Bolthole Index

Tishomingo County, Mississippi

Building permits and land rules in Tishomingo County, Mississippi

71Index Score / 100
#36 of 82 in Mississippi

Whether unincorporated Tishomingo County, Mississippi requires a general residential building permit could not be confirmed; ask the Board of Supervisors before construction1,2. County information indicates no county-wide zoning, while Iuka and Belmont have municipal zoning inside their city limits3,4,5. The Mississippi State Department of Health handles septic permits and inspections6,7,8.

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

Whether unincorporated Tishomingo County currently requires a general residential building permit could not be confirmed from a published county process.

Whether unincorporated Tishomingo County currently requires a general residential building permit could not be confirmed from a published county process1. Mississippi's uniform-code framework required counties and municipalities to enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before the statutory deadline, but the statewide rule does not establish Tishomingo County's choice1. A local government may require a permit and fee before a modular home or modular component is installed, and local inspection of modular construction is limited to site preparation, foundations and utility or structural connections9. Ask the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors which permit, code, inspection and occupancy requirements apply before ordering materials or beginning site work2. An owner building on the owner's property for personal use may be exempt from residential-builder licensing, and agricultural buildings also have a licensing exemption; neither exemption proves that local permits or other rules do not apply12.

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

Tishomingo County does not publish a confirmed building department, county building-fee schedule or general inspection process, so the practical first contact is the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors.

Tishomingo County does not publish a confirmed building department, county building-fee schedule or general inspection process, so the practical first contact is the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors1,2. The Board is the county governing body and enacts county ordinances and resolutions2. Call the Board office at (662) 423-7032 or visit 1008 Battleground Dr. in Iuka and ask who handles building permits, adopted codes, inspections, floodplain review and certificates of occupancy for the parcel2. Published MSDH wastewater charges are septic fees, not a Tishomingo County building-fee schedule10. For a driveway connecting to a county road, ask which supervisor's district contains the property because each supervisor maintains county roads and bridges in that district2. A new or altered driveway connecting to a Mississippi state highway requires a Mississippi Department of Transportation access permit14.

Does Tishomingo County have zoning?

Available county information indicates no county-wide zoning in unincorporated Tishomingo County, but the county's own departments page does not expressly say that no zoning ordinance exists.

Available county information indicates no county-wide zoning in unincorporated Tishomingo County, but the county's own departments page does not expressly say that no zoning ordinance exists3. Treat county zoning as a point to confirm with the Board of Supervisors rather than assuming that every rural parcel is unrestricted2,3. We could not confirm county-wide rules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or accessory dwellings; ask the Board about the specific parcel and proposed use2. Property inside Iuka is different because Iuka has a municipal zoning ordinance4. Belmont also applies a zoning ordinance and map within its corporate city limits5. These city rules do not establish the rules for unincorporated land4,5.

How do septic permits work in Tishomingo County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater permits in Tishomingo County through its North Region.

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers onsite wastewater permits in Tishomingo County through its North Region6. A permit is required for a water meter and installation of an onsite wastewater system when public sewer is unavailable7. MSDH currently lists $197.50 for notice of intent plus final approval, $100 for notice of intent plus exemption, and $100 for an existing residential inspection; fees may change and online processing or other costs may apply10. New systems requiring final approval are evaluated for compliance, while Mississippi does not require an existing septic inspection solely for a real-estate sale7,8. A permanent water meter requires sewer or septic; applications within 1 mile of a sewer line are referred to that provider, and MSDH needs the provider's rejection before proceeding with septic7. Only about 6.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency15.

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

We could not confirm a Tishomingo County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV living or temporary camping on private land.

We could not confirm a Tishomingo County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV living or temporary camping on private land3. Mississippi does recognize a residential tiny home of 80 to less than 400 square feet, but treats it as a modular home subject to the current residential code adopted by the Mississippi Building Codes Council; a permanently installed unit must use an approved foundation that follows the manufacturer's installation guidelines11. That state rule does not settle Tishomingo County land-use, septic or permit requirements, so ask the Board of Supervisors whether the proposed unit may be occupied on the parcel2,11. Mississippi does not allow an off-grid sanitation setup to discharge gray water or other wastewater onto the ground, into a ditch or into water; wastewater must go to sewer or septic10. A permanent water connection also requires a permanent sewage-disposal solution7.

