EV Charger Permit Requirements in Mississippi (2025)

A permit is required to install a Level 2 or DC Fast Charger in Mississippi. Permits are issued by local city or county governments. All work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Installing a charger without a permit can void property insurance and complicate a home sale.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in Mississippi?

Permit requirements depend on the charger type:

Mississippi does not issue a single statewide EV charger permit. Each permit is issued by a city or county building department. For commercial work in unincorporated areas without a local building department, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office is the permitting authority.

Who can do the work?

All permitted electrical work must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed electrical contractor in Mississippi. Homeowners cannot pull their own permit and hire an unlicensed individual for the installation. Unlicensed electrical contracting is a misdemeanor. Consult the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for current regulations and enforcement.

What does it cost and how long does it take?

Fees and timelines vary by jurisdiction. Typical ranges across Mississippi municipalities are:

• Residential Level 2: $50 to $200 in permit fees
• Commercial or DCFC: $150 to $500 or more

The timeline from application to approval is approximately one to three weeks for residential projects and two to six weeks for commercial projects, assuming no plan corrections are needed. Verify current fees and timelines directly with your local building department.

Mississippi Electrical Code and Statutory Framework for EV Chargers

Mississippi adopts the National Electrical Code (NEC) statewide. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office administers it. While the 2020 NEC is the adopted standard, confirm the current edition with the State Fire Marshal's Office before beginning design work.

NEC Article 625: The rule that governs your charger

NEC Article 625 covers electric vehicle charging system installations. Key requirements include:

• Branch circuits supplying EV chargers must be sized at 125% of the continuous load.
• GFCI protection is required for certain outdoor and garage installations.
• Enclosed spaces like parking garages must meet ventilation requirements.
• Equipment must be listed and labeled for EV charging use.

The electrical contractor is responsible for designing an installation that meets these standards. Local rules take precedence if a jurisdiction has adopted amendments to the NEC.

Statutory authority

The Mississippi Electrical Contractors Law establishes licensing requirements for electrical contractors. Consult Mississippi Code Ann. § 73-11-1 et seq. for current requirements. Local governments derive their building code and permit authority from state law granting municipalities and counties the power to adopt and enforce building codes. Consult Mississippi Code Ann. § 17-1-1 et seq.

Local amendments matter

Cities and counties in Mississippi may adopt local amendments to the NEC. Jurisdictions like Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg have their own building departments with specific administrative requirements. Always contact the local building department before submitting plans.

HOA and multi-family properties

Mississippi has not enacted a statewide "right to charge" law. A homeowners association or landlord can legally restrict or prohibit EV charger installation. Renters and residents of HOA communities must obtain written approval from the property owner or governing body before installing equipment.

Residential EV Charger Permits: Step-by-Step Process

This process applies to a homeowner installing a Level 2 (240V) charger at a single-family residence.

Step 1: Hire a licensed Mississippi electrical contractor

The contractor typically pulls the permit. Verify the contractor's license is current using the lookup tool on the Mississippi State Board of Contractors website before signing a contract.

Step 2: Prepare and submit the permit application

Submit the application to your city or county building department. Required documents typically include:

• Site plan or panel diagram showing the proposed circuit
• Load calculation demonstrating the panel can support the new circuit
• Charger make and model specification sheet
• Contractor's Mississippi license number
• Completed permit application form

Step 3: Pay the permit fee

Typical residential Level 2 permit fees in Mississippi are $50 to $200. Verify the current fee with the local building department, as schedules change and may be based on project valuation.

Step 4: Inspections

Most jurisdictions require two inspections:

• Rough-in inspection: Conducted after wiring is run but before walls are closed.
• Final inspection: Conducted after the charger is mounted and all connections are complete.

The contractor schedules these inspections. Do not energize the charger before it passes the final inspection.

Step 5: Get your sign-off and notify your utility

After the final inspection passes, you will receive an inspection sign-off or certificate of completion, which authorizes you to use the charger.

