Bolthole Index

Pearl River County, Mississippi

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Pearl River County, Mississippi

65Index Score / 100
#66 of 82 in Mississippi

Unincorporated Pearl River County, Mississippi requires building permits under its adopted 2018 building codes12. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, but subdivision lot-size and setback standards apply345. Picayune and Poplarville handle their own building permits; septic systems remain under the Mississippi State Department of Health678.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; unincorporated-subdivision dwellings and mobile homes must obtain one before placement or construction19
Building inspections
Required where the adopted building codes call for them10
Zoning
Countywide status remains unconfirmed; ask Planning & Building311
Septic permits
MSDH approval required for new systems unless a qualifying exemption applies812
RV living
Special Use Permit; 14 days per stay and 180 days per year13
Tiny home on wheels
Treated as a non-conventional housing unit if not code-compliant14
Owner-builder
Licensing exemption for work on your own residence; permits still apply15
Flood-hazard-area application
Requires a surveyor-issued elevation certificate16

Who to call

Building permits

Pearl River County Planning & Building Department

Site-development and building-construction permits, building-code enforcement, inspections, planning and floodplain questions

601-403-2202

100 S Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470

Building permits

Pearl River County Building Division

Building permits, code enforcement and permit checklists

Planning & zoning

Pearl River County Planning Division

Subdivision and floodplain administration, including special-flood-hazard-area application requirements

Septic permits

Mississippi State Department of Health, Pearl River County Health Department

Local contact for state-administered on-site wastewater permitting and inspections

601-798-6212

7547 Highway 11 North, Carriere, MS 39426

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 Pearl River County, Mississippi?

In unincorporated Pearl River County, building permits and inspections apply under the adopted 2018 International Building Codes1210. A dwelling or mobile home in a development governed by the county subdivision regulations needs a building permit before construction, erection or placement; developments commenced after adoption of the order need final plat approval and Board of Supervisors acceptance before building permits can be issued9. Inside city limits, Picayune issues building permits for renovations, additions and new construction, while Poplarville handles its own building permits, including manufactured homes in parks before utility connection67. Onsite septic systems in both cities remain under MSDH, subject to municipal sewer requirements1718.

Who issues Pearl River County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

For building permits on unincorporated land, contact the Pearl River County Planning & Building Department at 601-403-2202 or 100 S Main Street, Poplarville, MS 3947011. The department handles site-development and building-construction permits, code enforcement and floodplain management11. Subdivision filing costs $300 plus $20 per lot, and construction-plan review costs $20 per lot; those charges are not a general building-permit fee schedule19. Ask Planning & Building for the project-specific building-permit checklist, inspection requirements and price201011.

Does Pearl River County have zoning?

We could not confirm countywide zoning for unincorporated Pearl River County; ask Planning & Building about the intended parcel use311. Picayune and Poplarville administer their own zoning inside city limits, while MSDH remains the onsite septic authority21228. In unincorporated subdivisions, Residential I and II require 35-foot front, 10-foot side and 15-foot rear setbacks; Residential III requires a 30-foot front setback and Residential IV requires 25 feet, with the same side and rear setbacks5. Minimum lot areas are 7,500 square feet for Residential I, 1 acre for Residential II, 3 acres for Residential III and 10 acres for Residential IV4. These are subdivision standards; general setbacks outside those development types, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage and building height remain unconfirmed, so request a parcel review5311.

How do septic permits work in Pearl River County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater in Pearl River County; the county health department in Carriere is the local contact823. New systems require MSDH approval unless a qualifying exemption applies12. Before construction or placement of a home that may need septic, submit a Notice of Intent with a legal description, plot plan and fee; MSDH evaluates the site and issues a nontransferable Permit/Recommendation valid for two years unless extensive grading or site or dwelling changes void it12. Systems requiring Final Approval need an inspection, installation affidavit, any required advanced-treatment maintenance affidavit and fee; failed inspections require reinspection with a fee each time24. For existing systems, qualifying properties of 2 acres or more are exempt from connection-event inspections only if they have a single qualifying residence, contain all wastewater, affect no watercourse and involve no commercial development; other entities may still require MSDH Final Approval25. That exemption does not waive every wastewater requirement; ask the health department whether the property qualifies2523. Only about 21.9% of county soils lack severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so resolve septic feasibility before buying26.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Pearl River County?

