Bolthole Index

Quitman County, Mississippi

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

64Index Score / 100
#70 of 82 in Mississippi

Quitman County, Mississippi requires building permits and has countywide zoning, and both go through the county's Permits / Code Enforcement office123. Septic permits are separate: the Mississippi State Department of Health, not the county office, handles individual onsite wastewater systems4. The county ordinance prohibits sleeping in an RV parked on a residential lot and places manufactured homes in approved parks56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required through Quitman County1
Zoning
Countywide zoning applies2
Septic permit
Handled by the state health department, not the county building office4
Owner-builder
State licensing exemption available for work on your own residence; local permits still apply7
RV living
Sleeping in or hooking utilities to an RV on a residential lot is prohibited5
Manufactured home
Must be in an approved manufactured-home park under the county ordinance6
Private well
State withdrawal permit required at the applicable casing threshold, with exclusions8
State-highway driveway
MDOT permit required for a new or altered driveway9

Who to call

Building permits

Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement

Building permits, code enforcement and zoning questions in Quitman County

662-326-3522

341 Pecan Street, Marks, MS 38646

Septic permits

Mississippi State Department of Health Division of On-Site Wastewater

Applications and assistance for individual onsite wastewater systems in Quitman County

1-855-220-0192

wastewater@msdh.ms.gov

570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. Quitman County requires a building permit for construction and maintains a Permits / Code Enforcement office.1 Countywide zoning regulates the location, height and size of buildings and other structures, so a rural parcel is not outside land-use review merely because it lies beyond a town boundary.2 Mississippi's statewide framework generally requires counties and municipalities to enact uniform building codes unless they made the allowed earlier opt-out, but that statewide rule alone does not identify every locally adopted code.10 A separate building permit is required before erecting, enlarging, altering or moving a building, applied for on the official form with the fee, and a plot diagram of the lot and buildings, or a boundary survey, may be required1112. Ask county Permits / Code Enforcement what application, plans, inspections and fees apply to the exact parcel and project before site work begins.3

Who handles building permits in Quitman County?

Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement is the first stop for building-permit and zoning questions.3 The official county page lists the office at 341 Pecan Street in Marks and gives the phone number 662-326-3522.3 Ask the office to identify the parcel's zoning district, permitted use, setbacks, required drawings, review sequence, inspections and current fees before ordering a building or clearing a site.2 The county ordinance makes the zoning administrator's official map the practical source for parcel-specific zoning, because countywide rules govern buildings, structures, land uses, yards, open space and development standards.2 Septic permits do not come from this office; see the septic section below4. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection13.

Does Quitman County have zoning?

Yes. Quitman County has countywide zoning that regulates buildings, structures, land uses, districts, yards, open space and development standards.2 That makes the parcel's mapped district central to questions about a house, manufactured home, accessory structure, RV use, setbacks and minimum building dimensions.2 Lot rules vary by district: A-1 lists one acre per dwelling unit, and single-family residential lots list 5,000 square feet where shown14. Single-family and two-family homes are limited to 2.5 stories15. Lots fronting Mississippi Highway 3 have front setbacks of 115 feet in A-1 and 100 feet in residential districts, measured from the highway centerline16. A distinct countywide minimum dwelling floor area has not been confirmed, so ask Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement to read the current district standards for the parcel rather than assuming a small dwelling is allowed.3 The same office should confirm any special approval needed for a proposed use and whether a floodplain overlay or other mapped condition changes the site plan.3

How do septic permits work in Quitman County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health regulates individual onsite wastewater systems in Quitman County, which is assigned to the agency's North Region.417 Property owners can submit a new-system application online, and the Wastewater Call Center assists with applications.17 The state program provides soil and site evaluations that lead to a permit or recommendation suitable for obtaining a water meter.17 Quitman County's soil data rates none of the mapped soil share as free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for careful site evaluation and the possibility of a nonconventional design.18 State rules except an individual system on a tract of at least 2 acres from Department approval when all wastewater stays on the tract, no watercourse is affected and the installer files a signed affidavit, though other requirements may still apply19. For a permitted system, the certified installer must notify MSDH at least 24 hours before construction begins20. Where centralized wastewater becomes available, Mississippi requires connection and abandonment of the onsite system.21

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

Quitman County's zoning ordinance prohibits sleeping in, or connecting electricity, gas, water or sewer to, an RV or camper trailer parked on a residential lot5. That prohibition is limited to residential lots, so ask Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement how the ordinance treats RV use on the parcel's own district, and about temporary camping, which the ordinance does not clearly address3. Manufactured homes must be located in an approved manufactured-home park, and a newly sited home must be no more than 10 years old6. A separate tiny-home occupancy rule has not been confirmed, so ask whether the proposed unit would count as a dwelling or as an accessory use3. Any occupied unit using onsite disposal also needs a wastewater approval from MSDH, not the county4.

