Kemper County, MS: Owner-Builder Allowed

Kemper County, Mississippi has a Permitting Department, but the county page does not say which residential projects require a building permit; call before starting work¹. Comprehensive countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, but an airport land-use overlay applies within mapped zones in unincorporated Kemper County^2,3. The Mississippi State Department of Health requires a septic permit for installation and a permanent water meter⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Ask first; the county has a Permitting Department, but its page does not state the residential requirement¹
Zoning: Airport overlay applies in mapped unincorporated zones; comprehensive countywide zoning is unconfirmed^2,3
Septic permits: A state Permit/Recommendation is required; most systems also require an installation inspection^5,6
RV living: County rules could not be confirmed; ask the Permitting Department^1,2
Tiny homes: County occupancy, size and setback rules could not be confirmed²
Owner-builder: State licensing exemption available for work on your own residence; local permits may still apply⁷
Agricultural buildings: Exempt from residential-builder licensing, not automatically from other permits⁷
Septic soils: Only 5.3% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field⁸

Who to call

Building permits

Kemper County Permitting Department

First contact for residential building-permit, code, inspection, zoning and occupancy questions in unincorporated Kemper County

601-743-2460

Septic permits

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

Applications, site and soil evaluations, permits or recommendations, and technical help for onsite wastewater

601-576-7150

wastewater@msdh.ms.gov

570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216

Online permits →

2 more officesFloodplain permits · Roads & driveways

Floodplain permits

Kemper County Emergency Management

Floodplain management and 911 addressing and mapping

601-527-2393

Roads & driveways

Kemper County Roads and Bridges Department

County road, bridge and parcel-access questions

601-743-8375

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

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

Kemper County has an official Permitting Department, but its page only directs readers to call and does not state that every new home or residential project needs a permit.

Kemper County has an official Permitting Department, but its page only directs readers to call and does not state that every new home or residential project needs a permit¹. The available information indicates that building permits are required, but we could not confirm the exact residential requirement from the county's published page¹. Call the department at 601-743-2460 before committing to plans, ordering a structure or starting site work¹. Ask which projects require approval, what drawings and fees apply, which inspections are required, and whether the county issues a certificate of occupancy. Mississippi's statewide framework required counties and municipalities to enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before the statutory deadline, but that source does not establish Kemper County's current code⁹.

Who is the Kemper County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Kemper County Permitting Department is the first county contact for building-permit and code questions, at 601-743-2460.

The Kemper County Permitting Department is the first county contact for building-permit and code questions, at 601-743-2460¹. The official page provides no application, office address, email, fee schedule or process details, so use the call to confirm where and how to file. For a parcel in or near a flood hazard area, Kemper County Emergency Management lists floodplain management among its functions and can be reached at 601-527-2393¹⁰. That office also handles 911 addressing and mapping¹⁰. For county-road access questions, contact the Roads and Bridges Department at 601-743-8375¹¹. A driveway connecting to a Mississippi state highway is different: new drives and alterations require a state permit¹².

Does Kemper County have zoning?

Kemper County has an airport land-use overlay for the delineated airport hazard and airport environs zones shown on the ordinance maps in unincorporated territory.

Kemper County has an airport land-use overlay for the delineated airport hazard and airport environs zones shown on the ordinance maps in unincorporated territory³. New structures or uses and substantial changes within those mapped zones require a permit from the Board of Supervisors or its agent³. Outside that overlay, comprehensive countywide zoning, a zoning map and district standards could not be confirmed². Minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, accessory-dwelling rules and minimum dwelling size therefore need parcel-specific confirmation from the Kemper County Permitting Department^1,2. If the parcel lies inside a municipality, ask that municipality separately because the county information does not establish city rules. Agricultural buildings have a state residential-builder licensing exemption, but inside the airport overlay the permit exemption is limited to agricultural uses and farm buildings consistent with the types and sizes in use in 1994^3,7.

How do septic permits work in Kemper County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health requires a septic permit to install an onsite wastewater system in Kemper County and to obtain a permanent water meter.