Pearl River County treats recreational or seasonal camping in an RV or other non-conventional housing unit as temporary, non-permanent lodging27. A Special Use Permit limits occupancy to 14 consecutive days per stay and 180 total days per parcel each year1327. A qualifying hardship variance can authorize occupancy for up to 12 months and may be renewed annually with documentation13. The county generally allows one non-conventional housing unit per parcel, with an immediate-family hardship exception13. The flat fee for non-conventional-housing permits, including Special Use, Hardship Variance and Temporary Power Pole permits, is $5028. Rental, lease, short-term rental and other compensated occupancy are prohibited29. A tiny home on wheels that does not comply with the residential or building code is treated as a non-conventional housing unit and remains subject to sanitation, water, electrical, floodplain, setback and occupancy conditions14. Minimum dwelling size remains unconfirmed, so ask Planning & Building before choosing permanent tiny-house plans311.

Building a home in Pearl River County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Planning & Building for a parcel review, the building-permit checklist and the applicable fees2011.
  1. Confirm that a subdivision lot has final plat approval and Board of Supervisors acceptance, then verify its residential development type, minimum lot area and setbacks3045.
  1. Submit a Notice of Intent to the Mississippi State Department of Health before construction or placement of a home that may need an onsite wastewater system3123.
  1. If the site is in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain an elevation certificate from a land surveyor for the building-permit application16.
  1. Obtain the building permit and complete the inspections required by the adopted codes110.
  1. Complete the septic installation and any required inspection and Final Approval paperwork; ask MSDH whether an exemption applies12242523.
  1. An owner building for personal use may qualify for the state contractor-licensing exemption if the property is not for sale, rent, public use or public assembly, but county building permits and inspections still apply15.

What should you check before buying land in Pearl River County?

Start with legal access, subdivision status and written confirmation from Planning & Building about the intended use because countywide zoning and general county-road driveway rules remain unconfirmed33011. For an unincorporated subdivision parcel, identify the residential development type and verify both its minimum lot area and building setbacks before designing the site plan45. Check the flood map early because an identified Special Flood Hazard Area triggers a surveyor-issued elevation certificate for the building-permit application16. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency: only about 21.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field26. The terrain is broadly gentle, with about 92.8% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but a parcel-level survey and soil evaluation still control the buildable layout32.

Watch-outs

  • An RV Special Use Permit does not authorize full-time living: occupancy is capped at 14 consecutive days per stay and 180 days per parcel each year13.
  • A non-conventional housing unit cannot be rented, leased, offered as a short-term rental or used for other compensated occupancy29.
  • A building permit cannot be issued on a subdivision lot until the development has final plat approval and Board of Supervisors acceptance30.
  • The published subdivision charges are not a building-permit fee schedule; ask Planning & Building for the permit cost that applies to the project1911.

Sources

  1. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  3. (2026 county census)
  4. Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations, adopted August 21, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  5. Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Picayune: Planning & Zoning / Code Enforcement (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Poplarville: Sec. 48-99. Manufactured home parks and subdivisions (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  8. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  9. Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Planning & Building, quoted and re-checked
  11. Pearl River County Planning & Building Department (pearlrivercounty.net)
  12. Mississippi State Department of Health On-Site Wastewater Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  13. Recreational Vehicle Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Recreational Vehicle Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. msboc.us, quoted and re-checked
  16. pearlrivercounty.net, quoted and re-checked
  17. Picayune: On-Site Wastewater (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Poplarville: On-Site Wastewater (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning & Building, quoted and re-checked
  21. Picayune: MEMA District 9 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Annex E (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Poplarville: Sec. 48-34. Dimensional requirements (Pearl River County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Mississippi State Department of Health, Pearl River County Health Department (msdh.ms.gov)
  24. Mississippi State Department of Health On-Site Wastewater Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Mississippi State Department of Health On-Site Wastewater Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. Recreational Vehicle Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Recreational Vehicle Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. Recreational Vehicle Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Planning Division, quoted and re-checked
  31. Mississippi State Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Regulations and Design Standards, quoted and re-checked
  32. Share of land at 15% slope or less: 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, Pearl River County requires a building permit for a home.

