Perry County, MS: No Zoning, Owner-Builder Allowed

Perry County, Mississippi does not publish a residential building-permit office or process, so confirm the current permit and inspection path with the Board of Supervisors before building in an unincorporated area^1,2. Unincorporated Perry County does not have county-level zoning². Septic permits go through the Mississippi State Department of Health³.

At a glance

Building permit: Requirement and local process unconfirmed¹
Zoning: No county-level zoning in unincorporated areas²
Septic permit: Required through the Mississippi State Department of Health^3,4
Owner-builder: State licensing exemption available for your own residence⁵
RV or tiny-home living: Land-use approval unconfirmed; wastewater rules still apply^2,4
Minimum home size: No county standard confirmed; ask before designing²
Conventional septic soils: About 33.3% of soils lack severe limitations⁶
Median property tax bill: About $947 a year⁶

Who to call

Also useful

Perry County Board of Supervisors

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

601.964.8370

contact@perrycountyms.gov

101 Main St. New Augusta, MS 39462

Roads & driveways

Perry County Engineer

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

601.583.2127

One more officeSeptic permits

Septic permits

Mississippi State Department of Health, Perry County Health Department

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

601-964-3288

15 Pumping Station Road Petal, MS 39465

Online permits →

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

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

Perry County's residential building-permit requirement and local application process could not be confirmed.

Perry County's residential building-permit requirement and local application process could not be confirmed¹. The Mississippi Insurance Department says all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before the 2014 deadline, but that source does not show whether Perry County opted out or what code it enforces⁷. Do not market rural land as permit-free or code-free. Before ordering plans or starting site work in unincorporated Perry County, ask the Board of Supervisors who accepts residential permit applications, which code applies, what inspections are required, what the fees are and whether a certificate of occupancy is issued². Incorporated places may administer their own requirements, so contact the relevant city when a parcel is inside municipal limits⁸.

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

Perry County does not publish a dedicated building department, application, fee schedule or inspection process, so the local construction path could not be confirmed.

Perry County does not publish a dedicated building department, application, fee schedule or inspection process, so the local construction path could not be confirmed¹. Start with the Perry County Board of Supervisors at 101 Main St. in New Augusta, by phone at 601.964.8370 or email at contact@perrycountyms.gov². Ask the Board office to identify the current building and floodplain officials, then get parcel-specific requirements in writing. For an entrance on a county road, the Perry County Engineer is the public-infrastructure contact and handles questions involving county roads, bridges and drainage⁹. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires an MDOT permit¹⁰.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Unincorporated Perry County does not have county-level zoning.

Unincorporated Perry County does not have county-level zoning². That does not settle every parcel question: county standards for setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height and lot coverage could not be confirmed. Ask the Board of Supervisors for a parcel-specific written answer before relying on a seller's description². If the land lies inside an incorporated municipality, contact that city because Mississippi permit and zoning requirements vary by local government⁸. The county's floodplain-development permit requirement and current administrator also could not be confirmed, so ask the Board office before placing improvements in a mapped flood area².

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers individual on-site wastewater systems in Perry County.

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers individual on-site wastewater systems in Perry County³. A permanent sewer or septic solution is required before a permanent water meter can be connected, and an MSDH permit is required for an onsite system⁴. MSDH reviews the application before invoicing, emails the invoice within one business day and requires payment before visiting the property⁴. Current online fees are $197.50 for Notice of Intent plus Final Approval or $100 for Notice of Intent plus Exemption; processing fees may apply and charges can change⁴. The exemption route does not include an MSDH approval visit after installation⁴. Start with the Perry County Health Department at 601-964-3288¹¹. Only about 33.3% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the site before fixing the house location or wastewater budget⁶.

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

Perry County does not have county-level zoning in unincorporated areas, but long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy still could not be confirmed.