The Mississippi State Department of Health requires a septic permit to install an onsite wastewater system in Kemper County and to obtain a permanent water meter⁴. If public sewer is available, it has the first right to serve the property; applications within 1 mile of a sewer line are referred for connection, and MSDH needs a rejection letter from the sewer provider before proceeding with onsite wastewater⁴. New-system applications are available online¹³. For a system that is not exempt, the certified installer must notify MSDH at least 24 hours before installation and schedule an inspection⁶. A narrow exemption skips that inspection for a first-time system serving the first residence on a single tract of at least 2 acres, or the second residence on at least 5 acres¹⁴. The owner must still apply, follow the Permit/Recommendation, use a licensed installer and submit the paperwork¹⁴. Only 5.3% of Kemper County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so do not assume a standard layout will work⁸.

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

We could not confirm a Kemper County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy on private land in the unincorporated county². We also could not confirm county minimum-home-size or setback standards². Ask the Kemper County Permitting Department at 601-743-2460 about the exact parcel and intended occupancy before buying land or moving a unit onto it¹. Occupied units still need a lawful wastewater plan: the Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater permitting and evaluation in Kemper County⁵. If public water will serve the property, the utility cannot connect a dwelling, house, mobile home or residence without prior written health-department approval that the sewage plan complies with state law¹⁵.

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

Call the Kemper County Permitting Department at 601-743-2460 and ask what permit, code, inspection and occupancy requirements apply.

Call the Kemper County Permitting Department at 601-743-2460 and ask what permit, code, inspection and occupancy requirements apply¹.

Contact Emergency Management at 601-527-2393 for floodplain questions and 911 addressing or mapping¹⁰.

Apply to the Mississippi State Department of Health for a soil and site evaluation and the required septic Permit/Recommendation before fixing the house and drain-field layout⁵. Unless the new-home system qualifies for the acreage-based exemption, the certified installer must give at least 24 hours' notice and schedule an installation inspection^6,14.

Confirm road access with the Roads and Bridges Department at 601-743-8375; if the driveway meets a state highway, obtain the required state permit^11,12.

If acting as your own general contractor on your own residence, use the state exemption only for licensing; it does not cancel local permits or inspections⁷.

Confirm final inspection and occupancy requirements with the Permitting Department¹.

What should you check before buying land in Kemper County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 5.3% of Kemper County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a health-department site and soil evaluation before choosing a homesite^8,13. Check slopes and clearing costs together: 83.8% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, while 84.8% is wooded⁸. Ask Emergency Management whether the parcel raises floodplain or addressing issues, because that office handles floodplain management and 911 mapping¹⁰. Confirm access with the Roads and Bridges Department if the parcel fronts a county road¹¹. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $539⁸. Get parcel-specific answers on zoning, setbacks, dwelling type and the current building code from the Permitting Department^1,2.

Watch-outs

The existence of Kemper County's Permitting Department does not prove which residential projects require permits; ask before work begins¹.
The airport land-use overlay can require approval for new structures and uses within its mapped unincorporated zones even though comprehensive countywide zoning remains unconfirmed^2,3.
The acreage-based septic exemption skips the installation inspection, not the application, approved system, licensed-installer or paperwork requirements¹⁴.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

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.

Off-grid gear

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 4 of the neighbors with published rules, Kemper County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Kemper County	Noxubee County	Lauderdale County	Neshoba County	Winston County	Newton County	Oktibbeha County
Building permit	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not published	Not published	Required
County zoning	Not published	Not published	Not published	No	No	No	Yes
Septic permits	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	MSDH