RulePearl River CountyHancock CountyStone CountyLamar CountyHarrison CountyForrest CountyMarion County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot published
County zoningNot publishedYesNoYesYesNot publishedNo
Septic permitsMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMSDHMSDHMS State Dept. of Health

County locator

Pearl River County in Mississippi

65
County map
Pearl River County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Pearl River County scores

Seclusion54100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness5277% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$198kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$3,891Land / acre
64.5"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
9.6 / yr (+8.7)Mid-century 100°F days
16.1 daysMid-century dry spell
3" (+3.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.33×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,410Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
2.37%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
14,178People within 30 min
2,729,596People within 2 hr
30,737Radius comparison (15 mi)
71.5People / sq mi
2.2%Federal land
92.8%Land at 15% slope or less
21.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
112,228 acWorkable land screen
75.2%Wooded land
42.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pearl River 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 Pearl River County

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

Pearl River County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits and code enforcement for construction in Pearl River County.

    • The County applies the adopted 2018 Family of International Building Codes and County ordinances through plan checks and inspection services.
    “Permitting and inspection of structures as required by the 2018 International Building and Residential Codes”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Any mobile home or building designed, built, or used for human habitation, termed a dwelling unit, constructed, erected, or placed on a lot of any development governed by the Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations.
      “first acquire a building permit from the Department of Planning and Development.”
    • Required — Mobile homes and dwelling units constructed, erected, or placed on lots in developments in unincorporated Pearl River County.
      “the owner shall first acquire a building permit”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Pearl River County building-code administration and construction covered by the county's adopted codes.

    • The county page identifies the adopted code as the 2018 Family of International Building Codes ordinance.
    • Requirements may differ for incorporated municipalities or other authorities.
    • The county page does not state an effective date.
    “The Building Division provides building permits and code enforcement by operating under the adopted 2018 Family of International Building Codes ordinance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Structures subject to the county's 2018 International Building and Residential Codes.

    • Inspections are required as specified by the applicable adopted codes.
    • The county page does not provide a complete inspection schedule or exceptions.
    “Permitting and inspection of structures as required by the 2018 International Building and Residential Codes”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot sizes for residential subdivision development types under Pearl River County's 2024 subdivision regulations.

    • The regulations apply to subdivisions in the unincorporated area.
    • Residential I requires 7,500 square feet.
    • Residential II requires 43,560 square feet (1 acre).
    • Residential III requires 130,680 square feet (3 acres).
    • Residential IV requires 435,600 square feet, described as a 10-acre minimum parcel with a maximum number of 10 parcels.
    • These are subdivision design standards and are not a countywide zoning minimum for every parcel.

    Residential I minimum lot area: 7500 square feet · Residential II minimum lot area: 43560 square feet (1 acre) · Residential III minimum lot area: 130680 square feet (3 acres) · Residential IV minimum parcel area: 435600 square feet (10-acre minimum parcel; maximum number of 10 parcels)

    “Residential I 7,500 [...] Residential II 43,560 (1 Acre) [...] Residential III 130,680 (3 Acre) [...] Residential IV 435,600 (10 Acre minimum parcel with a maximum number of 10 parcels)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Minimum building setbacks for residential subdivision development in the unincorporated area of Pearl River County.

    • These setbacks are in the county subdivision regulations and apply by residential development type.
    • The regulations separately state that the subdivision regulations apply to subdivisions located in the unincorporated area.
    • Residential I and II have a 35-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, and 15-foot rear setback.
    • Residential III has a 30-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, and 15-foot rear setback.
    • Residential IV has a 25-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, and 15-foot rear setback.

    front building setback, Residential I: 35 feet · side building setback, Residential I: 10 feet · rear building setback, Residential I: 15 feet · front building setback, Residential II: 35 feet · side building setback, Residential II: 10 feet · rear building setback, Residential II: 15 feet · front building setback, Residential III: 30 feet · side building setback, Residential III: 10 feet · rear building setback, Residential III: 15 feet · front building setback, Residential IV: 25 feet · side building setback, Residential IV: 10 feet · rear building setback, Residential IV: 15 feet

    “The jurisdiction of these subdivision regulations apply to all subdivisions of land, as defined in these regulations located within the unincorporated area within Pearl River County, Mississippi. [...] Type of Street Frontage Minimum Building Setback Side Minimum Building Setback Rear Minimum Building Setback Residential I 35 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential II 35 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential III 30 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential IV 25 feet 10 feet 15 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum building setbacks for Residential I-IV development types under the Pearl River County Subdivision Regulations.
      “Type of Street Frontage Minimum Building Setback Side Minimum Building Setback Rear Minimum Building Setback Residential I 35 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential II 35 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential III 30 feet 10 feet 15 feet Residential IV 25 feet 10 feet 15 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles and other non-conventional housing units on parcels in Pearl River County.