Building a home in Quitman County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement to verify the zoning district, allowed residential use, setbacks and permit submittals for the parcel.32
  1. Apply to the Mississippi State Department of Health for the onsite wastewater evaluation and system approval before relying on a septic layout.417
  1. If the driveway connects to a state highway, obtain the required MDOT access permit before constructing or altering the entrance.9
  1. Submit the county building-permit materials and complete the inspections specified by Permits / Code Enforcement.13
  1. After final inspection, obtain the certificate of occupancy before occupying the building13.
  1. An owner building or improving the owner's residence may qualify for Mississippi's residential-builder licensing exemption, but the exemption does not waive county permits, zoning, codes, inspections or septic requirements.7

What should you check before buying land in Quitman County?

Confirm the parcel's zoning district and development standards with Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement before treating vacant land as buildable.2 Have the onsite wastewater path evaluated early: mapped soils show severe limitations for conventional drain fields across the county's measured soil share.18 For a private well, Mississippi requires a groundwater-withdrawal permit when surface casing reaches 6 inches in diameter, subject to exclusions, and the rules allow a landowner licensing exception for certain single-family or farm-livestock wells that meet construction standards.8 A new or altered driveway onto a state highway needs an MDOT permit.9 The county's effective property-tax rate is about 1.2%, with a median annual bill of about $792.2223

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat the owner-builder or agricultural-building licensing exemptions as waivers of Quitman County permits, zoning, codes, inspections or septic rules.724
  • Quitman County's mapped soils rate poorly for conventional septic drain fields, so resolve the wastewater design before fixing the house site.18
  • Do not park an RV on a residential lot to live in while you build: the county ordinance prohibits sleeping in it or connecting utilities5. Tiny-home occupancy and a countywide minimum dwelling size remain parcel-specific questions for Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement3.

Sources

  1. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  2. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Quitman County Permits / Code Enforcement (quitmancountyms.org)
  4. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law 2022, quoted and re-checked
  8. Guidelines for Securing the Services of a Water Well Driller (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Mississippi Uniform Building Codes (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. quitmancountyms.org, quoted and re-checked
  13. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Quitman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Mississippi State Department of Health Division of On-Site Wastewater (msdh.ms.gov)
  18. 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
  19. Current Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Current Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Mississippi State Department of Health Current Regulations: On-site Wastewater (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law 2022, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 all 4 of the neighbors with published rules, Quitman County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleQuitman CountyPanola CountyCoahoma CountyTallahatchie CountyTunica CountyTate CountyYalobusha County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredNot publishedRequiredRequiredNot published
County zoningYesYesYesNot publishedYesYesNo
Septic permitsMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of Health

County locator

Quitman County in Mississippi

64
County map
Quitman County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Quitman County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$69kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$2,971Land / acre
55.3"Annual rain
9.6% of yrsSevere drought
22.3 / yr (+19.4)Mid-century 100°F days
17.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.75" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.52×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,088Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.72%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
8,241People within 30 min
1,474,578People within 2 hr
15,582Radius comparison (15 mi)
13.7People / sq mi
6.2%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
26.1%Wooded land
40.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Quitman 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 Crowder · Town of Falcon · Town of Lambert · Marks · Town of Sledge

Answers from the rulebook for Quitman County

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

Quitman County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings, structures, and equipment regulated by the ordinance or technical codes.

    • A separate appropriate permit is required for each building, structure, or equipment.
    • Applications must be filed with the building official on the official form and include the required fee.
    • Plot diagrams and, when necessary, boundary surveys may be required.
    “unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure, or equipment has first been obtained from the building official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Buildings, structures, and equipment regulated by the county ordinance or technical codes.
      “No building, structure, or equipment regulated by this ordinance or the technical codes shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure, or equipment has first been obtained from the building official.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated by the Quitman County Zoning Ordinance and technical codes.

    • The 2015 IRC is adopted in its entirety with the stated visual-inspection option and deletion of the automatic sprinkler requirement in R313.2.
    • State law requires one of the last three editions of the IBC and IRC as minimum codes, subject to Mississippi Building Codes Council amendments and the stated sprinkler exception.

