GOVERN THE USE OF ALL LAND IN CERTAIN PORTIONS OF UNINCORPORATED LAMAR COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The county aggregate: county zoning applies in portions of unincorporated Lamar County, while incorporated municipalities administer their own rules.

    • The county page states that its regulations apply outside municipal jurisdictions and directs applicants inside municipalities to the respective municipal jurisdiction.
    • Zoning determinations are parcel-specific within the county zoned area.
    “If the parcel is located within the zoned area the process that you must take may very some depending on what type of use you would like to attempt on the parcel.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts established by the Lamar County zoning ordinance for covered portions of unincorporated Lamar County.

    • The ordinance includes General County, agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, special-use, manufactured-home, and planned-unit-development districts.
    • The official zoning map is separately referenced for parcel-specific classification.
    “ARTICLE III - ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS: PROVISION FOR OFFICIAL ZONING MAP”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts in portions of unincorporated Lamar County.
      “A viewable copy of the Lamar County Zoning Ordinance is available for review & download. The use of the online version is for reference purposes and for official determinations and/ or text of either you must contact the Planning Department.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Multiple-family uses in the Lamar County zoning ordinance.

    • The cited minimums apply to multiple-family uses, not universally to all dwellings.

    one-bedroom minimum floor area: >= 750 square feet (multiple-family uses) · two-bedroom minimum floor area: >= 950 square feet (multiple-family uses) · three-or-more-bedroom minimum floor area: >= 1200 square feet (multiple-family uses)

    “1203.03 Minimum Floor Area for Multiple Family Uses: (a) One-bedroom units: 750 square feet. (b) Two-bedroom units: 950 square feet. (c) Three or more-bedroom units: 1,200 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Uses in Lamar County zoning districts.

    • Minimum lot area varies by zoning district and use.
    • Examples in the ordinance include 1 acre in one district, 21,780 square feet in residential districts, and 4,500 square feet for patio homes.

    example minimum lot area: 21,780 square feet (Residential Estate and cited residential district provisions)

    “603.02 Minimum Lot Area: 21,780 square feet (½ acre)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Sewer land application systems (SLAS) anywhere in Lamar County.

    • The ordinance applies to all SLAS regardless of size.
    • All SLAS must be approved by the Lamar County Board of Supervisors.
    • A permit is required before installation, replacement, alteration, repair, or extension.
    • The ordinance notes that the 1,000-foot setback marked with an asterisk may be reduced for structures within the development.
    • SLAS are not allowed in areas on sites ponded with water or across County or State maintained roads.

    private water well setback: >= 1000 feet · municipal well setback: >= 1000 feet · occupied residential structure setback: >= 1000 feet (may be reduced for structures within the development) · commercial development or recreation area setback: >= 1000 feet (may be reduced for structures within the development) · property-line buffer: >= 500 feet (property line not associated with the system) · public road right-of-way setback: >= 300 feet · lake or pond setback: >= 1000 feet · river or stream setback: >= 1000 feet

    “0600.C.16. SLAS Location Setbacks Feature Minimum Setbacks Private Water Well 1,000 feet Municipal Well 1,000 feet Occupied Residential Structure* 1,000 feet Commercial Developments, * Recreation Areas 1,000 feet Property Lines 500 feet Public Road Rights of Way 300 feet Lakes/Ponds 1,000 feet Rivers/Streams 1,000 feet *Maybe reduced for structures within the development”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Development within portions of unincorporated Lamar County subject to the county zoning ordinance; exact setbacks depend on the applicable zoning district and use.
      “903.04 Minimum Yards: (a) Front yard: 20 feet from the street or road right-of-way line to the building setback. Side yards: 5 feet [...] Rear yard: 20 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot coverage in county-zoned districts where the ordinance specifies maximum buildable area.

    • The opened ordinance specifies a maximum buildable area of 50 percent in the cited district.
    • Other districts may have different dimensional controls.

    maximum buildable area: <= 50 percent of gross lot area (Aggregate ground-floor square footage of all buildings.)

    “1603.03 Maximum Buildable Area: - The aggregate square footage of the ground floor of all buildings shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the gross lot area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in Lamar County zoning districts.