    • A Special Use Permit authorizes short-term, non-permanent occupancy.
    • Occupancy is limited to 14 consecutive days per stay and 180 total days per parcel per year.
    • A hardship variance may authorize up to 12 months, renewable annually with documentation.
    • No rental, lease, short-term rental, or compensated occupancy is permitted.
    • No more than one NCHU may be permitted per parcel except under a hardship variance for immediate family occupancy.
    • Sanitation, potable water, electrical, floodplain, registration, setbacks, and posting requirements apply.
    • The ordinance applies to new placements after its effective date; existing units are grandfathered subject to stated compliance requirements.
    • The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption and publication.

    maximum consecutive days per stay: 14 days (Special Use Permit) · maximum occupancy per parcel per year: 180 days (Special Use Permit) · NCHUs per parcel: 1 unit (Hardship Variance for immediate family occupancy) · permit fee: 50 USD (All NCHU permits, Special Use and Hardship Variance permits, and Temporary Power Pole permits)

    “2. Duration: 14 consecutive days per stay, not to exceed 180 days total per parcel per year.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary lodging or camping in an RV or other non-conventional housing unit on a Pearl River County parcel.

    • Temporary lodging is non-permanent recreational or seasonal use.
    • A Special Use Permit is limited to 14 consecutive days per stay and 180 days total per parcel per year.
    • A hardship variance may authorize up to 12 months for qualifying extraordinary circumstances.
    • Sanitation, potable water, electrical, floodplain, setbacks, registration, and posting standards apply.
    • No rental, lease, short-term rental, or compensated occupancy is permitted.

    maximum consecutive days per stay: 14 days (Special Use Permit) · maximum occupancy per parcel per year: 180 days (Special Use Permit)

    “5. Temporary Lodging: The short-term, non-permanent use of an NCHU for recreational or seasonal purposes.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes on wheels and similar non-conventional housing units in Pearl River County.

    • The ordinance defines a Tiny Home on Wheels as an NCHU when not constructed in compliance with the IRC or IBC.
    • NCHU permits, sanitation, water, electrical, floodplain, setbacks, registration, and occupancy limits apply.
    • No more than one NCHU may be permitted per parcel except under a hardship variance for immediate family occupancy.
    • No rental, lease, short-term rental, or compensated occupancy is permitted.

    permit fee: 50 USD (NCHU permits)

    “1. Non-Conventional Housing Unit (NCHU): Any Recreational Vehicle (RV), Park Model RV, Tiny Home on Wheels, converted bus, camper, or other mobile dwelling not constructed in compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development and plat approval in Pearl River County.

    • Final plat approval by the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors is required before a building permit may be issued on a lot or development commenced.
    • Violations may result in misdemeanor treatment, daily fines, and stop-work orders.
    • The 2024 regulations took effect on August 21, 2024.

    first offense penalty: 500 USD per day (Subdivision approval not obtained before deed recordation) · second offense penalty: 750 USD per day (Subdivision approval not obtained before deed recordation) · third offense penalty: 1000 USD per day (Subdivision approval not obtained before deed recordation)

    “No building permit may be issued by the Department of Planning and Development on any lot or development commenced after the adopting of this order unless the development has received final plat approval by the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors and has been accepted by the Board.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Building-permit applications in identified Special Flood Hazard Areas in Pearl River County.

    • An elevation certificate issued through a land surveyor is required for a building-permit application in an identified SFHA.
    • The elevation information is needed to show compliance with the county flood damage prevention ordinance.
    • Pearl River County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    “If you are applying for a building permit in an identified SFHA area, you will need an elevation certificate issued through your land surveyor.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental or compensated occupancy of RVs and other non-conventional housing units.

    • The RV ordinance prohibits rental, lease, short-term rental, and compensated occupancy for NCHUs.
    • This claim does not establish a rule for conventional dwellings or all short-term rentals in the county.
    “4. Non-Rental: No rental, lease, short-term rental, or compensated occupancy of any kind is permitted.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Pearl River County fees for subdivision filing and construction-plan review; this does not establish the separate building-permit fee amount.

