Bolthole Index

Walthall County, Mississippi

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

75Index Score / 100
#21 of 82 in Mississippi

Walthall County, Mississippi has no confirmed county building-permit office or published application process, although state law directs counties to require a construction permit in unincorporated areas1. Available county information indicates no countywide zoning, but no ordinance was found to confirm that and parcel-specific restrictions still need verification with the Board of Supervisors23. Septic permits are handled by the Mississippi State Department of Health4.

At a glance

Building permit
County process unconfirmed; ask the Board of Supervisors before construction13
Zoning
Available county information indicates none, but no ordinance-level confirmation was found2
Septic permit
Required through the Mississippi State Department of Health45
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land could not be confirmed; ask the Board of Supervisors3
Tiny home
No county-specific occupancy or dimensional rule was confirmed2
Owner-builder
State licensing exemption applies when building or acting as general contractor on your own residence6
Private well
State withdrawal permit applies when surface casing is 6 inches or larger, with exclusions7
Septic soils
Only 19% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field8

Who to call

Building permits

Walthall County Board of Supervisors

First contact for county permit, code, zoning, RV-occupancy and floodplain questions when no specialized county office is published

(601) 876-4947

200 Ball Ave., Tylertown, MS 39667

Septic permits

Walthall County Health Department

Local Mississippi State Department of Health contact for Walthall County

601-876-4924

903 Union Road, Tylertown, MS 39667

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Walthall County has no confirmed county building-permit office, application, fee schedule or inspection procedure, so the local process remains unresolved1. Mississippi law nevertheless directs every county to require permitting as a condition of construction in unincorporated areas under its contractor-enforcement framework1. Mississippi's uniform-code framework also required counties and municipalities to enact uniform building codes unless they opted out before the state deadline; the available material does not establish which choice Walthall County made9. Before ordering plans or beginning site work on unincorporated land, ask the Walthall County Board of Supervisors whether a permit, adopted code, inspection or occupancy approval applies to the specific project3. The statewide owner-builder licensing exemption does not itself waive a local permit or inspection6.

Who handles building permits in Walthall County?

No specialized Walthall County building or permit office could be confirmed1. The practical first contact is the Walthall County Board of Supervisors at 200 Ball Ave., Tylertown, MS 39667, by phone at (601) 876-4947 during its published weekday office hours3. Ask the Board which office accepts construction applications, whether the county adopted a building code, whether inspections or a certificate of occupancy apply, and who administers floodplain development for the parcel3. Those questions matter because the available statewide code framework does not answer Walthall County's current local policy9. Property inside Tylertown may follow municipal requirements rather than the county process, so confirm jurisdiction before relying on an answer intended for unincorporated land2.

Does Walthall County have zoning?

Available county information indicates that unincorporated Walthall County is not zoned, based on the county-government office listing and its lack of a planning or zoning department2. No official county ordinance or zoning map was located to confirm that conclusion, however, so buyers should not treat the absence of a listed department as proof that every use is allowed. The available material also does not confirm county rules for setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height, lot coverage, accessory dwellings or short-term rentals. Ask the Walthall County Board of Supervisors about the parcel and proposed use, and separately check deed restrictions, easements and subdivision covenants through the appropriate land records3. Land inside Tylertown may be subject to municipal rules rather than the answer for unincorporated Walthall County2.

How do septic permits work in Walthall County?

The Mississippi State Department of Health administers individual on-site wastewater systems in Walthall County, and a permit is required to install one45. The wastewater permit is also required for a permanent water meter unless an available sewer line supplies the permanent sewage-disposal solution5. Start with the Walthall County Health Department at 903 Union Road in Tylertown; its published phone number is 601-876-492410. The local office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.10. An installer acting under the state rules must notify the Department at least 48 hours before construction and schedule inspection with the appropriate county health department11. Only 19% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making early site-and-soil review especially important8.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Walthall County?

Walthall County's published materials do not confirm whether long-term RV occupancy is allowed on private land, and no county-specific tiny-home occupancy rule was found. Available county information indicates no zoning in unincorporated Walthall County, but that does not by itself establish permission to occupy an RV or a tiny home2. Ask the Walthall County Board of Supervisors about occupancy, utilities, setbacks, floodplain review and any temporary-use limits before buying land for either use3. A tiny home that uses an individual wastewater system still falls within the state-administered septic process, and the wastewater permit is tied to eligibility for a permanent water meter45. State rules cited for Pearl River Valley Water Supply District campgrounds are district-specific and do not answer what a Walthall County landowner may do on private acreage12.