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

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Iuka and Belmont have city zoning that does not establish the rules for rural county land.

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Iuka and Belmont have city zoning that does not establish the rules for rural county land4,5.
  1. Call the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors and ask which building permit, adopted code, inspection, floodplain and occupancy requirements apply1,2.
  1. Ask the sewer provider first if a line is within 1 mile; MSDH needs its rejection before proceeding with septic7.
  1. If sewer is unavailable, apply to MSDH for the water-meter and onsite-wastewater permit and budget for the published application fee plus possible processing costs7,10.
  1. Resolve drain-field suitability before fixing the house location; conventional systems face severe soil limitations across most of the county15.
  1. Confirm the water source; a groundwater withdrawal permit applies to wells with a surface casing diameter of 6 inches or greater, subject to exclusions13.
  1. Get an MDOT permit for a new or altered driveway onto a state highway, or ask the district supervisor about access from a county road2,14.

What should you check before buying land in Tishomingo County?

Put septic feasibility near the top of the due-diligence list because only about 6.1% of Tishomingo County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field.

Put septic feasibility near the top of the due-diligence list because only about 6.1% of Tishomingo County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field15. About 47.7% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 76.7% is wooded, so verify the actual building pad, clearing needs and driveway grade on the parcel15. If land will be divided, MSDH wastewater review applies to developments of 10 or more lots, county ordinances may set a lower threshold, and public-water projects may require review regardless of lot count10. That wastewater review does not confirm the county's separate plat-approval rules, which we could not confirm; ask the Board before dividing land2,16. Confirm legal road access and ask the district supervisor about county-road work2. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $71315.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin construction until the Board of Supervisors confirms the permit, code and inspection requirements for the parcel, because Tishomingo County's local process remains unconfirmed1,2.
  • Do not assume that reported absence of county-wide zoning authorizes an RV, tiny home or any other occupancy; ask the Board about the proposed use2,3.
  • A permanent water meter depends on a permanent sewage-disposal solution, and Mississippi prohibits discharging gray water onto the ground7,10.
  • Most county soils carry severe limitations for conventional septic drain fields, so obtain the MSDH site evaluation before committing to a house location6,15.

Sources

16 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

  1. Mississippi Uniform Building Codes
  2. Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors (co.tishomingo.ms.us)
  3. Tishomingo County, Mississippi - Departments (2026 county census)
  4. Tishomingo County News — Approved Amendments to the Current Zoning Ordinance of the City of Iuka
  5. Zoning - City of Belmont
  6. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health
  7. WasteWater Online Application FAQ
  8. Mississippi State Department of Health On-Site Wastewater Regulations
  9. Rules and Regulations for Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes as Related to Modular Homes
  10. WasteWater Application FAQs: fees and application process
  11. Mississippi Administrative Code, Factory-Built Homes Regulation
  12. Residential Builders Law
  13. Guidelines for Securing the Services of a Water Well Driller (Mississippi statewide rule)
  14. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule)
  15. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  16. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

RuleTishomingo CountyPrentiss CountyAlcorn CountyItawamba CountyTippah CountyLee CountyUnion County
Building permitLimitedNot publishedRequiredNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published
County zoningNoNot publishedNot publishedNoNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsMSDHMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMS State Dept. of HealthMSDHMS State Dept. of Health

County locator

Tishomingo County in Mississippi

71
County map
Tishomingo County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Tishomingo County scores

71 / 100 · #36 of 82 in Mississippi · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion60100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency55100% ev.
Admin Boringness7168% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% ev.

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

$195kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,290Land / acre
58.6"Annual rain
4.3% of yrsSevere drought
13.9 / yr (+12.5)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.59" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.47×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,577Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
17,166People within 30 min
2,054,898People within 2 hr
27,656Radius comparison (15 mi)
43.6People / sq mi
1.7%Federal land
47.7%Land at 15% slope or less
6.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
15,670 acWorkable land screen
76.7%Wooded land
53.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Tishomingo County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Tishomingo County

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

Tishomingo County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The official county departments page lists no planning or zoning office, consistent with this rural county having no county-wide zoning in unincorporated areas.

