Excavation permits and rules in Mississippi
What the state requires before and during excavation work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and a county or city can add rules of its own.
Checked September 19, 2026
Calling 811 before you dig
Anyone digging in Mississippi has to notify Mississippi 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 3 working days, and no more than 10, before digging.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under Miss. Code Ann. 77-13-1 to 77-13-37: Not less than three (3) and not more than ten (10) working days' advance notice.1-2
Licensing
Mississippi licenses contractors through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Who needs a license: Commercial jobs over $50,000; new residential construction over $50,000; residential remodeling or additions over $10,000. Excavation, grading and drainage is a commercial specialty classification with a trade exam.3-4
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale. Coverage is under the Small Construction General Permit MSR15 (1 to less than 5 acres); Large Construction General Permit MSR10 (5 acres and greater).5-7
Get quotes from contractors in your county
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Sources
- HB1191 (as sent to governor) - 2025 Regular Session, Mississippi Legislature ↑
- 2025 Excavation Law Amendments Summary, Mississippi 811 ↑
- Frequently Asked Questions, Mississippi State Board of Contractors ↑
- Classifications, Mississippi State Board of Contractors ↑
- Construction Stormwater - MDEQ ↑
- Small Construction General Permit (MSR15), MDEQ ↑
- Large Construction General Permit (MSR10), MDEQ ↑
What excavation costs in Mississippi
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Mississippi, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Mississippi
Mississippi has 213 excavation contractors listed, and 69 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll match you with excavation contractors near you.
Cite this page
“Excavation permits and rules in Mississippi.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/ms/rules/