Answers from the rulebook for Kemper County

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

Kemper County rules

County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning regulations within the delineated AICUZ airport hazard and airport environs zones in land within Kemper County outside municipal corporations.
- The ordinance applies only to lands within the delineated zones shown on Maps 1, 1A, and 2.
- The permitted land use within the Airport Environs Zone is modified by Table 1, which the posted page references but does not reproduce completely.
- Agricultural land uses and farm buildings are exempt from permits only when consistent with the type and sizes of those currently in use in 1994.
- New structures or uses, and substantial changes or alterations, within the airport hazard or airport environs zones require a permit from the Board of Supervisors or its agent.
- The ordinance becomes null and void if the Navy removes or upgrades its AICUZ footprint.
- The ordinance was passed on February 6, 1995.
“The regulations of land uses set forth herein are applicable to all lands within the delineated zones set forth on Maps 1, 1A and 2 which are attached hereto and adopted by this reference.”
Amended Ordinance Creating an Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026

Mississippi rules that apply here

Building permitRequired
Commercial places of Public Assembly subject to the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code.
- Permit/compliance inspections are required for buildings defined in Miss. Code § 45-11-101(a-f), pursuant to Miss. Code § 45-11-105(2).
- The code applies to buildings used for public assembly except where a county or municipality has adopted a fire-prevention code with standards not less stringent than the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code; the local provisions and enforcement mechanism apply instead.
- Permit fees are not less than $400 and include, but are not limited to, each on-site inspection, attorney fees, architect or engineer plan-review fees, and other fees and reasonable and necessary travel expenses.
- The regulation supersedes prior versions of Mississippi Administrative Code Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 7, and became effective January 1, 2025.
permit fee: >= 400 USD (Includes but is not limited to each on-site inspection, attorney fees, architect or engineer plan-review fees, other fees, and reasonable and necessary travel expenses.)
“Permits are required for commercial places of Public Assembly as follows: A. Permit/Compliance inspections are required for all buildings defined in Miss. Code § 45-11-101(a-f) pursuant to Miss. Code § 45-11-105(2).”
Mississippi Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 7: Mississippi Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Mississippi residential-builder licensing exemptions applicable in Kemper County.
- The chapter exempts a person constructing or improving their own residence or acting as their own general contractor.
- The related-person exemption requires the owner to be related by consanguinity or direct affinity and the property or improvement not be for sale, rent, public use, or public assembly.
- Owners supervising construction are exempt when the property is for their use and not for sale, rent, public use, or public assembly.
- A person constructing two single residences or less within one year in a county or municipality that does not require a building permit or local certification is exempt if the residences are not for sale.
- For persons under subsection (1)(b) or (c), more than one permit application or more than one residence within one year creates a rebuttable presumption of sale, lease, rent, or similar purpose.
residences per year for subsection (1)(b) or (c): <= 1 residence (More than one triggers a rebuttable presumption of sale, lease, rent, or similar purpose.) · residences per year under subsection (1)(g): <= 2 residences (Only in a county or municipality that does not require a building permit or local certification, and not for sale.)
“Any person who undertakes construction or improvement on his own residence”
Residential Laws and Rules Revised 2022 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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;”
  Mississippi Senate Journal, March 9, 2022 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
Fire Code Enforcement ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- 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.”
  Mississippi Uniform Building Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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.”
  Mississippi Uniform Building Codes ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
Mississippi Administrative Code, facility construction and occupancy rules ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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;”
Mississippi Administrative Code, facility construction and occupancy rules ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems using aggregate disposal systems in Mississippi.
- The 50-foot measurement is the minimum distance from the water edge for all listed non-gravel soil textural classes and for slopes both less than and more than 8 percent.
- Gravel is marked "NOT APPLICABLE."
- The regulation states that these setbacks apply to all individual on-site wastewater disposal systems except spray-irrigation disposal and overland discharge.
- This is an on-site-wastewater setback, not a statewide zoning setback for the dwelling or other structures.
minimum distance from water edge: 50 feet (Aggregate systems in coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, light loam, heavy loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam, light clay loam, heavy clay loam, light silty clay loam, heavy silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay; both slope categories shown in Table 1.)
“TABLE 1 - SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FROM SENSITIVE WATER (Aggregate Systems) Minimum Distance from the Water Edge [...] Coarse Sand 50 feet 50 feet”
Mississippi State Department of Health, Part 18, Division of On-Site Wastewater, Subpart 77: On-Site Wastewater Regulations ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
