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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Olive Branch
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Access the electronic application portal at https://www.obms.us/143/Apply-For (or www.obms.us/apply)
- 02 Create an account and submit the applicable permit application online
- 03 Upload all required materials (building plans, site/plot plan, contractor information, Property Owner Certificate if owner-builder)
- 04 Pay application review fees online (E-check fee: $1.95)
- 05 Application status and staff review comments can be monitored online through the portal
- 06 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)
- 07 Applicant is notified of approval and any additional fees
- 08 Permit issued
- 09 Schedule inspections by calling 662-892-9333 before 4 pm for next business day
Source: City of Olive Branch Planning and Building Department ↗
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 662-892-9333 (phone)
- Time windows
- Next-business-day scheduling when call is made before 4 pm
Typical sequence: Varies by project type; foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final; contact department for project-specific sequence
Frequently asked
Common questions about Olive Branch permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Olive Branch, MS? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Olive Branch, MS? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Olive Branch, MS? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Olive Branch, MS? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Olive Branch, MS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Olive Branch Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.