In a move to establish clearer construction guidelines and improve safety standards, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors has adopted a new ordinance aimed at regulating building permits for both residential and commercial construction in the unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance, passed unanimously on January 6, 2025.
One of the most notable components of the ordinance is the adoption of the 2021 International Residential Building Code (IRC) and the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). These updates ensure that construction projects in Simpson County meet current safety standards for critical systems such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC components. This move aims to protect both residents and contractors by aligning the county’s construction standards with the industry’s best practices.
As part of the new building permit process, applicants are required to submit several key documents to the Office of Community Development before a permit can be issued. These documents include:
1.An address printout from the County 911 Department
2.A Solid Waste Management account number
3.A Soil and Site Evaluation form from the Mississippi State Department of Health
4.A Water Service Application, if applicable
5.A deed or legal description of the property
6.Three complete sets of detailed house plans, including site plans, foundation drawings, electrical, plumbing, and elevation details
Applicants must also ensure that contractors sign the permit application and that inspections are scheduled at various stages of construction, including plumbing, foundation, framing, gas, and final occupancy inspections. Failing to schedule inspections or pass them may result in fees.
Contractors are required to meet several obligations under the new ordinance. For any residential construction over $50,000 or remodeling projects over $10,000, contractors must hold a valid license from the Mississippi Board of Contractors, obtain a $5,000 performance bond, and provide proof of general liability insurance for at least $300,000 per occurrence. Additionally, contractors will need to pay a $50 annual fee to the Office of Community Development.
All contractors must sign the permit application and ensure that inspections are requested at specific stages of construction. If an inspection cannot be completed due to a contractor’s failure to meet requirements or pass inspection, they will incur a $150 fee per occurrence.
The changes are expected to improve construction safety standards and streamline the permitting process across the county. Simpson County’s new building permit ordinance provides clarity and structure to the development process, ensuring that all construction projects meet high safety and regulatory standards while holding contractors accountable for their work.
The board also adopted an ordinance establishing requirements for permits for factory-built homes located in unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance aims to ensure the proper installation, registration, and inspection of manufactured homes and mobile homes, establishing a more structured process for residents and improving overall safety standards. The ordinance defines factory-built homes to include both manufactured homes (those built after 1976) and mobile homes (built before 1976). Under the new regulations, anyone wishing to place such a home in the county’s unincorporated areas must first obtain a permit from the Simpson County Office of Community Development.
To obtain a permit, applicants must submit several items, including a 911 address printout, garbage account number, soil and site evaluation, proof of ownership (such as a title or bill of sale), and a site plan. The application also requires a non-refundable $500 registration/permit fee. Factory-built homes must be registered with both the Simpson County Office of Community Development and the Simpson County Tax Assessor. Factory-built homes must also be reregistered at any time ownership of the home is sold or otherwise transferred. The new owners must complete a separate registration permit.
The ordinance sets specific installation standards for factory-built homes which include wheels must be removed, and skirting must be installed around the base of the home within 60 days of placement. This ensures the home is properly secured and visually consistent with the community.
Before residents can move into their new homes, the property must undergo an inspection by the County Building Inspector to ensure it meets all local construction and safety standards. An inspection by the Mississippi State Fire Marshall and the appropriate decal must also be attached to the home. Permanent power will only be supplied to the home after passing inspection.
The ordinance introduces penalties for non-compliance, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. In addition to financial penalties, violators could face up to 90 days in jail or both a fine and imprisonment.
For homeowners with factory-built homes in place before the ordinance’s enactment, there are no immediate requirements for compliance unless the home is significantly damaged or replaced. This provides some relief to those already living in factory-built homes within the unincorporated areas.
Simpson County residents considering placing a factory-built home are urged to contact the Office of Community Development for detailed guidance on the new process.
The board believes these regulations will enhance safety, ensure proper infrastructure, and promote orderly development throughout the county. For more information or assistance with the permitting process, residents and contractors can contact Simpson County Building Inspector Daniel Ferguson at the Office of Community Development at 601-675-2366.
