Bolthole Index

Perry County, Mississippi

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

67Index Score / 100
#53 of 82 in Mississippi

Perry County, Mississippi does not publish a residential building-permit office or process, so confirm the current permit and inspection path with the Board of Supervisors before building in an unincorporated area12. Unincorporated Perry County does not have county-level zoning3. Septic permits go through the Mississippi State Department of Health4.

At a glance

Building permit
Requirement and local process unconfirmed1
Zoning
No county-level zoning in unincorporated areas3
Septic permit
Required through the Mississippi State Department of Health45
Owner-builder
State licensing exemption available for your own residence6
RV or tiny-home living
Land-use approval unconfirmed; wastewater rules still apply73
Minimum home size
No county standard confirmed; ask before designing3
Conventional septic soils
About 33.3% of soils lack severe limitations8
Median property tax bill
About $947 a year9

Who to call

Also useful

Perry County Board of Supervisors

General county government contact to identify the current permit, inspection, zoning and floodplain contacts

601.964.8370

contact@perrycountyms.gov

101 Main St. New Augusta, MS 39462

Roads & driveways

Perry County Engineer

County roads, bridges, drainage and public infrastructure questions, including whom to ask about a proposed county-road entrance

601.583.2127

Septic permits

Mississippi State Department of Health, Perry County Health Department

Local health department contact for Perry County within the state on-site wastewater program

601-964-3288

15 Pumping Station Road Petal, MS 39465

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Perry 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 Perry County, Mississippi?

Perry County's residential building-permit requirement and local application process could not be confirmed1. The Mississippi Insurance Department says all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before the 2014 deadline, but that source does not show whether Perry County opted out or what code it enforces.1011 Do not market rural land as permit-free or code-free. Before ordering plans or starting site work in unincorporated Perry County, ask the Board of Supervisors who accepts residential permit applications, which code applies, what inspections are required, what the fees are and whether a certificate of occupancy is issued2. Incorporated places may administer their own requirements, so contact the relevant city when a parcel is inside municipal limits12.

Who handles Perry County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Perry County does not publish a dedicated building department, application, fee schedule or inspection process, so the local construction path could not be confirmed1. Start with the Perry County Board of Supervisors at 101 Main St. in New Augusta, by phone at 601.964.8370 or email at contact@perrycountyms.gov2. Ask the Board office to identify the current building and floodplain officials, then get parcel-specific requirements in writing. For an entrance on a county road, the Perry County Engineer is the public-infrastructure contact and handles questions involving county roads, bridges and drainage13. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires an MDOT permit14.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Unincorporated Perry County does not have county-level zoning3. That does not settle every parcel question: county standards for setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height and lot coverage could not be confirmed. Ask the Board of Supervisors for a parcel-specific written answer before relying on a seller's description2. If the land lies inside an incorporated municipality, contact that city because Mississippi permit and zoning requirements vary by local government12. The county's floodplain-development permit requirement and current administrator also could not be confirmed, so ask the Board office before placing improvements in a mapped flood area2.

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers individual on-site wastewater systems in Perry County4. A permanent sewer or septic solution is required before a permanent water meter can be connected, and an MSDH permit is required for an onsite system155. MSDH reviews the application before invoicing, emails the invoice within one business day and requires payment before visiting the property16. Current online fees are $197.50 for Notice of Intent plus Final Approval or $100 for Notice of Intent plus Exemption; processing fees may apply and charges can change17. The exemption route does not include an MSDH approval visit after installation18. Start with the Perry County Health Department at 601-964-328819. Only about 33.3% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the site before fixing the house location or wastewater budget8.

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

Perry County does not have county-level zoning in unincorporated areas, but long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy still could not be confirmed3. Ask the Board of Supervisors about residential occupancy, construction, address assignment and floodplain review before moving onto the parcel2. For wastewater purposes, MSDH treats a hunting camp as a residential application; a hunting-camp property with three or more trailers, cabins or RVs requires a commercial-development application7. Mississippi does not recognize gray water as a separate waste stream: all wastewater must discharge to sewer or septic, not onto the ground, into a ditch or into water20. The owner-builder exemption removes a state residential-builder licensing requirement for work on your own residence, but it does not waive permits or other rules6.