RVs at a hunting camp where the camp uses the Mississippi Department of Health on-site wastewater application process.
- The camp is treated by MSDH as a residential application.
- Three or more trailers, cabins, or RVs on the property must be applied for as a commercial development.
- For a permanent water meter, state law requires a permanent sewage-disposal solution; it may be a sewer line or septic system. If public sewer is unavailable, the applicant must apply to MSDH for the required paperwork.
- Local jurisdictions have separate land ordinances; this claim does not establish a statewide land-use permission for RV occupancy.
trailers/cabins/RVs triggering commercial-development application: >= 3 units (On the 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.”
WasteWater ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
A tiny house or home intended for use as a residential dwelling that is within the State Fire Marshal's factory-built-home regulation.
- The defined tiny house or home ranges from 80 to less than 400 square feet and may or may not be constructed on a chassis with or without axles or wheels.
- If intended as a residential dwelling, it is treated as a modular home for design and construction requirements and must comply with the most current residential building code adopted by the Mississippi Building Codes Council.
- When designed for permanent installation at its final destination, it must be installed on an approved foundation complying with the manufacturer's installation guidelines concerning manufacturing-facility and retail-entity licensure and occupant-safety installation standards.
- The amended regulation superseded prior versions and became effective July 1, 2026.
- Counties and municipalities may regulate zoning, utility connections, foundations, and permits for modular homes; local land-use controls may therefore add requirements.
tiny-home floor area: 80 to less than 400 square feet (Definition in Rule 3.01.3(42).)
““Tiny House or Home”: Any closed structure, building assembly or systems of assemblies designed for use as a residential dwelling and ranging from 80 to less than 400 square feet in size, which may or may not be constructed on a chassis (with or without axels or wheels).”
Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 3: Rules and Regulations for the Uniform Standards Code for the Factory-Built Homes Law as Related to Modular Homes ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
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.”
MH-5 Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater policy, permitting, evaluation, and inspection for Kemper County.
- MSDH administers the statewide onsite wastewater program through its Division of On-site Wastewater and regional environmentalists.
- Local ordinances may impose separate land rules.
“The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists”
On-Site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Mississippi State Department of Health Current Regulations: On-site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Design, construction, or installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system in Mississippi.
- MSDH approval is required except for the statutory exemption in Mississippi Code Section 41-67-6(7).
- For a two-acre-or-larger lot or tract, approval requirements are exempt only if all wastewater is contained on the lot or tract, no Mississippi or United States watercourse is impacted, and the installer submits a signed affidavit attesting to those conditions.
- An individual on-site wastewater disposal system is acceptable only where centralized treatment is unavailable or infeasible, existing area disposal systems function satisfactorily, site conditions are satisfactory for underground absorption, private-water-supply separation/protection requirements are met, and applicable water-quality requirements are met.
- Construction or installation designed by a certified professional evaluator or licensed professional engineer may not begin before Department authorization.
statutory approval-exemption lot size: >= 2 acres (All wastewater must be contained on the tract, no covered watercourse may be impacted, and an installer affidavit is required.) · private water supply separation from IOWDS: >= 50 feet (Private supply must be at a higher elevation or properly protected.) · private water supply separation from disposal field: >= 100 feet
“Approval of the design, construction or installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system by the department is required, except as otherwise provided in Section 41-67-6(7).”
Mississippi Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System Law ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Individual onsite wastewater disposal systems in Kemper County under Mississippi State Department of Health administration.
  “Environmentalists offer Soil and Site Evaluations that provide property owners with a Permit/Recommendation (required to obtain a water meter) and suitable for installation.”
  On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Required — Installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system and related permanent water-meter applications in Kemper County.
  “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
  On-Site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Septic inspectionNot required (with conditions)
Installation inspection by MSDH for a qualifying new single-family residence using the state exemption: the first residence on a single parcel of two or more acres, or the second residence on a single parcel of five or more acres.
- The exemption application is exclusively for a new single-family residence installing a septic system for the first time.
- Commercial properties and replacement of an existing system are not eligible.
- The qualifying acreage must be on a single tract; multiple tracts must be formally combined.
- The applicant must still apply to MSDH, install a system from the permit/recommendation, use a licensed installer, and submit the required paperwork.
- All wastewater must be contained on the lot or tract and no Mississippi or United States watercourse may be impacted.