    International Building Code: 2015 Edition · International Residential Code: 2015 Edition (Adopted in its entirety with listed modifications)

    “International Building Code, 2015 Edition [...] International Residential Code, 2015 Edition”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Technical building codes adopted by Quitman County.
      “The following technical codes are hereby adopted by reference as though they were fully copied herein in words and figures:  International Building Code, 2015 Edition  International Existing Building Code, 2015 Edition  International Fire Code, 2015 Edition  International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition  International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition  International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition  International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Edition  International Residential Code, 2015 Edition  National Electrical Code, 2014 Edition”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction and systems regulated by the county ordinance.

    • A certificate of occupancy is issued upon final inspection.
    • Electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical systems must be inspected and approved before concealment.
    • Additional inspections after the initial inspection incur the stated fee.
    “A certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the building official upon final inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction subject to final inspection and county building-official review.
      “A certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the building official upon final inspection. The building official shall maintain a record of all certificates of occupancy and a copy shall be furnished upon request to any person.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings and structures erected, reconstructed, altered, or enlarged under the county ordinance.

    • Vacant land may be occupied or used for agricultural uses without a certificate.
    • The certificate is issued by the building official upon final inspection.
    • Failure to obtain a certificate is a violation.
    “No vacant land shall be occupied or used, except for agricultural uses, and no building or structure hereafter erected, reconstructed, altered, or enlarged, shall be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupied buildings and structures in the county zoning jurisdiction.
      “No vacant land shall be occupied or used, except for agricultural uses, and no building or structure hereafter erected, reconstructed, altered, or enlarged, shall be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Countywide zoning regulation under the Quitman County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The ordinance regulates buildings, structures, land uses, districts, yards, open space, and development standards throughout the county.
    “This ordinance regulates the location, height, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning ordinance applying across Quitman County, including eleven named zoning districts.

    • Municipal governments may have additional or separate local rules; this claim concerns the county ordinance.
    “Quitman County, Mississippi is hereby divided into the following eleven (11) zoning districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County-level local zoning controls in Quitman County; incorporated municipalities may have separate local rules.
      “For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare, Quitman County, Mississippi is hereby divided into the following eleven (11) zoning districts:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Quitman County zoning districts.

    • The Official Zoning Map is maintained in the zoning administrator’s office and is the final authority for current zoning status.
    • The ordinance lists A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, F-1, and PUD districts.

    number of zoning districts: 11 districts

    “Quitman County, Mississippi is hereby divided into the following eleven (11) zoning districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published county zoning districts and the official zoning map.
      “Quitman County, Mississippi is hereby divided into the following eleven (11) zoning districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Agricultural and residential zoning districts A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4.

    • Requirements vary by district and dwelling type.
    • A-1 lists one acre minimum lot area per dwelling unit; residential districts list minimum lot areas of 5,000 square feet for single-family, 4,000 square feet for two-family, and 3,000 square feet for multifamily uses where shown.

    A-1 minimum lot area per dwelling unit: 1 acre · single-family minimum lot area: 5000 square feet (Where applicable in residential district standards)

    “SF = 5,000 sf [...] TF = 4,000 sf [...] MF = 3,000 sf”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary and accessory buildings in county zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and building type.
    • For lots fronting Mississippi Highway 3, front setback is measured from the highway centerline and is 115 feet in A-1 and 100 feet in residential districts.
    • Livestock pens or buildings must be at least 100 feet from any lot line.
    • Corner-lot exceptions and side-yard formulas apply as stated in the ordinance.

    A-1 Mississippi Highway 3 front setback: 115 feet (Measured from highway centerline) · residential Mississippi Highway 3 front setback: 100 feet (Measured from highway centerline)

    “2. Front Setback3 40 ft min4 25 ft min 25 ft min 25 ft min 25 ft min”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building coverage in county agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial districts.

    • Coverage limits vary by district.
    • The ordinance defines building coverage as the percentage of total lot area allowed to be covered by buildings and other impervious surfaces in the agricultural/residential table.

    R-1 building coverage maximum: <= 70 percent · R-2 building coverage maximum: <= 60 percent · R-3 building coverage maximum: <= 60 percent · R-4 building coverage maximum: <= 60 percent

    “3. Building Coverage1 N/A 70% max 60% max 60% max 60% max”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building-coverage limits in county zoning districts.
      “Building Coverage is calculated by summing the area under roof of the primary building and all accessory buildings and dividing that number by the Total Lot Area. In residential zones, impervious surfaces, such as concrete driveways and patios are also included in the Building Coverage calculation.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building-height standards under the county zoning ordinance.

