Natchez, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Natchez.

Department

Office of Inspections

Address

City Hall, 124 S. Pearl Street (2nd Floor), Natchez, MS 39120

Phone

(601) 445-7518

Website

https://natchez.ms.us/143/Office-of-Inspections

Application Process

1. Determine if your project is in a historic district and whether a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required.
2. Prepare plans demonstrating compliance with the City of Natchez Development Code (2007) and applicable zoning requirements.
3. For historic district projects, submit COA application to the Natchez Preservation Commission using Secretary of the Interior Standards and Natchez Historic Design Guidelines (1999).
4. Submit permit application and plans to the Office of Inspections at City Hall, 124 S. Pearl Street (2nd Floor).
5. City staff reviews plans for code compliance and zoning compliance.
6. Upon approval and fee payment, applicant receives permit valid for construction duration.
7. Contractor must hold a valid City of Natchez contractor license.
8. Inspector conducts daily inspections during construction.
9. Final inspection required before occupancy.
10. Certificate of Occupancy issued ($150 fee).

Typical processing time: Varies; plan review typically 2-4 weeks. Historic district COA approval may take additional time depending on Commission review schedule.

Source: Office of Inspections

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all new residential construction, residential additions, major repairs (porches, siding, roofing), structural alterations, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Natchez.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans
• Site plan
• Proof of zoning compliance
• Certificate of Appropriateness (if in historic district)

Permit validity

Permit valid for construction duration; final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.

Building code

City of Natchez Development Code (effective December 18, 2007) incorporating Standard Building Code, National Electric Code, Standard Gas Code, Standard Housing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Standard Swimming Pool Code, Standard Mechanical Code, Standard Fire Prevention Code, and Standard Life Safety Code.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may pull permits but must comply with all City of Natchez contractor licensing requirements for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Contractor requirements

Contractors pulling permits for building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work must hold a valid City of Natchez contractor license obtained through the Office of Inspections. Licensed electricians must be registered with the Office of Inspections.

Fees

Payment note

Certificate of Occupancy fee: $150. Specific permit and plan-check fees to be determined at time of application; contact Office of Inspections for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Office of Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Office of Inspections, City Hall (in-person)
• (601) 445-7518 (phone)

Inspection hours

During business hours; daily inspections available

Typical inspection sequence: Inspector conducts daily inspections during construction to monitor code compliance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City of Natchez Development Code (effective December 18, 2007) incorporating Standard Building Code, National Electric Code, Standard Gas Code, Standard Housing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Standard Swimming Pool Code, Standard Mechanical Code, Standard Fire Prevention Code, and Standard Life Safety Code.
• City Planning & Community Development
• Historic District Resources
• Natchez Preservation Ordinance
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Natchez Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Natchez, MS?

Building permits are required for all new residential construction, residential additions, major repairs (porches, siding, roofing), structural alterations, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Natchez.

How do I apply for a building permit in Natchez, MS?

1. Determine if your project is in a historic district and whether a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required. 2. Prepare plans demonstrating compliance with the City of Natchez Development Code (2007) and applicable zoning requirements. 3. For historic district projects, submit COA application to the Natchez Preservation Commission using Secretary of the Interior Standards and Natchez Historic Design Guidelines (1999). 4. Submit permit application and plans to the Office of Inspections at City Hall, 124 S. Pearl Street (2nd Floor). 5. City staff reviews plans for code compliance and zoning compliance. 6. Upon approval and fee payment, applicant receives permit valid for construction duration. 7. Contractor must hold a valid City of Natchez contractor license. 8. Inspector conducts daily inspections during construction. 9. Final inspection required before occupancy. 10. Certificate of Occupancy issued ($150 fee).

How long does it take to get a building permit in Natchez, MS?

Typical processing time is Varies; plan review typically 2-4 weeks. Historic district COA approval may take additional time depending on Commission review schedule..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Natchez, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Office of Inspections, City Hall, (601) 445-7518.

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