City Building Permits

Hernando, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Hernando, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Mississippi DeSoto County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Hernando city limits. Hernando is the county seat of DeSoto County. Commercial projects require Certificate of Development approval through the Office of Planning prior to applying for a commercial building permit.

Department
City of Hernando Building Department (within the Office of Planning)
Address
475 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 38632
Phone
662-429-9095
Website
https://www.cityofhernando.org/departments/office-of-planning/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Open My Government Online (MGO Connect)

Platform: My Government Online (MGO Connect) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. For commercial projects: submit for Certificate of Development approval through the Office of Planning (https://www.cityofhernando.org/departments/office-of-planning) to verify compliance with Zoning and Design Standard Ordinances before proceeding
  2. Create an account and submit the permit application online at www.mgoconnect.org
  3. Upload all required documents (building plans, site plan, contractor information)
  4. Application is reviewed by the Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Public Works Department
  5. Applicant is notified upon approval and informed of applicable fees
  6. Pay fees online through the MGO Connect portal
  7. Permit is issued
  8. Request inspections online through the MGO Connect portal; the portal allows scheduling, submitting files, downloading inspection reports and approved plans, and checking permit status

Source: City of Hernando Building Department (within the Office of Planning)

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and all commercial, residential, and industrial building activity within city limits. Plans examination for code compliance is required.

Required Documents

  • Building plans
  • Site plan
  • Contractor information
  • For commercial projects: Certificate of Development approval
Building code
2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), with amendments. Note: Hernando has adopted more recent code editions than other DeSoto County jurisdictions, reflecting an update likely completed in 2024/2025.
Owner-builder
Mississippi law permits owner-builders to pull permits for their own primary residence; trade work must be performed by MSBOC-licensed contractors. Hernando requires state licensure pursuant to state law.
Contractor requirements
Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) licensure required per state law. Hernando defers to state licensing requirements.

Fees

Payment note
Fees paid online through MGO Connect portal after approval notification.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Hernando Building Department (within the Office of Planning) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades, final; varies by project type

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Hernando Building Department (within the Office of Planning) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hernando Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hernando, MS?
New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and all commercial, residential, and industrial building activity within city limits. Plans examination for code compliance is required.
How do I apply for a building permit in Hernando, MS?
1. For commercial projects: submit for Certificate of Development approval through the Office of Planning (https://www.cityofhernando.org/departments/office-of-planning) to verify compliance with Zoning and Design Standard Ordinances before proceeding 2. Create an account and submit the permit application online at www.mgoconnect.org 3. Upload all required documents (building plans, site plan, contractor information) 4. Application is reviewed by the Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Public Works Department 5. Applicant is notified upon approval and informed of applicable fees 6. Pay fees online through the MGO Connect portal 7. Permit is issued 8. Request inspections online through the MGO Connect portal; the portal allows scheduling, submitting files, downloading inspection reports and approved plans, and checking permit status
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hernando, MS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in DeSoto County

Desoto Southaven Olive Branch Horn Lake Walls
View all DeSoto County jurisdictions →