    • Height varies by district and use.
    • Barns, silos, and other farm structures needing greater height are exempt from the listed height restriction when at least 100 feet from any lot line.
    • Height is measured in stories; attics and basements count as one-half story.

    residential single-family/two-family maximum height: <= 2.5 stories · residential multifamily maximum height: <= 3 stories

    “Building Height is measured in stories. A story is defined as an above-grade habitable floor level within a building. Attics and basements are considered to be one-half of a story.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Sleeping in or connecting utilities to an RV or camper trailer parked on a residential lot.

    • The source prohibition is limited to residential lots.
    • The ordinance prohibits utility connections including electricity, gas, water, and sewer.
    “Under no circumstance shall any RV or camper trailer be allowed to connect to any form of utility service, including electricity, gas, water, or sewer, while parked on a residential lot. In addition, no person or persons shall be allowed to sleep in any RV or camper trailer while it is parked on a residential lot.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home placement and occupancy in Quitman County.

    • Manufactured homes must be located in an approved manufactured-home park.
    • They must comply with permanent runners, tie-downs, utility, underpinning, steps, age, and other standards.
    • Manufactured-home parks require planning-commission approval before work starts, 4,000 square feet per unit, 15-foot buffers, 10 percent open space, and 20-foot driveways.

    maximum age of newly sited manufactured home: <= 10 years (Manufactured not more than 10 years prior to current year) · manufactured-home park lot area: >= 4000 square feet per unit · manufactured-home park buffer: >= 15 feet · manufactured-home park open space: >= 10 percent of gross land area

    “Manufactured homes shall be located in an approved manufactured home park and shall comply with all additional standards for manufactured home parks listed in the following section.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land and subdivision plans in Quitman County.

    • The planning commission approves subdivision of all land in the county, including subdivision plans and PUD site plans.
    “To approve the subdivision of all land in the county, including all subdivision plans and site plans for planned unit developments (PUDs).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Every building or structure constructed, moved, or structurally altered under the county ordinance.

    • Access must be to a public street or approved private street or parking area.
    • Access must be safe and convenient for servicing, fire protection, and required off-street parking.
    • Private streets must be at least 20 feet wide excluding parking.

    minimum private-street width: >= 20 feet (Excluding parking)

    “Every building or structure hereafter constructed, moved, or structurally altered shall have direct access to a public street or to an approved private street or parking area”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Access for every building or structure constructed, moved, or structurally altered under the county ordinance.
      “Every building or structure hereafter constructed, moved, or structurally altered shall have direct access to a public street or to an approved private street or parking area, and shall be so located as to provide safe and convenient access for servicing, fire protection, and required off-street parking.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Land wholly or partially within the designated 100-year floodplain or floodway.

    • Such land is subject to the Quitman County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • The county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    • Official NFIP flood maps must be consulted for final determination of affected land.
    • Residential, commercial, and industrial uses are usually unsuitable unless necessary precautions are taken.

    floodplain threshold: 100-year floodplain/floodway

    “Any land within Quitman County that lies wholly or partially within the designated 100-year floodplain or floodway is subject to the provisions of the Quitman County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Land wholly or partially within a designated 100-year floodplain or floodway.
      “Any land within Quitman County that lies wholly or partially within the designated 100-year floodplain or floodway is subject to the provisions of the Quitman County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application and post-permit process.

    • Applications use a form furnished by the building official and include the required fee.
    • Where no site plan is required, a plot diagram must show lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, streets, and building heights; a boundary survey may be required.
    • Permits must be posted at the site.
    • Work must begin within 180 days, or a permit becomes invalid after one year of suspension or abandonment; written extensions may not exceed 90 days per period.

    work commencement deadline: 180 days after issuance · abandonment or suspension invalidation period: 1 year · written extension period: <= 90 days maximum (Per extension)

    “An application for a building permit shall be filed with the building official, on a form furnished by said official, along with the required fee.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit applications.
      “An application for a building permit shall be filed with the building official, on a form furnished by said official, along with the required fee.”

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Mississippi residential-builder licensing for an owner constructing or improving the owner’s own residence.

    • The exemption concerns the state residential-builder licensing chapter and does not waive Quitman County building permits or zoning requirements.
    • A person under subsection (1)(b) or (c) may not make more than two applications for a permit to construct a single residence or construct more than two single residences within one year.
    • A rebuttable presumption of sale, lease, rent, or similar purpose applies above that threshold.

    maximum applications or residences per year: <= 2 residences/applications (Subsection (1)(b) or (c))

    “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;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Mississippi residential-builder licensing for owners constructing or improving their own residence.
      “Any person who undertakes construction or improvement on his own residence”
    • 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;”
  • Who permits septicState

    Individual onsite wastewater disposal systems and related permitting and inspection in Quitman County.