- The installer must provide the department a signed affidavit attesting that the wastewater-containment and no-watercourse-impact requirements are met.
- A Board of Supervisors ordinance, water supplier or association, or lending institution may independently require final approval.
- MSDH reserves the right to inspect an installed system after it has been in use for more than 30 days when a two-acre exemption has been filed.
first residence qualifying parcel size: >= 2 acres (Single parcel or tract.) · second residence qualifying parcel size: >= 5 acres (Single parcel or tract.) · post-installation inspection reserve: > 30 days (MSDH reserves the right to inspect systems after more than 30 days of use on properties that filed a two-acre exemption.)
“The Department WILL NOT inspect your system during installation.”
Notice of Intent - Exemption ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — New individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Kemper County that do not qualify for the statutory or administrative exemption, including ordinary residential installations and replacement systems.
  “Contact a Certified Installer to install your chosen Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System from the option(s) recommended. The Certified Installer is responsible for contacting the Department 24 hours BEFORE beginning construction to schedule an inspection.”
  Notice of Intent: New Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- Limited — Installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system in Mississippi.
  “The Department reserves the right to inspect installed systems after they have been in use for more than thirty (30) days on properties that have filed a two-acre exemption.”
  Notice of Intent: New Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System, Form 908 ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
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.”
Guidelines for Securing the Services of a Water Well Driller ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
Mississippi State Department of Health Current Regulations: On-site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Public water connections to dwellings, houses, mobile homes, or residences in Kemper County.
  “No public utility supplying water shall make connection”
  msdh.ms.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable
Applicability of Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 59 residential-builder and remodeler licensing requirements.
- The cited exemption applies to the Residential Builders and Remodelers chapter.
- It covers agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, buildings constructed as a community effort, and tenant houses.
- The source does not establish an exemption from independently applicable local permits, zoning, floodplain rules, or wastewater requirements.
“This chapter shall not apply to: (a) Agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, buildings constructed as a community effort, or tenant houses;”
Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Residential Builders Law ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Mississippi residential-builder licensing exemptions for agricultural buildings and buildings used for agricultural purposes.
  “Agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes”
  Residential Laws and Rules Revised 2022 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Subdivision Plan Review ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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;”
Mississippi Access Management Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Mississippi Administrative Code — State Property Floodplain Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
Mississippi Department of Transportation Permit and Blanket Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit processPartial
Mississippi local permitting for businesses and business-related construction or land development.
- Permits may be required from city or county governments.
- Different locations have different requirements.
- Building permits generally come from the city or county building and planning department for constructing or modifying a place of business.
- Zoning permits generally come from the city or county building and planning department for developing land for specific commercial use.
“You may be required to apply for permits and licenses from your local government (e.g., city or county). Different locations have different requirements.”
Start Your Business in Mississippi — County and City Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
General Campground Rules and Policies - Ross Barnett Reservoir ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Temporary camping at designated campgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District.
  “Camping shall be confined to the designated campground or designated overflow areas.”
  General Campground Rules and Policies - Ross Barnett Reservoir ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Mississippi Uniform Building Codes ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Kemper County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts for unincorporated Kemper County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Kemper County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Kemper County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Kemper County.

5 more unanswered

Building height
Camping on your land
Accessory dwellings
Off-grid sanitation
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 Kemper County, Mississippi

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

Kemper County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 6,046 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

How much does land cost in Kemper County, Mississippi?

Land in Kemper County runs about $2,179 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kemper County?

Kemper County gets about 54.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is Kemper County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,046 people within a 30-minute drive and 990,082 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.

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