Perry County does not have county-level zoning in unincorporated areas, but long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy still could not be confirmed². Ask the Board of Supervisors about residential occupancy, construction, address assignment and floodplain review before moving onto the parcel². For wastewater purposes, MSDH treats a hunting camp as a residential application; a hunting-camp property with three or more trailers, cabins or RVs requires a commercial-development application⁴. Mississippi does not recognize gray water as a separate waste stream: all wastewater must discharge to sewer or septic, not onto the ground, into a ditch or into water⁴. The owner-builder exemption removes a state residential-builder licensing requirement for work on your own residence, but it does not waive permits or other rules⁵.

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

Ask the Perry County Board of Supervisors to identify the current building, inspection and floodplain authorities for the parcel.

Ask the Perry County Board of Supervisors to identify the current building, inspection and floodplain authorities for the parcel².

If the parcel is inside a municipality, confirm that city's separate requirements before design work⁸.

Apply to MSDH for the onsite-wastewater permit; payment is due before the property visit⁴.

Confirm entrance approval with the County Engineer for a county road or obtain an MDOT permit for a state-highway connection^9,10.

Submit the residential permit documents the county identifies and schedule required inspections; Perry County's exact process remains unconfirmed¹.

If acting as your own general contractor on your own residence, document the state licensing exemption while following every applicable permit rule⁵.

What should you check before buying land in Perry County?

Start with wastewater: only about 33.3% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the state site evaluation before assuming a standard system will fit.

Start with wastewater: only about 33.3% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the state site evaluation before assuming a standard system will fit^4,6. If land will be divided, MSDH reviews onsite-wastewater designs for subdivisions, but that does not establish whether Perry County separately regulates plats or subdivision layout³. Check access next: the County Engineer handles county-road infrastructure questions, while a new driveway onto a state highway requires an MDOT permit^9,10. Confirm setbacks, dwelling type, RV use and floodplain review with the Board of Supervisors even though unincorporated Perry County lacks county zoning². Perry County is about 88.1% wooded and about 41.8% federally owned, so verify surveyed boundaries and legal access⁶.

Watch-outs

Perry County's building-permit and inspection process could not be confirmed; ask the Board of Supervisors to identify the current authority before construction begins^1,2.
Unincorporated Perry County lacks county zoning, but RV and tiny-home occupancy rules remain unconfirmed; obtain a parcel-specific written answer before moving onto the land².
Only about 33.3% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field; complete the state site evaluation before fixing a house location or wastewater budget^4,6.

Sources

11 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like 3 of the 4 neighbors with published rules, Perry County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Perry County	Forrest County	Greene County	Stone County	Jones County	Lamar County	George County
Building permit	Required	Not required	Not published	Required	Required	Required	Not published
County zoning	No	Not published	No	No	Not published	Yes	No
Septic permits	MS State Dept. of Health	MSDH	MS State Dept. of Health	MS State Dept. of Health	County Health Dept.	MSDH	MS State Dept. of Health