    • MSDH operates the statewide On-site Wastewater program and identifies Quitman County within its North Region.
    • County ordinances may affect an application.
    “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)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Individual onsite wastewater systems and related wastewater services in Quitman County.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations”
    • 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 permitLimited

    Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems on a lot or tract of at least two acres in Mississippi, including Quitman County.

    • The lot or tract must be two acres or larger.
    • All wastewater must be contained on the lot or tract.
    • No Mississippi or United States watercourse may be impacted.
    • The person who installed the system must provide the Department a signed affidavit attesting that the containment and watercourse conditions are met.
    • This is an exception from Department approval requirements; other wastewater, water-quality, building, utility, or local requirements may still apply.

    minimum lot or tract area: >= 2 acres

    “Any lot or tract that is two (2) acres or larger shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter and regulations of the department relating to approval of individual on-site wastewater disposal systems by the department, and shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 41-67-5(2), provided that: (a) All wastewater is contained on the lot or tract;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New individual onsite wastewater systems and wastewater solutions needed for a permanent water meter in Quitman 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 inspectionRequired

    Installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system in Quitman County.

    • The certified installer must notify the Mississippi State Department of Health at least 24 hours before beginning construction and schedule an inspection.
    • The certified installer must be present at the scheduled inspection.
    • The installer may not cover the work with soil or other surface material without authorization after inspection.
    • The regulations provide an exception if the Department environmentalist does not arrive within 30 minutes of the designated and agreed time; in that circumstance, the installer may submit an affidavit of proper installation for final approval.

    advance notice before construction: >= 24 hours · inspection-arrival exception: <= 30 minutes (If the Department environmentalist does not arrive within 30 minutes of the designated and agreed time, the installer may submit an affidavit of proper installation for final approval.)

    “Notify the Department at least 24 hours before beginning construction 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.”
  • 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
    • Water (with conditions) — Permanent water-meter connections where the property lacks public sewer.
      “Permit/Recommendation (required to obtain a water meter)”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Mississippi residential-builder licensing for agricultural buildings or buildings used for agricultural purposes.

    • This is an exemption from the state residential-builder licensing chapter, not a verified exemption from Quitman County zoning, building permits, septic, floodplain, or other requirements.
    “Agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, buildings constructed as a community effort, or tenant houses;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in Quitman County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside specifically regulated RV parking or other listed county zoning uses.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Quitman County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Quitman County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Quitman County.
1 more unanswered
  • 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.

Water rights & wells in Quitman County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Mississippi’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Even amid severe Delta aquifer decline there is NO moratorium or closure on new domestic wells; a single-household well (or <6-inch casing) is exempt regardless of volume. Non-domestic/irrigation wells need an MDEQ permit (administered in the Delta via YMD).

Limit: single-household wells exempt from the withdrawal permit

Mississippi Rule 11-7-1.4 Groundwater Withdrawals ↗
  • Mississippi Delta — MRVA alluvial aquifer (Yazoo-Mississippi Delta district)majority of county

    17-county YMD district over the shallow Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer; >19,000 permitted irrigation wells and chronic overdraft (governor's Delta Sustainable Water Task Force since 2011). Non-domestic wells need an MDEQ/YMD permit; domestic household wells are exempt. No formal closure. Core decline is the central/lower Delta (Bolivar, Sunflower, Leflore, Washington, Humphreys, Quitman, Tallahatchie).

    MDEQ Delta Sustainable Water Resources Task Force; YMD ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Mississippi state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Quitman County, Mississippi

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

Quitman County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 8,241 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Quitman County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county 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 Quitman County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Quitman County is prohibited: Sleeping in or connecting utilities to an RV or camper trailer parked on a residential lot. The source prohibition is limited to residential lots. The ordinance prohibits utility connections including electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Quitman County, Mississippi?

Land in Quitman County runs about $2,971 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Quitman County?

Quitman County gets about 55.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.6% of years. On water rights, Quitman County lies in the Mississippi Delta — MRVA alluvial aquifer (Yazoo-Mississippi Delta district) — 17-county YMD district over the shallow Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer; >19,000 permitted irrigation wells and chronic overdraft (governor's Delta Sustainable Water Task Force since 2011). Non-domestic wells need an MDEQ/YMD permit; domestic household wells are exempt. No formal closure. Core decline is the central/lower Delta (Bolivar, Sunflower, Leflore, Washington, Humphreys, Quitman, Tallahatchie)..

How remote is Quitman County?

A representative private-land location has about 8,241 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,474,578 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 Quitman compares in Mississippi

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