Building a home in Perry County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the Perry County Board of Supervisors to identify the current building, inspection and floodplain authorities for the parcel2.
  1. If the parcel is inside a municipality, confirm that city's separate requirements before design work12.
  1. Apply to MSDH for the onsite-wastewater permit; payment is due before the property visit165.
  1. Confirm entrance approval with the County Engineer for a county road or obtain an MDOT permit for a state-highway connection1314.
  1. Submit the residential permit documents the county identifies and schedule required inspections; Perry County's exact process remains unconfirmed1.
  1. If acting as your own general contractor on your own residence, document the state licensing exemption while following every applicable permit rule6.

What should you check before buying land in Perry County?

Start with wastewater: only about 33.3% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the state site evaluation before assuming a standard system will fit85. If land will be divided, MSDH reviews onsite-wastewater designs for subdivisions, but that does not establish whether Perry County separately regulates plats or subdivision layout21. Check access next: the County Engineer handles county-road infrastructure questions, while a new driveway onto a state highway requires an MDOT permit1314. Confirm setbacks, dwelling type, RV use and floodplain review with the Board of Supervisors even though unincorporated Perry County lacks county zoning32. Perry County is about 88.1% wooded and about 41.8% federally owned, so verify surveyed boundaries and legal access2223.

Watch-outs

  • Perry County's building-permit and inspection process could not be confirmed; ask the Board of Supervisors to identify the current authority before construction begins12.
  • Unincorporated Perry County lacks county zoning, but RV and tiny-home occupancy rules remain unconfirmed; obtain a parcel-specific written answer before moving onto the land32.
  • Only about 33.3% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field; complete the state site evaluation before fixing a house location or wastewater budget85.

Sources

  1. Miss. Code Ann. §19-5-9(11) (2026 county census)
  2. Perry County Board of Supervisors (perrycountyms.gov)
  3. Perry County, MS - Official Website (2026 county census)
  4. On-Site Wastewater, quoted and re-checked
  5. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  6. msboc.us, quoted and re-checked
  7. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  8. 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
  9. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Mississippi Uniform Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  11. Mississippi Uniform Building Codes (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Start Your Business in Mississippi — County and City Permits (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Perry County Engineer (perrycountyms.gov)
  14. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  16. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  17. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  18. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  19. Mississippi State Department of Health, Perry County Health Department (msdh.ms.gov)
  20. MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers, quoted and re-checked
  21. On-Site Wastewater, quoted and re-checked
  22. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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 4 neighbors with published rules, Perry County has no countywide zoning.

RulePerry CountyForrest CountyGreene CountyStone CountyJones CountyLamar CountyGeorge County
Building permitNot publishedNot requiredNot publishedRequiredRequiredRequiredNot published
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNoNot publishedYesNo
Septic permitsMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthCounty Health Dept.MSDHMS State Dept. of Health

County locator

Perry County in Mississippi

67
County map
Perry County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Perry County scores

Seclusion44100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness7268% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$168kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$3,656Land / acre
63"Annual rain
6.2% of yrsSevere drought
16.7 / yr (+14.7)Mid-century 100°F days
16.9 daysMid-century dry spell
3.12" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,049Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.43%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
78,825People within 30 min
2,168,360People within 2 hr
25,765Radius comparison (15 mi)
17.5People / sq mi
41.8%Federal land
96.5%Land at 15% slope or less
33.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
136,531 acWorkable land screen
88.1%Wooded land
45.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Perry 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.

Town of Beaumont · Town of New Augusta · Town of Richton

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Perry County's official website lists no planning/zoning department and directs property owners to the zoning officials of the relevant city, indicating no county-level zoning in unincorporated areas.

    Perry County, MS - Official Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person undertaking construction or improvement on the person's own residence, or acting as the person's own general contractor, in Perry County.

    • The exemption is for the person's own residence.
    • The cited statutory text also lists agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, community-effort buildings, and tenant houses.
    • The exemption concerns residential builder licensing and does not establish exemption from building permits or other rules.
    “This chapter shall not apply to: [...] 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;”
    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;”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Mississippi Fire Prevention Code and State Fire Marshal enforcement for state-owned or state-agency buildings, public-assembly buildings, and buildings at least 75 feet high, subject to local fire-prevention-code exceptions stated in the statute.

