How much does a building permit cost in Olive Branch, MS?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (Total Valuations Building Permit Fee Schedule).

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

1. Access the electronic application portal at https://www.obms.us/143/Apply-For (or www.obms.us/apply) 2. Create an account and submit the applicable permit application online 3. Upload all required materials (building plans, site/plot plan, contractor information, Property Owner Certificate if owner-builder) 4. Pay application review fees online (E-check fee: $1.95) 5. Application status and staff review comments can be monitored online through the portal 6. Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Public Works Department review the application (for commercial projects, Certificate of Development approval from Office of Planning must be obtained prior to applying for a commercial building permit) 7. Applicant is notified of approval and any additional fees 8. Permit issued 9. Schedule inspections by calling 662-892-9333 before 4 pm for next business day

What work is exempt from building permits in Olive Branch, MS?

The following work is generally exempt: Garage sales at a private residence do not require a permit (garage sales at commercial locations do require a permit). Note: Specific exempt construction types follow adopted IRC Section R105.2 exemptions (minor repairs, painting, certain small accessory structures below size thresholds, etc.). Olive Branch does not publish a standalone exempt work construction list; contact department at 662-892-9333 for confirmation of specific work types.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Olive Branch, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 662-892-9333.

City Building Permits

Olive Branch, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi DeSoto County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Olive Branch city limits. Olive Branch is one of the fastest-growing cities in DeSoto County and Mississippi. The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining permits, though the application can be delegated to a contractor.

Department: City of Olive Branch Planning and Building Department
Address: City Hall, ground level, Olive Branch, MS
Phone: 662-892-9333
Website: https://www.obms.us/198/Planning-Development

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Olive Branch Online Application System

Platform: City of Olive Branch online application system • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Access the electronic application portal at https://www.obms.us/143/Apply-For (or www.obms.us/apply)
Create an account and submit the applicable permit application online
Upload all required materials (building plans, site/plot plan, contractor information, Property Owner Certificate if owner-builder)
Pay application review fees online (E-check fee: $1.95)
Application status and staff review comments can be monitored online through the portal
Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Public Works Department review the application (for commercial projects, Certificate of Development approval from Office of Planning must be obtained prior to applying for a commercial building permit)
Applicant is notified of approval and any additional fees
Permit issued
Schedule inspections by calling 662-892-9333 before 4 pm for next business day

Source: City of Olive Branch Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

All construction, additions, alterations. Accessory buildings (storage sheds, detached garages, pergolas, gazebos, pool houses, etc.), fences, private pools (in-ground and above-ground), signs, and banners require permits. It is recommended to check with the Building Department before beginning any construction.

Required Documents

Permit application
Building plans
Site plan
Contractor information
For owner-builder: notarized Property Owner Certificate

Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), all as amended.
Owner-builder: Property owners may act as their own general contractor. A notarized Property Owner Certificate must accompany the permit application for new construction, additions, or renovations. Owner-builders are still required to hire licensed contractors for trade work.
Contractor requirements: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) license required.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based (Total Valuations Building Permit Fee Schedule)
Payment note: Online via portal; E-check fee of $1.95 per transaction. Note that fees based solely on the chart may be incorrect -- contact the Building Department to confirm correct fee amounts before submitting payment, as incorrect fees will delay application acceptance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Olive Branch Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

662-892-9333 (phone)

Time windows: Next-business-day scheduling when call is made before 4 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type; foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final; contact department for project-specific sequence

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), all as amended.
Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning and Zoning Fee Chart
Building Permit Forms
FAQ (Adopted Codes)
FAQ (What Requires a Permit)
Accessory Building Permit Application (2024)
License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olive Branch Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Olive Branch, MS?: All construction, additions, alterations. Accessory buildings (storage sheds, detached garages, pergolas, gazebos, pool houses, etc.), fences, private pools (in-ground and above-ground), signs, and banners require permits. It is recommended to check with the Building Department before beginning any construction.
How much does a building permit cost in Olive Branch, MS?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (Total Valuations Building Permit Fee Schedule).
How do I apply for a building permit in Olive Branch, MS?: 1. Access the electronic application portal at https://www.obms.us/143/Apply-For (or www.obms.us/apply) 2. Create an account and submit the applicable permit application online 3. Upload all required materials (building plans, site/plot plan, contractor information, Property Owner Certificate if owner-builder) 4. Pay application review fees online (E-check fee: $1.95) 5. Application status and staff review comments can be monitored online through the portal 6. Building Official, Fire Inspector, and Public Works Department review the application (for commercial projects, Certificate of Development approval from Office of Planning must be obtained prior to applying for a commercial building permit) 7. Applicant is notified of approval and any additional fees 8. Permit issued 9. Schedule inspections by calling 662-892-9333 before 4 pm for next business day
What work is exempt from building permits in Olive Branch, MS?: The following work is generally exempt: Garage sales at a private residence do not require a permit (garage sales at commercial locations do require a permit). Note: Specific exempt construction types follow adopted IRC Section R105.2 exemptions (minor repairs, painting, certain small accessory structures below size thresholds, etc.). Olive Branch does not publish a standalone exempt work construction list; contact department at 662-892-9333 for confirmation of specific work types.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Olive Branch, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 662-892-9333.

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.

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