    Tishomingo County, Mississippi - Departments ↗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).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    State residential-builder licensing for owner-controlled construction in Tishomingo County.

    • The owner-controlled undertaking must be on property for use by that owner and not for sale, rent, public use, or public assembly.
    • A person under the own-residence or related-owner exemptions may not make more than two permit applications for a single residence or construct more than two single residences within one year; exceeding that limit creates a rebuttable presumption of intent to sell, lease, rent, or a similar purpose.
    • This is an exemption from the state Residential Builders Law, not proof that a local building permit is unnecessary.

    single residences or permit applications under specified exemptions: <= 2 residences (within one year)

    “on such property for use by such owner and which will not be for sale, rent, public use or public assembly;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person undertaking construction or improvement on the person's own residence or acting as the person's own general contractor for construction or improvement on that residence, for purposes of Mississippi residential builder and remodeler licensing requirements.
      “(1) This chapter shall not apply to: [...] (b) Any person who undertakes construction or improvement on his own residence, or who acts as his own general contractor in the performance of construction or improvement on his own residence;”
  • 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”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Mississippi uniform building-code framework applicable to counties and municipalities.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Mississippi counties and municipalities subject to Senate Bill 2378 of 2014.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
    • Partial — Mississippi counties and municipalities subject to the statewide uniform-building-code framework.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014. Please complete the following information regarding your county or municipality’s building code policies.”
    • Partial — Mississippi counties and municipalities, including residential building-code adoption subject to the statewide uniform-building-code framework.
      “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Modular homes and components under Mississippi's factory-built-home regulation.

    • Local inspection is limited to site preparation, foundations, and structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical connections among modular homes.
    • Copies of violations are forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    “A local government may inspect site preparation work (including foundations)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Pediatric skilled nursing facilities regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
      “Upon completion of construction, an inspection shall be made by the Licensing Agency and approval given prior to occupying the building or any part thereof. The state and county health departments shall have access to the job site during regular business hours and shall conduct construction progress inspections as deemed necessary by the agency.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

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

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

    Tiny homes intended for use as residential dwellings in Mississippi, including Tishomingo County.

    • The tiny home must be a closed structure, building assembly, or system of assemblies ranging from 80 to less than 400 square feet.
    • For residential use, the tiny home is treated as a modular home for design and construction requirements.
    • The tiny home must comply with the most current residential building code adopted by the Mississippi Building Codes Council.
    • If permanently installed at its final destination, it must be installed on an approved foundation constructed in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
    • This state rule does not resolve any separate local land-use, zoning, septic, or permitting requirements.

    minimum size in tiny-home definition: >= 80 square feet · maximum size in tiny-home definition: < 400 square feet

    ““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). If intended to be used as residential dwellings, tiny homes/houses will be treated as a “modular home” (see Rule 3.01.3 (27)) with regard to the design and construction requirements in compliance with the most current version of the residential building code adopted by the Mississippi Building Codes Council; and when designed to be permanently installed at its final destination, shall be installed on an approved foundation constructed in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation guidelines pertaining to licensure of the manufacturing facility, retail entity and enforcement of installation standards for occupant safety.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Manufactured homesLimited

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

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

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

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

    Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems in Tishomingo County.

    • MSDH's North Region expressly includes Tishomingo County.
    • The program provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists for designing and inspecting individual systems.
    “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists in designing and inspecting Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems (IOWDS), recreational vehicle campgrounds/lodging parks, septage pumpers/haulers and individual water supplies.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Individual onsite wastewater systems and related wastewater services in Tishomingo County, which MSDH places in its North Region.
      “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations and provides technical assistance to regional environmentalists”
    • Mixed — Statewide individual onsite wastewater disposal systems; the Mississippi State Department of Health establishes the rules and the appropriate county Department of Health performs local inspections.
      “Notify the Department at least 48 hours before beginning construction if acting as the Certified Installer of an Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System and, at that time, schedule a time for inspection of the system with the appropriate county Department of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    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).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — A water meter or installation of an onsite wastewater disposal system in Tishomingo County.
      “The Permit is required for a water meter and the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.”
    • Required — Design, construction, or installation of an individual on-site wastewater disposal system in Tishomingo County.
      “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).”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater disposal in Tishomingo County.