    • A cited zoning provision limits building height to 70 feet unless greater height is approved by the Board of Supervisors.
    • Height exceptions apply to specified appurtenances such as antennas, water tanks, chimneys, and towers.

    maximum building height: <= 70 feet (greater height may be approved by the Board of Supervisors)

    “603.01 Maximum Building Height: 70 feet unless greater height is approved by the Board of Supervisors.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes used as second accessory dwelling units in Lamar County zoning districts.

    • The ordinance defines an accessory dwelling unit as subordinate to the primary dwelling and not exceeding 800 square feet.
    • In cited districts, the second accessory dwelling unit may include tiny homes under 800 square feet; some districts require sanitary sewer approval or conditional-use approval.
    • Vehicles, whether converted or not, are not considered residences.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: <= 800 square feet (under cited zoning-district provisions)

    “A second, accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted. This includes manufactured homes, campers and tiny homes under 800 square feet. Vehicles, whether converted or not, shall not be considered a residence”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes used as second accessory dwelling units in applicable agricultural and residential zoning districts.

    • The cited ordinance provision permits manufactured homes as second accessory dwelling units.
    • District-specific setbacks, sanitary-sewer approval, and other zoning requirements apply.
    “A second, accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted. This includes manufactured homes, campers with no wheels and tiny homes under 800 square feet.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Second accessory dwelling units in applicable Lamar County zoning districts.

    • The accessory dwelling unit must be detached and subordinate to the primary dwelling.
    • The unit may not exceed 800 square feet.
    • Accessory-structure setback standards apply.
    • Some districts require proof of sanitary-sewer approval.

    maximum floor area: <= 800 square feet (accessory dwelling unit)

    “Accessory Dwelling Unit: A detached structure or use as a dwelling unit which is subordinate to the primary dwelling. Shall not exceed 800 square feet and shall meet all accessory structure setback standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Second accessory dwelling units in Lamar County zoning districts.
      “A second, accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted so long as proof of sanitary sewer approval is available for the accessory dwelling. This includes manufactured homes, campers with no wheels and tiny homes under 800 square feet.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater and sewer land-application systems in Lamar County.

    • MSDH administers the statewide onsite wastewater program.
    • Lamar County Ordinance 0600 adds county approval and permitting for sewer land-application systems.
    • MDEQ permits are required for covered SLAS systems.
    • The county ordinance applies throughout the entire county.
    “All SLAS, regardless of size, must be approved by the Lamar County Board of Supervisors.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water, sewer, and electricity connections serving manufactured homes located in manufactured home parks.

    • A Land Use Permit must be obtained before utility connection.
    • Electrical wiring and plumbing connections must be performed by qualified and licensed persons.
    “Prior to the connection of utilities (water, sewer, electricity) to serve any manufactured home located in a manufactured home park, the owner of the manufactured home or mobile home, or the owner (or his authorized representative) of the manufactured home park in cases where both the space and the manufactured home are leased or rented, shall apply for a Land Use Permit.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and development in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • The county ordinance index lists subdivision regulations.
    • Zoned subdivisions may require a preliminary plat, construction-plan approval, and compliance with district regulations.
    • SLAS serving a proposed subdivision is reviewed as part of the sanitary sewer system for subdivision or development permitting.
    “The Planning Department works with the Board of Supervisors and the County Engineer to review on more frequent basis the progress of subdivision development.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development managed by Lamar County.
      “Below you will find a PDF version of the Lamar County Subdivision Regulations as currently amended and enforced.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access points from manufactured home parks to public streets or highways.

    • All access points must be approved by the Lamar County Board of Supervisors and/or the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
    • This claim is limited to manufactured home parks under the cited ordinance section.
    “All access points to public streets or highways shall be approved by the Board of Supervisors and/or the Mississippi Department of Transportation.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Structures with utilities connected in unincorporated areas outside municipal corporate limits.

    • A Flood Plain Permit is required for structures that will have utilities connected.
    • Municipalities have their own ordinances and procedures.
    • Structures in special flood hazard areas must meet minimum elevation standards.
    • Elevation certificates may be required before construction and after completion.
    “Lamar County has a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in place and requires that a Flood Plain Permit be obtained in order to construct any structures which will have any utilities connected. This Ordinance applies to all areas of Lamar County outside of the corporate limits of any municipality.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Structures in unincorporated Lamar County requiring a utility and subject to county floodplain controls.
      “However, we do require a Flood Permit for any structure requiring a utility of any type.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Residential construction permit fees in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • The fee is payable at application.
    • The county states the fee was established by Board of Supervisors vote at adoption of the ordinance on July 5, 2022.
    • The source does not establish that this fee applies to municipal permits or every other county permit type.

    residential construction permit fee: 50 USD (Payable at time of application.)