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
Perry County's official website lists no planning/zoning department and directs property owners to the zoning officials of the relevant city, indicating no county-level zoning in unincorporated areas.
Perry County, MS - Official Website ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction in unincorporated Perry County under the statewide county-permitting requirement.
  “each and every county in this state shall require permitting as a condition to construction within the unincorporated areas of the county”
  sos.ms.gov ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A person undertaking construction or improvement on the person's own residence, or acting as the person's own general contractor, in Perry County.
- The exemption is for the person's own residence.
- The cited statutory text also lists agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, community-effort buildings, and tenant houses.
- The exemption concerns residential builder licensing and does not establish exemption from building permits or other rules.
“This chapter shall not apply to: [...] Any person who undertakes construction or improvement on his own residence, or who acts as his own general contractor in the performance of construction or improvement on his own residence;”
msboc.us ↗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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Mississippi counties and municipalities, including Perry County, subject to any applicable statutory opt-out.
  “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
  Mississippi Uniform Building Codes ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
- 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — RV occupancy at a hunting camp where onsite-wastewater service is needed in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “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.”
  MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 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 septicMixed
Statewide individual onsite wastewater disposal systems; the Mississippi State Department of Health establishes the rules and the appropriate county Department of Health performs local inspections.
- The governing regulation is promulgated under the Mississippi Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Law.
- Inspection scheduling and inspections are handled with the appropriate county Department of Health.
“Notify the Department at least 48 hours before beginning construction if acting as the Certified Installer of an Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System and, at that time, schedule a time for inspection of the system with the appropriate county Department of Health.”
Mississippi State Department of Health Current Regulations: On-site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- State (with conditions) — Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations”
  On-Site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system and obtaining a water meter in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
  MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system in Mississippi.
- For the ordinary Notice-of-Intent and Final-Approval process, the certified installer must contact MSDH 24 hours before construction to schedule an inspection.
- A two-acre exemption applicant receives a site evaluation and disposal-system recommendation, but MSDH does not inspect during installation.
- For the two-acre exemption, the Department reserves the right to inspect an installed system after it has been in use for more than 30 days.
- Final approval requires the installer affidavit; advanced treatment systems also require the property owner's maintenance affidavit.
advance notice before construction: >= 24 hours (Certified installer must contact the Department to schedule inspection.) · two-acre-exemption post-use inspection threshold: > 30 days (MSDH reserves the right to inspect systems on properties that filed a two-acre exemption.)
“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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Inspection of individual on-site wastewater systems in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “The second difference means we do not go out to approve the installation, which is why the application costs less. This approval ensures that the Certified Installer installed everything legally and properly and will not be available if the system is already in the ground.”
  MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater disposal in Mississippi, including Perry County.
- All wastewater must be piped to a central sewer system or septic system for proper disposal.
- No gray water may be discharged on ground, ditches, or bodies of water.
“Mississippi does not recognize gray water. Anything that could be considered gray water in other states is classified as wastewater in Mississippi. All wastewater is required to pipe into a central sewer system or a septic system for proper disposal. No “gray water” can be discharged on the ground, ditches, or bodies of water.”
MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 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 — Permanent water-meter connection where permanent sewage disposal is required in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “State law requires you have permanent sewage disposal solution available to receive a permanent water meter. Permanent sewage disposal solutions can be a sewer line or septic system.”
  MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Commercial developments that are subdivisions and require individual onsite-wastewater-system authorization in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “Commercial Developments (Subdivisions, Manufactured, Multi-family, RV Campgrounds/Lodging Parks)”
  On-Site Wastewater ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — MSDH onsite-wastewater applications in Mississippi, including Perry County.
  “Notice of Intent + Final Approval is currently $197.50 Notice of Intent + Exemption is currently $100 Existing Residential Inspection is currently $100 Private Water Well Sample is currently $10 Non-residential Water Meter is currently $0 Commercial Establishment + Final Approval is currently $412.50 Existing Commercial Establishment is currently $315 Commercial Development is currently $412.50 + $2.60/unit. A unit can be an apartment, house, trailer, RV or any other independent quarters for a single family. Subdivision is currently $325 + $6.50/lot Online payment will be subject to a processing fee. All fees are subject to change. Additional costs may be included if online application is not used. See other FAQ questions for details about application types.”
  MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
MSDH onsite-wastewater application process in Mississippi, including Perry County.
- MSDH personally reviews applications before invoicing.
- The invoice is emailed within one business day of receiving the application.
- Payment must be received before MSDH visits the property.
invoice delivery after application receipt: <= 1 business day
“We personally review all applications before invoicing. This prevents many mistakes, such as duplicate applications or applying for the wrong service to occur. The invoice is emailed to you from support@msegov.com within one (1) business day of receiving the application. Check your Spam folder if you do not see anything in your Inbox. We must receive your payment prior to visiting the property.”
MSDH On-Site Wastewater FAQs and Answers ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Mississippi local permitting for businesses and business-related construction or land development.
  “You may be required to apply for permits and licenses from your local government (e.g., city or county). Different locations have different requirements.”
  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 — Local zoning within Perry County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — County zoning districts in Perry County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Perry County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Perry County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Perry County.

4 more unanswered

Building height
Camping on your land
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Perry County, Mississippi

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

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

How much does land cost in Perry County, Mississippi?

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

What is the water situation in Perry County?

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

How remote is Perry County?

A representative private-land location has about 78,825 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,168,360 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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