    • The State Fire Marshal's Office adopted the 2024 editions of the International Fire Code and International Building Code effective July 1, 2024.
    • The Mississippi Fire Prevention Code applies to all buildings owned by the State or State Agencies.
    • It applies to all buildings utilized for public assembly except in a county or municipality that has adopted a fire-prevention code with standards not less stringent than the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code.
    • It applies to buildings whose construction permits were issued after the statutory effective date and that are not less than 75 feet in height, unless the county or municipality has adopted a fire-prevention code with standards not less stringent than the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code.

    International Fire Code edition: 2024 edition · International Building Code edition: 2024 edition · effective date: 2024-07-01 · height threshold: >= 75 feet (Local fire-prevention code exception applies where stated.)

    “AS OF JULY 1, 2024, THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI – OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL HAS ADOPTED THE 2024 ADDITION”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Mississippi counties and municipalities, including Perry County, subject to any applicable statutory opt-out.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
    • Partial — Mississippi counties and municipalities subject to the statewide uniform-building-code framework.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014. Please complete the following information regarding your county or municipality’s building code policies.”
    • Partial — Mississippi counties and municipalities, including residential building-code adoption subject to the statewide uniform-building-code framework.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
  • 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.”
  • 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;”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    RV occupancy at a hunting camp where onsite-wastewater service is needed in Mississippi, including Perry County.

    • A hunting camp is treated as a residential application.
    • Three or more trailers, cabins, or RVs on the property must be applied for as a commercial development.
    • This claim concerns state onsite-wastewater administration and does not establish a county land-use approval.

    trailers, cabins, or RVs triggering commercial-development application: >= 3 units (At a hunting camp property)

    “Yes. This is considered a residential application with us. If there will be three (3) or more trailers/cabins/RVs on the property, this will need to be applied for as a commercial development.”
  • 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 septicMixed

    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.

    • The governing regulation is promulgated under the Mississippi Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Law.
    • Inspection scheduling and inspections are handled with the appropriate county Department of Health.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Mississippi, including Perry County.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system and obtaining a water meter in Mississippi, including Perry County.

    • A permanent sewage-disposal solution is required before a permanent water meter is provided.
    • If sewer is available within one mile, MSDH automatically refers the application to connect; MSDH requires a letter of rejection from the sewer provider before proceeding.
    “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection of individual on-site wastewater systems in Mississippi, including Perry County.

    • An applicant may select the Notice of Intent plus Exemption route; MSDH states that it does not then visit to approve installation.
    • MSDH states that an installer must install the system selected from the permit and submit required paperwork even when an exemption applies.
    • MSDH does not require an inspection as part of a real-estate transaction, though it recommends one.
    “The second difference means we do not go out to approve the installation, which is why the application costs less. This approval ensures that the Certified Installer installed everything legally and properly and will not be available if the system is already in the ground.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater disposal in Mississippi, including Perry County.

    • All wastewater must be piped to a central sewer system or septic system for proper disposal.
    • No gray water may be discharged on ground, ditches, or bodies of water.
    “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.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Permanent water-meter connection where permanent sewage disposal is required in Mississippi, including Perry County.
      “State law requires you have permanent sewage disposal solution available to receive a permanent water meter. Permanent sewage disposal solutions can be a sewer line or septic system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Mississippi State Department of Health review of subdivision land divisions for onsite-wastewater suitability; this does not establish that MSDH approves the general land-use plat or replaces county or municipal plat review.

    • A subdivision is defined for this review as land divided into ten (10) or more lots, tracts, sites, or parcels for residential development.
    • Local or county ordinances may reduce the ten-lot threshold.
    • If public water will be used, the Bureau of Public Water Supply may require subdivision review regardless of lot count.
    • Developments of 35 or more lots and additional phases by the same owner require a feasibility study; developments under 35 lots may be required to obtain one case-by-case.
    • No lots may be sold or construction started before evaluation.
    • The subdivision plan-review fee is $325 plus $6.50 per lot; online payment is subject to a processing fee and fees may change.
    • The plan review is voided if the developer alters the plat without notifying MSDH; MSDH determines whether a new review is required.
    • MSDH reviews lots for general suitability of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal for one residence per lot; septic, soil, wetland, water-supply, and other health requirements remain applicable.

    residential subdivision threshold: >= 10 lots (Local ordinances may reduce the minimum below ten lots.) · feasibility-study threshold: >= 35 lots (Additional phases by the same owner also require a feasibility study; smaller developments may be required case-by-case.) · subdivision plan-review fee: 325 USD (Plus $6.50 per lot; online payment processing fee and possible additional costs may apply.)