Building a home in Walthall County: steps in order

  1. Call the Walthall County Board of Supervisors and ask which permit, code, inspection, floodplain and occupancy requirements apply to the parcel31.
  1. Confirm that the site is in unincorporated Walthall County rather than within a municipality before relying on the county answer2.
  1. Contact the Walthall County Health Department for the state septic process and resolve the sewage-disposal plan before seeking a permanent water meter105.
  1. If a well will have surface casing 6 inches or larger, determine whether the state groundwater-withdrawal permit or an exclusion applies7.
  1. If the driveway connects to a state highway, obtain the required Mississippi Department of Transportation permit before creating or altering the access13.
  1. An owner building or acting as general contractor on that person's own residence may use the statewide builder-licensing exemption, but the exemption does not eliminate local permits6.

What should you check before buying land in Walthall County?

Resolve septic feasibility before closing because only 19% of Walthall County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field8. Confirm legal road access and remember that a new or altered driveway onto a state highway requires a Mississippi Department of Transportation permit13. Ask the Board of Supervisors about building permits, the county's building-code status, floodplain administration, RV or tiny-home occupancy and any parcel-specific land-use rules that are not published31. Walthall County averages 63.2 inches of precipitation a year, so inspect drainage and usable building area rather than judging a tract only by its acreage14. About 65.8% of the county is wooded and 87.9% of its land has slopes of 15% or less, which makes clearing, driveway layout and septic placement parcel-level questions1516.

Watch-outs

  • Walthall County's building-permit process and building-code status remain unconfirmed, so obtain a parcel-specific answer from the Board of Supervisors before construction193.
  • Only 19% of Walthall County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so resolve septic feasibility before choosing a house site8.
  • Available county information indicates no zoning, but no official zoning ordinance or map was found to confirm parcel-level rules2.

Sources

  1. Miss. Code Ann. §19-5-9(11) (2026 county census)
  2. Walthall County Government (county office listing) (2026 county census)
  3. Walthall County Board of Supervisors (walthallchamber.com)
  4. On-Site Wastewater - Mississippi State Department of Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Mississippi Senate Journal, March 9, 2022 (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Guidelines for Securing the Services of a Water Well Driller (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  9. Mississippi Uniform Building Codes (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Walthall County Health Department (msdh.ms.gov)
  11. Mississippi State Department of Health Current Regulations: On-site Wastewater (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. General Campground Rules and Policies - Ross Barnett Reservoir (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Mississippi Access Management Guide (Mississippi statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  15. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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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County locator

Walthall County in Mississippi

75
County map
Walthall County highlighted among the Mississippi counties · colored by Index score

How Walthall County scores

Seclusion59100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness7268% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy39100% ev.
Carry Cost8596% ev.

Evidence strength: 94%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$158kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$3,741Land / acre
63.2"Annual rain
4.6% of yrsSevere drought
10.9 / yr (+9.9)Mid-century 100°F days
16.5 daysMid-century dry spell
3.14" (+7.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.39×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,283Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.21%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
26,331People within 30 min
2,527,406People within 2 hr
27,709Radius comparison (15 mi)
34.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
87.9%Land at 15% slope or less
19%Septic soil without severe limits
48,719 acWorkable land screen
65.8%Wooded land
34.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Walthall County

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

Walthall County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Walthall County's government office listing shows no planning or zoning department; permit/zoning inquiries are directed to the Town of Tylertown, indicating no countywide zoning of unincorporated land.

    Walthall County Government (county office listing) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Mississippi rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person undertaking construction or improvement on the person's own residence or acting as the person's own general contractor for construction or improvement on that residence, for purposes of Mississippi residential builder and remodeler licensing requirements.

    • The exemption concerns the licensing chapter for residential builders and remodelers; it does not by itself establish exemption from a locally required building permit or inspection.
    • The same official legislative text also states that related exemptions have limits on permit applications or residences constructed within a one-year period, depending on the subsection and circumstances.
    “(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

    Mississippi counties and municipalities subject to the statewide uniform-building-code framework.