Notify your electric utility (e.g., Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Power, or your local cooperative) when adding a Level 2 charger. Some utilities offer EV-specific rate tariffs that can reduce charging costs.

The total timeline is typically one to three weeks from application to final inspection.

Commercial and DC Fast Charger Permits: Additional Requirements

Commercial and DC Fast Charger (DCFC) installations involve more complex permitting than residential projects.

Commercial electrical permits

Permit fees for a commercial or DCFC installation may range from $150 to $500 or more, with plan reviews taking two to four weeks. Verify all fees and timelines with the local building department.

Utility coordination for DCFC

DCFC installations often require a utility service upgrade. A single fast charger can draw 50 to 350 kW. Contact the utility (e.g., Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Power) early in the design process. Service upgrades can take several months and are managed separately from the building permit.

ADA compliance

Publicly accessible EV charging spaces must meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design govern the number of accessible spaces (Section 208) and their technical specifications, including dimensions and access aisles (Section 812). Confirm current requirements with your design professional.

Zoning and conditional use permits

Some municipalities treat public EV charging stations as a conditional use in certain zoning districts. Consult the local zoning or planning department to determine if a conditional use permit or separate site plan review is required before an electrical permit can be issued.

NEVI program and federal oversight

Mississippi is using federal NEVI Formula Program funds to deploy DCFC stations along designated highway corridors, including I-10, I-20, I-55, I-59, and I-69. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) administers these funds. Projects using NEVI funds must meet federal standards. Contact MDOT's Office of Intermodal Planning for program requirements.

Fire code for enclosed parking structures

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office enforces fire code requirements for DCFC installations in enclosed structures like parking garages. Consult the State Fire Marshal's Office for commercial occupancy rules before finalizing the design.

Permit Fee and Timeline Comparison by Mississippi Jurisdiction

The following table provides estimates. All fees and timelines are subject to change and must be verified with the local jurisdiction.

Notes:

• Unincorporated county areas may have different requirements from incorporated cities within the same county. Confirm jurisdiction before contacting a permit office.
• For commercial work in smaller municipalities without a dedicated building department, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office may be the authority.
• Permit fees in many jurisdictions are calculated based on project valuation, not as a flat fee.

Recent Legislative Activity Affecting EV Infrastructure in Mississippi

Recent legislative and regulatory developments affecting EV infrastructure in Mississippi include:

SB 2612 (2026): Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund

SB 2612 (2026) proposed the creation of a Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund. The bill died in committee, and no dedicated state fund for EV infrastructure was established during the session (openstates.org/ms/bills/2026/SB2612/).

No right-to-charge law

Mississippi has not passed a statewide "right-to-charge" law. HOA and landlord restrictions on EV charger installation are legally enforceable. Renters and condo owners must obtain written approval before installing a charger.

Federal NEVI funding

Mississippi received NEVI Formula Program funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). MDOT is deploying federally funded DCFC stations along I-10, I-20, I-55, I-59, and I-69. These projects are subject to federal standards administered through MDOT. Contractors should contact MDOT's Office of Intermodal Planning for current program requirements.

Mississippi Public Service Commission

The Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) has not mandated specific utility tariffs for EV charging. Some utilities offer voluntary EV rates. Monitor the Mississippi PSC docket for proceedings related to EV charging tariffs or interconnection standards.

Next Steps: Who to Contact for Your EV Charger Permit in Mississippi

Follow these steps for your project:

Step 1: Hire a licensed Mississippi electrical contractor. Verify their license using the Mississippi State Board of Contractors lookup tool.

Step 2: Contact your local city or county building and permits department before starting work to confirm requirements.

Step 3: For commercial work in an unincorporated area with no local building department, contact the Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office.

Step 4: Notify your electric utility when adding a Level 2 or DCFC charger and ask about available EV rate tariffs.

Step 5: For commercial projects, contact the local zoning or planning office to confirm if a conditional use permit or site plan review is required.

Key contacts

Permits are a critical safety and financial protection. Unpermitted electrical work can void a homeowner's insurance policy, create liability in case of fire or injury, and be flagged as a material defect during a home sale.