🏠 New Home Construction

🏗️ Permits

The Panola County Land Development Office is the designated Issuing Authority for the construction permit and is also authorized to enforce this ordinance. Work started without a valid permit will result in a stop-work order and applicable penalties.

📜 Contractors License

Compliance with all state licensing regulations is mandatory. Any individual or entity acting as a contractor or sub-contractor for the construction must hold a current and valid license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Follow the link below to view License Ordinance:

📝 Licensing Ordinance

📰 Breaking News

📐 Minimum Acreage Requirements

Water Source	Minimum Lot Size
Public Water	1 legal acre Minimum Lot Width 150 feet at road/frontage
Well Water	1.5 acres

🏠 Building Setbacks

The required minimum setbacks from the property line are as follows:

Front: 50 feet (road frontage side of property)
Sides: 15 feet
Rear: 20 feet

📋 Required Documents

To purchase a Panola County Building Permit, please ensure you have the following documents and are prepared for the associated fees.

1. Copy of Property Deed: Legal proof of ownership for the construction site.
2. Copy of Building Plans: Detailed plans for the proposed residential structure.
3. Contractor License: General Contractors, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC

💵 Permit Fees

Fee Type	Calculation/Amount	Payment Options
Building Permit 500 sq. ft. minimum	$0.30 per heated square foot	Check, Cash, or Card No Refunds
Minimum Permit Fee	$250.00	No Refunds
Sub-Contractor Fees	$75.00 each for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC	No Refunds

💡 Electrical Service Authorization

Temporary Electrical Service will be authorized after permit is issued for all Licensed contractors involved in the construction.

Permanent Electrical Service will only be authorized after the required final inspection is completed, approved and a Certificate of Occupancy issued.

🔌 Electrical Service Providers in Panola County

Applicants should contact one of the following providers to set up permanent electrical service:
1. Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVEPA)
Website: https://tvepa.com/
Phone: (662) 563-4742

2. Entergy Mississippi
Website: https://www.entergy.com/
Phone: 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749)

✅ Residential Inspection Process

The construction of a new site-built home requires multiple mandatory inspections to ensure compliance with all adopted building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards.

1. Pre-Construction Review

Requirement: Before any work begins, the Panola County Land Development Office must review and approve the finalized set of construction plans (blueprints) and the site plan.

Purpose: To verify compliance with structural, energy, and zoning codes (e.g., lot size, setbacks).

2. Mandatory On-Site Inspections

All inspections must be requested through the Land Development Office after each phase is complete. Do not conceal work (e.g., cover framing or pour concrete) until the required inspection is approved.

Inspection Phase	When to Schedule	Purpose and Requirements
Footings	After the footings are dug and forms are set, but before pouring any concrete.	Verify that the footings are correctly prepared.
Plumbing Rough-In	After all pipes, vents, and drains are installed beneath the slab or floor system, but before being covered.	Check that the plumbing meets code requirements for material, size, and slope. Water is required in PVC drain lines for testing.
Slab/Floor	After the rough plumbing is approved and any vapor barrier/reinforcement is placed, but before pouring the slab.	Inspect the vapor barrier, reinforcing steel/mesh, and overall slab preparation.
Framing Rough-In	After all framing, windows, doors, roofing, and structural sheathing are complete.	Comprehensive check of load-bearing elements, wall construction, roof structure, and overall integrity.
MEP Rough-In	After all ductwork, wiring, piping, vents, gas lines, and firestops are installed and connected, but before walls are insulated and covered.	Verify that all Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems meet safety and code requirements.
Insulation & Drywall	After all wall and attic insulation is installed and sealed, but before drywall is hung.	Ensure proper installation and R-value compliance with energy codes.
Final Inspection	After all construction, grading, utilities, safety railings, and final fixtures are installed, and the E-911 address is posted.	Final compliance check of the entire structure. Confirms E-911 address posting and site grading.

📜 Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.)

The Certificate of Occupancy is the final, official authorization issued by the Panola County Land Development Office.
Issuance: The C.O. is issued only after the Final Inspection is successfully approved and all requirements of the permit are met. Sewer system must be installed and connected to the home.
Authorization: The home cannot be legally occupied, and permanent electrical service will not be authorized, until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Current Adopted Codes 2012 International Residential Building Code