    • Mississippi does not recognize gray water as a separate category.
    • Wastewater must be piped into a central sewer system or septic system for proper disposal.
    • Gray water may not be discharged on the ground, in ditches, or into bodies of water.
    • A septic system requires the applicable MSDH permit and compliance with regulations.
    “Mississippi does not recognize gray water.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Prohibited — Discharging wastewater or gray water on the ground, into ditches, or into bodies of water in Tishomingo County.
      “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.”
    • Prohibited — Discharge of household gray water or wastewater onto the ground, ditches, or bodies of water in Tishomingo County.
      “Mississippi does not recognize gray water. Anything that could be considered gray water in other states is classified as wastewater in Mississippi. All wastewater is required to pipe into a central sewer system or a septic system for proper disposal. No “gray water” can be discharged on the ground, ditches, or bodies of water.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater withdrawal permits for water wells in Mississippi.

    • A groundwater withdrawal permit is required for water wells with surface casing diameters of 6 inches or greater.
    • Some exclusions apply.
    • A separate contractor licensing requirement generally applies, but a landowner may drill without a Water Well Contractor license for a single-family permanent residence or farm livestock use if applicable construction standards are followed.
    • Wells with surface casing diameters below 6 inches may still be regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health when part of a public water system.

    surface casing diameter threshold: >= 6 inches (Some exclusions apply.)

    “State law requires that you obtain a groundwater withdrawal permit for water wells with surface casing diameters 6-inches or greater in diameter. Some exclusions apply to this requirement.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Permanent water-meter or utility connection requests in Tishomingo County.

    • A permanent sewage-disposal solution must be available before a permanent water meter can be issued.
    • The solution may be a sewer line or septic system.
    • If public sewer is unavailable, the applicant must apply to MSDH for the required paperwork.
    • Applications within one mile of a sewer line are automatically referred to connect, and a Letter of Rejection from the sewer provider is required before MSDH proceeds.

    sewer referral distance: <= 1 mile (Applications within one mile of a sewer line are automatically referred.)

    “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. You must have a sewer option before a water utility can make a connection to your property.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Permanent water-utility connections for property in Tishomingo County.
      “permanent sewage disposal [...] water meter”
    • Conditional — Public water connections and connection to centralized wastewater treatment systems for residences, buildings, and facilities in Mississippi.
      “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”
  • 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;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — State Residential Builders Law licensing as applied in Tishomingo County.
      “This chapter shall not apply to: (a) Agricultural buildings, buildings used for agricultural purposes, buildings constructed as a community effort, or tenant houses;”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Mississippi Department of Health review of land developments involving onsite wastewater systems.
      “A subdivision is any development of land into ten (10) or more lots. County ordinances may lower the minimum number of lots. If the development will utilize public water, the Bureau of Public Water Supply may require a subdivision review, regardless of lot count.”
    • Limited — State health-department wastewater review of subdivisions affecting Tishomingo County.
      “Staff engineers review and authorize Certified Professional Evaluator's designed On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems, Commercial Developments (Subdivisions, Manufactured, Multi-family, RV Campgrounds/Lodging Parks), Commercial Establishments (Restaurant, Child Care Facility/School. Church, Shopping Center, Office, etc.), review and approve manufactured designs of wastewater components, etc.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Mississippi State Department of Health onsite-wastewater application process applicable to Tishomingo County.

    • Applicants must submit a complete application, required documents, and payment.
    • MSDH requires a deed or survey and a plot plan showing current and planned improvements.
    • After successful payment, paperwork is sent within 24 hours of the property visit.
    • The average property-visit turnaround is 5-10 business days once application, payment, and documents are complete.
    • If sewer is within one mile, MSDH refers the applicant to the sewer provider and requires a Letter of Rejection before proceeding with septic review.

    property-visit average turnaround: 5-10 business days (After application, payment, and necessary documents are received) · paperwork after property visit: <= 24 hours (After successful payment, subject to the source's stated process)

    “paperwork within 24 hours of the property visit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Mississippi local permitting for businesses and business-related construction or land development.
      “You may be required to apply for permits and licenses from your local government (e.g., city or county). Different locations have different requirements.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy at campgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, including Coal Bluff, Goshen Springs, Leake County Water Park, Low Head Dam, and Timberlake.