    “The fee established by vote of the Board of Supervisors is to be $50.00 payable at time of application.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential construction permit applications in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “As of the adoption of this ordinance July 5, 2022. The fee established by vote of the Board of Supervisors is to be $50.00 payable at time of application.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential construction permit applications in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “As of the adoption of this ordinance July 5, 2022. The fee established by vote of the Board of Supervisors is to be $50.00 payable at time of application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential construction permit application process in unincorporated Lamar County.

    • Applicant supplies either a Mississippi Department of Revenue material purchase certificate and copy or federal taxpayer identification number and W-9.
    • Applicant supplies either a Mississippi Board of Contractors license or certificate of responsibility.
    • Planning Department staff reviews, collects the fee, and signs the application.
    • The application is not an issued permit until completed and signed by Planning Department staff.
    “Staff from the Planning Department will review, collect the required fee, and sign off on the application. The Application Form is not considered an issued permit for the construction until completed and signed by the Planning Department staff.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential construction permit applications in unincorporated Lamar County.
      “Staff from the Planning Department will review, collect the required fee, and sign off on the application. The Application Form is not considered an issued permit for the construction until completed and signed by the Planning Department staff.”

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Septic permitRequired

    Soil and site evaluation permitting for individual onsite wastewater systems in Lamar County.

    • The MSDH page describes a Permit/Recommendation as required to obtain a water meter.
    • The excerpt does not establish every installation-specific permit condition.
    “Environmentalists offer Soil and Site Evaluations that provide property owners with a Permit/Recommendation (required to obtain a water meter) and suitable for installation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential and commercial onsite wastewater systems in Lamar County.
      “Environmentalists offer Soil and Site Evaluations that provide property owners with a Permit/Recommendation (required to obtain a water meter) and suitable for installation.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Lamar County, administered under Mississippi State Department of Health requirements.

    • Lamar County directs applicants seeking new septic-system approval or approval of an existing system to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
    • For a new IOWDS using the Notice of Intent process, the certified installer must notify MSDH 24 hours before construction so MSDH can schedule an inspection.
    • The final-approval option requires inspection and then submission of the certified installer’s signed installation affidavit; the form states that final approval is not required or desired under the exemption option, in which only Steps 1-4 are followed.
    • The exemption option applies where the applicant owns at least 2 acres for one dwelling and IOWDS, or at least 5 acres for two dwellings and IOWDS, and does not require final approval from the Board of Supervisors, water supplier/association, or lending institution.
    • For an existing septic system, the MSDH online application presents inspection as a choice; if home financing is involved, MSDH advises selecting inspection and warns that other entities may require approval.
    • MSDH reserves the right to inspect systems on properties that filed a two-acre exemption after the systems have been in use for more than 30 days.

    final approval fee: 222.5 USD (plus a processing fee) · exemption fee: 125 USD (plus a processing fee) · installer notice before construction: 24 hours (applies to the new IOWDS inspection scheduling process) · post-exemption inspection threshold: > 30 days (MSDH reserves the right to inspect after the system has been in use)

    “Do you wish for the Department to inspect the installation of your on-site wastewater disposal system. Yes No”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Individual onsite wastewater systems and related systems administered through the Mississippi State Department of Health.
      “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.”
  • 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.

  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in Lamar County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside an approved campground in Lamar County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Lamar County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Possible agricultural exemptions from Lamar County permits or zoning controls.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Lamar County.

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 Lamar County, Mississippi

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

Lamar County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 62.2″/yr rainfall plus 76.2% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 132,723 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Lamar 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.

How much does land cost in Lamar County, Mississippi?

Land in Lamar County runs about $4,521 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lamar County?

Lamar County gets about 62.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.3% of years.

How remote is Lamar County?

A representative private-land location has about 132,723 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,429,097 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 Lamar compares in Mississippi

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