    • Applies to subdivision plats and construction-plan review under the 2024 Subdivision Regulations.
    • The Chancery Clerk filing fees are set by the Chancery Clerk.
    • The official residential-commercial permit checklist directs applicants to a permit fee schedule, but no separate building-permit fee schedule was located in the opened official pages.

    subdivision filing fee: 300 USD · subdivision lot fee: 20 USD per lot · construction plan review lot fee: 20 USD per lot

    “Filing Fee---------------------------------------$300.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Pearl River County permits for non-conventional housing units, including special-use, hardship-variance, and temporary-power-pole permits.
      “The permit fee for all NCHU permits, including Special Use & Hardship Variance permits, and Temporary Power Pole permits are $50.00 total flat rate.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County planning, building, subdivision, and floodplain permitting processes.

    • The Planning and Building Department authorizes permits for site development and building construction.
    • Commercial site plans and subdivisions are coordinated for Board of Supervisors approval.
    • SFHA building-permit applications require an elevation certificate from a land surveyor.
    • The opened sources do not provide the complete building-permit application checklist or all fee details.
    “The department consists of the Planning and Development, Building, and Floodplain Management Divisions and is responsible for community planning, authorizing permits for site development and building construction projects, and enforcing county building codes and ordinances.”

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Mississippi residential and other construction undertaken by an owner for the owner's use.

    • The owner must use the property or undertaking personally.
    • The property or improvement must not be for sale, rent, public use, or public assembly.
    • This exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not eliminate applicable building permits or other approvals.
    “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;”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Pediatric skilled nursing facilities regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health at final inspection and close-out.

    • At final inspection, the State Agency must receive a Certificate of Occupancy or statement of approval from the local building official permitting occupancy for the facility's intended use.
    • If there is no local building authority, approval from the local fire authority having jurisdiction must be provided.
    • If the facility is state-owned and subject to the State Bureau of Buildings, Grounds and Real Estate Management, approval of occupancy must be coordinated between the state agencies involved.
    “A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy or statement of approval from the local building official permitting occupancy of the facility for its intended use. In the absence of a local building authority, approval of a local fire authority having jurisdiction shall be provided. If the facility is owned by the State of Mississippi and subject to the State Bureau of Buildings Grounds and Real Estate Management, approval of occupancy shall be coordinated between the state agencies involved;”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupation of Factory-Built homes, including manufactured homes, sited anywhere in Mississippi and installed on or after July 1, 2009.

    • The home must undergo inspection under the Mississippi Inspection Program before occupation.
    • The inspection is conducted by an inspector assigned by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to verify compliance with the manufacturer’s published installation instructions and Mississippi Installation Standards.
    • The retailer/developer and/or installer/transporter must submit a Property Locator/Certificate of Installation Form certifying compliant installation.
    • For new or used residential homes involving a retailer, the form and required photographs must be submitted within three business days after installation and before porches, decks, or skirting are installed.
    • For secondary sitings without a retailer, the installer/transporter must submit the form and required photographs within three business days after installation and before porches, decks, or skirting are installed.
    • All necessary state-law or local-authority-having-jurisdiction permits must be obtained before installation.
    • Inspection fees are paid by the installer/transporter, developer, or retailer, not the purchaser; failure to pay an invoice within 45 days is a regulatory violation.
    • Factory-Built homes designated and properly certified not to be used for human habitation, such as hunting/fishing camps or storage, are excepted from the human-habitation installation requirements.

    installation inspection applicability date: 2009-07-01 · current regulation effective date: 2026-07-01 · certificate submission deadline: <= 3 business days after installation (Must also be before installation of porches, decks, or skirting; secondary sitings without a retailer follow the installer/transporter rule.) · inspection scheduling window: 7 to 10 business days after receipt of Property Locator/Certificate of Installation (May be adjusted for Division resource and manpower shortages.) · inspection invoice payment deadline: <= 45 days from invoice date (Nonpayment is a violation and numerous unpaid invoices may delay or deny license issuance.)

    “Beginning July 1, 2009, every Factory-Built home that is sited within the State of Mississippi shall be subject to inspection under the MS Inspection Program prior to occupation.”
  • Who permits septicState

    On-site wastewater systems serving property in Pearl River County, which MSDH lists within its South Region.

    • The Mississippi State Department of Health Division of On-Site Wastewater administers the program.
    • Pearl River is listed in the South Region.
    • County or municipal rules 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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

    Residential individual onsite wastewater disposal systems in Pearl River County, including residences that may require installation of an IOWDS.

