🏕️ RV & Campers

🏕️ RV & Camper Regulations

In Panola County, Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and Campers are intended for temporary recreational use and are not permitted as permanent residences. To maintain community standards and public health, the following regulations apply:

⏱️ Temporary Use Limits

  • 156-Day Rule: RVs may only be used for temporary habitation for a maximum of 156 days per year.
  • Permit Required: Any temporary use of an RV on private property must be permitted by the Panola County Land Development Commission.
  • Property Ownership: The applicant for an RV permit must be the owner of the property where the RV is located.

🚽 Wastewater & Sewer Requirements

To protect local groundwater and public health, all permitted RVs/Campers must be connected to a sanitary disposal system.

Verification vs. New Design

Depending on whether you are using a sewer system that is already in the ground or installing a new one, the approval process is different:

  • Existing Systems: If there is a functional system already on the property (e.g., from a previous home), it must be inspected and verified for compliance by Panola County or an approved inspection from the Mississippi State Department of Health in place of a county-run inspection.
  • New Systems: All new septic or wastewater systems must be professionally designed and approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health before installation begins.

How to Apply for a New System

If you are installing a new wastewater system, you must follow the state process:

  1. File a “Notice of Intent”: Apply online via the MSDH Wastewater Portal.
  2. Soil Evaluation: An MSDH environmentalist will visit your property to perform a “perk test” and site evaluation.
  3. Approved Design: Once the evaluation is complete, the MSDH will provide the approved design options suitable for your land.

Prohibited: The “dumping” of gray water or sewage onto the ground, into open pits, or into ditches is a violation of health codes and is strictly prohibited.

🚫 Prohibited Uses

  • Rental Property: RVs and Campers may not be used as rental units or “tiny home” apartments.
  • Accessory Storage: It is unlawful to use a camper or RV as a permanent storage shed or accessory building.
  • Permanent Dwelling: Removing the wheels or hitch to “permanently” set an RV is prohibited. If you wish to build a permanent small home, please refer to our Tiny House requirements.

💰 Permit Fees

Please note that all fees must be paid at the Land Development Office. We accept cash, check, or credit/debit card.

  • Temporary RV Permit: $151.00
  • Renewal Fee (If applicable): $151.00

📞 How to Apply

Permit applications for RVs, Tiny Houses, and New Construction are processed in person at the Panola County Land Development Office.

Because rules are specific to lot size and wastewater, we highly recommend calling ahead to confirm your parcel’s compliance before your visit.

Save Time: Pre-Fill Your Application

To speed up the process, you can download and fill out the forms below before you arrive. This allows you to gather all required information (such as parcel numbers and site dimensions) at your own pace.

📄 Download RV/Camper Permit Application

Panola County Land Development Office

Address: 245 Eureka Street, Batesville, MS 38606

Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (662) 563-6313

Email: chadmeek@panolacoms.com or permitdesk@panolacoms.com

🚨 Legal Warning: Unpermitted Camper/RV Living

“Living in a camper, travel trailer, or RV on private property outside of a licensed RV park is prohibited in Panola County without a specific temporary use permit. Additionally, these units may not be used as rental property.”

⚖️ Penalties

Failure to comply can result in:

  • Misdemeanor Citations: Fines range from $100 to $750 per offense.
  • Daily Accrual: In many cases, every day you remain in the unpermitted camper counts as a new violation.
  • Forced Removal: The county has the authority to order the camper removed from the property at your expense.

❓ RV Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I live in an RV while building my permanent home? Yes, but you must obtain a temporary use permit from the Land Development Office. This is typically granted only while an active building permit for a permanent residence is on file and the RV is connected to an approved septic system.
  • Do I need a permit just to park my RV in my driveway? If the RV is merely being stored (not lived in) and is currently tagged and titled, a temporary use permit is generally not required for storage on your own property. However, it must not create a public nuisance or block line-of-sight for traffic.
  • What happens if I exceed the 156-day limit? The Code Enforcement office monitors long-term RV stays. Violations can result in citations and fines. If you need a permanent housing solution, we encourage you to look into Manufactured Home or Site-Built options.
  • Can I rent out my camper or RV? No. In Panola County, an RV or Camper cannot be used as a rental unit, an “AirBnB” style short-term rental, or a permanent apartment.