    “All lots are reviewed for general suitability of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal for a single residence per lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Commercial developments that are subdivisions and require individual onsite-wastewater-system authorization in Mississippi, including Perry County.
      “Commercial Developments (Subdivisions, Manufactured, Multi-family, RV Campgrounds/Lodging Parks)”
  • 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;”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development or improvement activity on state-owned Mississippi property or buildings located in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area zones A, AE, V, or VE.

    • The requirement applies to state-owned property or buildings.
    • For existing structures determined to involve less than a Substantial Improvement, no additional forms or approval are required after Step One.
    • For new development or a Substantial Improvement, the applicant must complete the Step Two form, obtain a Control Code, provide all required attachments, and submit final elevation certification and complete drawings and specifications.
    • Approval produces an initial approval letter and, after final requirements are approved, a final approval letter.
    • If Step Two is not approved and the project cannot be brought into compliance, a denial letter is issued.

    covered FEMA zones: A, AE, V, VE · substantial improvement threshold: less than a Substantial Improvement (no additional forms or approval required for the development project)

    “A development or improvement activity to state-owned property or building, [...] must complete a Floodplain Management Permit Application.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Mississippi Department of Transportation over-dimensional and related permits statewide.

    • The published schedule applies to MDOT permit types, not a general statewide building-permit fee schedule.
    • Blanket permits are not prorated and are issued for one year unless otherwise specified.
    • Blanket permits must have valid insurance or a valid U.S. DOT number; if insurance expires or cancels, the blanket permit becomes invalid.
    • Overweight charges apply to weight exceeding 80,000 pounds or specified axle limits.

    oversize permit fee: 10 USD · oversize blanket fee: 100 USD · 72-hour legal trip permit fee: 25 USD · harvest permit fee: 25 USD · port permit fee: 170 USD per year · pole blanket fee: 200 USD

    “Oversize permit $10.00 Oversize Blanket $100.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — MSDH onsite-wastewater applications in Mississippi, including Perry County.
      “Notice of Intent + Final Approval is currently $197.50 Notice of Intent + Exemption is currently $100 Existing Residential Inspection is currently $100 Private Water Well Sample is currently $10 Non-residential Water Meter is currently $0 Commercial Establishment + Final Approval is currently $412.50 Existing Commercial Establishment is currently $315 Commercial Development is currently $412.50 + $2.60/unit. A unit can be an apartment, house, trailer, RV or any other independent quarters for a single family. Subdivision is currently $325 + $6.50/lot Online payment will be subject to a processing fee. All fees are subject to change. Additional costs may be included if online application is not used. See other FAQ questions for details about application types.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    MSDH onsite-wastewater application process in Mississippi, including Perry County.

    • MSDH personally reviews applications before invoicing.
    • The invoice is emailed within one business day of receiving the application.
    • Payment must be received before MSDH visits the property.

    invoice delivery after application receipt: <= 1 business day

    “We personally review all applications before invoicing. This prevents many mistakes, such as duplicate applications or applying for the wrong service to occur. The invoice is emailed to you from support@msegov.com within one (1) business day of receiving the application. Check your Spam folder if you do not see anything in your Inbox. We must receive your payment prior to visiting the property.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Mississippi local permitting for businesses and business-related construction or land development.
      “You may be required to apply for permits and licenses from your local government (e.g., city or county). Different locations have different requirements.”
  • 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.

  • Building permit — Residential building permits and inspections in unincorporated Perry County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Perry County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — County zoning districts in Perry County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Perry County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Perry County.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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 Perry County, Mississippi

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

Perry County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Building-permit rules for unincorporated Perry County are not published on an official source, and it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Perry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Perry County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. RV occupancy at a hunting camp where onsite-wastewater service is needed in Mississippi, including Perry County. A hunting camp is treated as a residential application. Three or more trailers, cabins, or RVs on the property must be applied for as a commercial development. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Perry County, Mississippi?

Land in Perry County runs about $3,656 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 63" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.2% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A representative private-land location has about 78,825 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,168,360 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 Perry compares in Mississippi

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