    • Before constructing or placing a mobile, modular, or permanently constructed residence, building, or facility that may require an IOWDS, the applicant must submit a Notice of Intent to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
    • For a water-service connection or water meter, the applicant must submit the Permit/Recommendation, which is an approved plan for sewage treatment and disposal.
    • The applicant must select an IOWDS from the options listed on the Permit/Recommendation form.
    • After installation and inspection, the applicant must provide the required installation affidavit or, if eligible, an exemption affidavit; an advanced treatment system also requires a maintenance affidavit; and a Final Approval fee is required.
    • The Permit/Recommendation is nontransferable, valid for two years, and may be voided by the Department if extensive grading occurs or the site or dwelling deviates from the submitted plot plan.
    • Pearl River County is listed in the MSDH South Region.

    district environmentalist soil and site evaluation processing time: 5 working days (after receipt of a completed Notice of Intent) · district environmentalist Permit/Recommendation processing time: 10 working days (after receipt of a completed Notice of Intent) · Permit/Recommendation validity: 2 years (nontransferable; may be voided if extensive grading occurs or the site/dwelling deviates from the submitted plot plan)

    “All Applicants must comply with the following: 1. Submitting a Notice of Intent to the Department prior to constructing or placing any mobile, modular or permanently constructed residence, building or facility, which may require the installation of an IOWDS.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Pearl River County that are not within a qualifying exemption.
      “Approval of the design, construction or installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system by the department is required”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing individual onsite wastewater disposal systems in Pearl River County.

    • An existing system is evaluated upon an applicant request, a new water-service connection, a substantiated complaint, or a Medical Exception request received by the Department.
    • A connection-event inspection is required when a defined water-service connection occurs for property served by an existing IOWDS, unless the property is exempt under Miss. Code Ann. § 41-67-6(7).
    • Advanced Treatment Systems must be inspected by an authorized representative of the Certified Manufacturer, with inspection forms or proof of a continuous maintenance agreement submitted.
    • Properties exempt under Miss. Code Ann. § 41-67-6(7) are not subject to connection-event inspection requirements.
    “An existing IOWDS will be evaluated based on”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Public water connections and connection to centralized wastewater treatment systems for residences, buildings, and facilities in Mississippi.

    • A public water utility may not connect water service without prior written Department approval certifying that the sewage treatment and disposal plan complies with state law.
    • Water utility connections may be made during construction only if the Department approved the sewage plan and the owner agreed to inspection and approval before use or occupancy.
    • Where centralized wastewater treatment is constructed and becomes available, onsite systems must be abandoned and residences, buildings, or facilities connected to the centralized system.
    • Temporary onsite systems may be used only under the stated 36-month centralized-treatment conditions.

    centralized wastewater availability deadline: 36 months (The developer must sign a written agreement to connect when available and install internal sewage collection to the connection point.)

    “Where a Centralized Wastewater Treatment System is available, all places shall have a properly constructed connection to the centralized wastewater treatment system which all human excreta and other liquid waste shall be disposed”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and specified changes of use connecting to Mississippi state highways.

    • A permit is required for new driveways.
    • A permit is required for alterations to existing drives.
    • A permit is required for a change of use causing a daily-trip increase of 10% or 100 daily trips, whichever is greater.
    • A permit is required for property-use changes from non-commercial to commercial.
    • If access is expected to exceed 100 peak-hour trips, a traffic-impact study must be submitted.
    • If the permitted land use changes, the original permit is revoked and a new permit must be applied for.
    • A denied permit may be appealed within 10 days after receipt of the denial notification.

    daily trip increase threshold: 10 percent (or 100 daily trips, whichever is greater) · traffic impact study threshold: > 100 peak-hour trips · appeal deadline: 10 days (after receipt of denial notification)

    “For State Highways a permit is required for: 1. New driveways; 2. Alterations to existing drives;”
  • 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.

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Pearl River County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning status across Pearl River County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts for Pearl River County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Pearl River County.
  • Lot coverage — General lot-coverage requirements in Pearl River County.
4 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Pearl River County, Mississippi

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

Pearl River County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 64.5″/yr rainfall plus 75.2% wooded land. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Pearl River County, Mississippi?

Pearl River County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Mississippi State Department of Health - Division of 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 Pearl River County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Pearl River County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles and other non-conventional housing units on parcels in Pearl River County. A Special Use Permit authorizes short-term, non-permanent occupancy. Occupancy is limited to 14 consecutive days per stay and 180 total days per parcel per year. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Pearl River County, Mississippi?

Land in Pearl River County runs about $3,891 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pearl River County?

Pearl River County gets about 64.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is Pearl River County?

A representative private-land location has about 14,178 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,729,596 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 Pearl River compares in Mississippi

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