    • The rules apply within all campgrounds under the District’s jurisdiction.
    • Campgrounds are not intended to be permanent domiciles for campground guests.
    • A recreational vehicle must be in operable road-worthy condition, properly registered and insured in its domicile state or province, with a current license plate affixed.
    • Campers may not stay on any pad longer than 12 consecutive months; Standard Plus campers may move to another available pad after 12 months, but the District is not responsible for making a pad available.
    • Campsites are typically designed for trailers or recreational vehicles no longer than 32 feet or wider than 8 feet, subject to the stated RVIA-seal, holding-tank, facility-capacity, and prohibited-unit conditions.
    • Primitive camping areas without water, electricity, or sewer are not intended for recreational vehicles.
    • No permanent structures may be erected on a campsite; temporary accessibility stairs, stoops, steps, or ramps require the stated approvals and size limits.
    • Camping is confined to designated campground or overflow areas, and no more than one camping unit is allowed per pad without Campground Manager approval.

    maximum stay on one pad: <= 12 consecutive months (Campers may move to a different available pad after 12 months.) · typical campsite RV length: <= 32 feet (Larger units may be accepted if they satisfy the stated RVIA seal, holding-tank, and facility-capacity conditions.) · typical campsite RV width: <= 8 feet (Larger units may be accepted if they satisfy the stated RVIA seal, holding-tank, and facility-capacity conditions.)

    “Campers shall not stay on any pad longer than 12 consecutive months”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Mississippi county boards of supervisors' authority and obligation to adopt uniform building codes, including in unincorporated county territory, subject to the statutory opt-out framework.

    • All counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before November 30, 2014.
    • A county board of supervisors adopting building codes after July 1, 2008 must adopt as minimum codes codes established and promulgated by the Mississippi Building Codes Council.
    • The statewide source does not identify current county-by-county residential permit enforcement or opt-out status.

    opt-out deadline: 2014-11-30 · minimum-code requirement for codes adopted after: >= 2008-07-01

    “Under Senate Bill 2378 of 2014, all counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opt out prior to Nov. 30, 2014.”

Inside cities and towns in Tishomingo County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Property and land uses within the City of Iuka subject to its zoning ordinance.

    • Violations are subject to escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, $500 for a third offense, and $500 for a fourth or subsequent offense.
    • Each day that a violation is permitted to exist constitutes a separate offense.
    • The ordinance was declared enacted and ordered published after a majority vote of the Aldermen present and voting on April 5, 2022.

    first offense fine: 100 USD · second offense fine: 300 USD · third offense fine: 500 USD · fourth and subsequent offense fine: 500 USD

    “Any person, firm, corporation or other entity who violates, neglects or refuses to comply with any of the provisions of the ordinance shall be fined: First Offense: $100 Second Offense: $300 Third Offense: $500 Fourth Offense and any Offense after: $500 Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — The City of Iuka within Tishomingo County.
      “APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE CURRENT ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IUKA The City of Iuka Board of Aldermen, to better serve the people of Iuka, to protect property values, and offer clarification to its existing Zoning Ordinance, does amend said Ordinance in two parts as the following:”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land within the corporate city limits of Belmont, Mississippi.
      “City Zoning is in place to protect the integrity of the neighborhoods and property inside the corporate city limits. Please review the zoning ordinance and map below to understand what is authorized for each area of zoning.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Tishomingo County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements for residential dwellings in unincorporated Tishomingo County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements for residential lots in unincorporated Tishomingo County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Tishomingo County.
  • Building height — Building height limits in Tishomingo County.
3 more unanswered
  • 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 Tishomingo County, Mississippi

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

Tishomingo County scores 71/100 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 Tishomingo County, Mississippi?

Land in Tishomingo County runs about $2,290 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Tishomingo County?

Tishomingo County gets about 58.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.3% of years.

How remote is Tishomingo County?

A representative private-land location has about 17,166 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,054,898 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Tishomingo compares in Mississippi

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