How do I apply for a building permit in Bay St. Louis, MS?

1. Register for a free account at www.mgoconnect.org 2. Log in and select permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, tree removal, etc.) 3. Complete and submit application online 4. Pay permit fees through the online system 5. Building Department reviews submission (typically within 3–5 business days) 6. Receive permit number and approval (emailed or available in portal) 7. Display permit at job site before work begins 8. Schedule required inspections

How long does it take to get a building permit in Bay St. Louis, MS?

Typical processing time is 3–5 business days for initial review..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Bay St. Louis, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, 228-469-0531.

City Building Permits

Bay St. Louis, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Hancock County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Bay St. Louis.

Department: City of Bay St. Louis Building Department
Address: 688 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: 228-469-0531
Email: permits@baystlouis-ms.gov
Website: https://www.baystlouis-ms.gov/building

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGovernmentOnline (MGO Connect)

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

MGO Help: 985-851-0760 or support@mygovernmentonline.org

Application Process

Register for a free account at www.mgoconnect.org
Log in and select permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, tree removal, etc.)
Complete and submit application online
Pay permit fees through the online system
Building Department reviews submission (typically within 3–5 business days)
Receive permit number and approval (emailed or available in portal)
Display permit at job site before work begins
Schedule required inspections

Typical processing time: 3–5 business days for initial review.

Source: City of Bay St. Louis Building Department

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, structural modifications, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC installation, and similar projects require permits. Cosmetic repairs and maintenance do not.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Project scope information
Proof of property ownership or authorization

Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) if work value exceeds $10,000 (residential) or $50,000 (commercial).

Fees

Payment note: Fees are available on the Bay St. Louis website or by contacting the Building Department at 228-469-0531. Fees are based on project value and type.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Bay St. Louis Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MGO Connect portal (online)
228-469-0531 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical stages: Footing/Foundation Inspection, Framing/Rough-In Inspection, Insulation/Fireblocking Inspection, Final Inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Design Guidelines Ordinance
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources — Coastal Zone & Wetlands Permits
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 Bay St. Louis Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bay St. Louis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bay St. Louis, MS?: All new construction, additions, structural modifications, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC installation, and similar projects require permits. Cosmetic repairs and maintenance do not.
How do I apply for a building permit in Bay St. Louis, MS?: 1. Register for a free account at www.mgoconnect.org 2. Log in and select permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, tree removal, etc.) 3. Complete and submit application online 4. Pay permit fees through the online system 5. Building Department reviews submission (typically within 3–5 business days) 6. Receive permit number and approval (emailed or available in portal) 7. Display permit at job site before work begins 8. Schedule required inspections
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bay St. Louis, MS?: Typical processing time is 3–5 business days for initial review..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bay St. Louis, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, 228-469-0531.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Bay St. Louis can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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