    • All counties and municipalities must enact uniform building codes unless they opted out prior to November 30, 2014.
    • The source describes the statewide framework but does not establish that every county or municipality currently has an adopted code.
    “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.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Pediatric skilled nursing facilities regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health.

    • Upon completion of construction, the Licensing Agency must inspect and approve the facility before occupancy.
    • The state and county health departments may access the job site during regular business hours and conduct construction progress inspections as deemed necessary by the agency.
    “Upon completion of construction, an inspection shall be made by the Licensing Agency and approval given prior to occupying the building or any part thereof. The state and county health departments shall have access to the job site during regular business hours and shall conduct construction progress inspections as deemed necessary by the agency.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

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

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

    Individual on-site wastewater disposal systems and related recreational-vehicle campground/lodging-park wastewater programs serving Walthall County.

    • Walthall County is listed in the MSDH South Region.
    • The source describes MSDH policy, regulation, technical assistance, design, and inspection functions for individual on-site wastewater systems and related facilities.
    “The On-site Wastewater program develops policy and regulations [...] South Region [...] Walthall”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Statewide individual onsite wastewater disposal systems; the Mississippi State Department of Health establishes the rules and the appropriate county Department of Health performs local inspections.
      “Notify the Department at least 48 hours before beginning construction if acting as the Certified Installer of an Individual On-site Wastewater Disposal System and, at that time, schedule a time for inspection of the system with the appropriate county Department of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system and obtaining a permanent water meter in Walthall County.

    • A permanent sewage-disposal solution must be available before a permanent water-meter connection.
    • The permit is required for a water meter and installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system.
    • A sewer line may satisfy the permanent-disposal requirement where available.
    “The Permit is required for a water meter”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater withdrawal permits for water wells in Mississippi.

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

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

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

    Public water connections and connection to centralized wastewater treatment systems for residences, buildings, and facilities in Mississippi.

    • A public water utility may not connect water service without prior written Department approval certifying that the sewage treatment and disposal plan complies with state law.
    • Water utility connections may be made during construction only if the Department approved the sewage plan and the owner agreed to inspection and approval before use or occupancy.
    • Where centralized wastewater treatment is constructed and becomes available, onsite systems must be abandoned and residences, buildings, or facilities connected to the centralized system.
    • Temporary onsite systems may be used only under the stated 36-month centralized-treatment conditions.

    centralized wastewater availability deadline: 36 months (The developer must sign a written agreement to connect when available and install internal sewage collection to the connection point.)

    “Where a Centralized Wastewater Treatment System is available, all places shall have a properly constructed connection to the centralized wastewater treatment system which all human excreta and other liquid waste shall be disposed”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision projects in Walthall County involving on-site wastewater or related commercial-development review.

    • The MSDH program reviews and authorizes designed systems for commercial developments, including subdivisions.
    • The cited material does not establish a general county subdivision ordinance or plat-approval regime.

    subdivision application fee: 325 USD (plus $6.50 per lot; fees subject to change)

    “Commercial Developments (Subdivisions, Manufactured, Multi-family, RV Campgrounds/Lodging Parks)”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Oversize permit $10.00 Oversize Blanket $100.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    Mississippi local permitting for businesses and business-related construction or land development.

    • Permits may be required from city or county governments.
    • Different locations have different requirements.
    • Building permits generally come from the city or county building and planning department for constructing or modifying a place of business.
    • Zoning permits generally come from the city or county building and planning department for developing land for specific commercial use.
    “You may be required to apply for permits and licenses from your local government (e.g., city or county). Different locations have different requirements.”
  • 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

Still unanswered

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

  • Building permit — Building permits for construction in Walthall County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Walthall County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or zoning maps for Walthall County and its incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Walthall County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Walthall County.
12 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Walthall County, Mississippi

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

Walthall County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Building-permit rules for unincorporated Walthall County are not published on an official source, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Division of On-Site Wastewater. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Walthall County, Mississippi?

Land in Walthall County runs about $3,741 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Walthall County?

Walthall County gets about 63.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.6% of years.

How remote is Walthall County?

A representative private-land location has about 26,331 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,527,406 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Walthall compares in Mississippi

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