How much does a building permit cost in Jackson, MS?

Fees are calculated as: Fees are generally valuation-based for construction permits, plus flat fees for trade permits; exact schedule not published online.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; exact amount not specified publicly..

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

1. Determine project type and whether a permit is required by reviewing the Building Permit page at jacksonms.gov/building-permits/ 2. Create an account on the OpenGov portal at jacksonms.portal.opengov.com 3. Submit the permit application online, including project details, site plans, contractor information, and trade permit applications as applicable 4. Pay applicable fees online by credit card or ACH draft 5. Application is reviewed by Building Permit staff; applicant can monitor status in real time via the portal 6. If plans require correction, the applicant receives comments through the portal 7. Upon approval, permit is issued electronically 8. Schedule inspections online through the portal or via the Building Permit office; inspectors use real-time mobile devices 9. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-in trades, final) 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

What work is exempt from building permits in Jackson, MS?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, mechanical systems, or safety components; Painting, wallpaper, flooring, and other cosmetic work; Replacement of fixtures in kind (without relocating). Note: Jackson requires permits for fences, tents, satellite dishes, and portable storage buildings — these are NOT exempt. Confirm specific exemptions with the Building Permit office.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal.

City Building Permits

Jackson, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Hinds County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City of Jackson is the state capital and the largest city in Mississippi. The Building Permit Division covers all construction within the incorporated city limits. Jackson operates independently of Hinds County permitting.

Department: City of Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division
Address: 200 S. President Street, Suite 336, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-960-1148
Website: https://jacksonms.gov/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov Portal

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine project type and whether a permit is required by reviewing the Building Permit page at jacksonms.gov/building-permits/
Create an account on the OpenGov portal at jacksonms.portal.opengov.com
Submit the permit application online, including project details, site plans, contractor information, and trade permit applications as applicable
Pay applicable fees online by credit card or ACH draft
Application is reviewed by Building Permit staff; applicant can monitor status in real time via the portal
If plans require correction, the applicant receives comments through the portal
Upon approval, permit is issued electronically
Schedule inspections online through the portal or via the Building Permit office; inspectors use real-time mobile devices
Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-in trades, final)
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

Source: City of Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, signs, fences, tents, satellite dishes, portable storage buildings, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical).

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan or plot plan
Construction drawings (stamped for commercial)
Contractor license number
Subcontractor information for trade permits

Building code: City of Jackson adopts codes consistent with Mississippi state adoptions; Mississippi adopted the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC (effective 2024).
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain permits for work on their own primary residence; contact office for eligibility confirmation.
Contractor requirements: Mississippi state contractor license required; license number must be provided on application.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; exact amount not specified publicly.
Permit fee formula: Fees are generally valuation-based for construction permits, plus flat fees for trade permits; exact schedule not published online.
Penalty (no permit): Structures occupied before final inspection may be assessed a fine up to $750; no Certificate of Occupancy issued until penalty is paid.
Payment note: Online payment by credit card or ACH draft through OpenGov portal; in-person payment also accepted at the office.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, mechanical systems, or safety components
Painting, wallpaper, flooring, and other cosmetic work
Replacement of fixtures in kind (without relocating)

Important: Jackson requires permits for fences, tents, satellite dishes, and portable storage buildings — these are NOT exempt. Confirm specific exemptions with the Building Permit office.

Inspections

How to Schedule

OpenGov portal (online)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/slab, framing, rough-in electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: City of Jackson adopts codes consistent with Mississippi state adoptions; Mississippi adopted the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC (effective 2024).
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Site Plan Review
Residential Building and Permits
Municipal Code Chapter 26
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 Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Jackson, MS?: A permit is required for new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, signs, fences, tents, satellite dishes, portable storage buildings, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical).
How much does a building permit cost in Jackson, MS?: Fees are calculated as: Fees are generally valuation-based for construction permits, plus flat fees for trade permits; exact schedule not published online.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; exact amount not specified publicly..
How do I apply for a building permit in Jackson, MS?: 1. Determine project type and whether a permit is required by reviewing the Building Permit page at jacksonms.gov/building-permits/ 2. Create an account on the OpenGov portal at jacksonms.portal.opengov.com 3. Submit the permit application online, including project details, site plans, contractor information, and trade permit applications as applicable 4. Pay applicable fees online by credit card or ACH draft 5. Application is reviewed by Building Permit staff; applicant can monitor status in real time via the portal 6. If plans require correction, the applicant receives comments through the portal 7. Upon approval, permit is issued electronically 8. Schedule inspections online through the portal or via the Building Permit office; inspectors use real-time mobile devices 9. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-in trades, final) 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection
What work is exempt from building permits in Jackson, MS?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, mechanical systems, or safety components; Painting, wallpaper, flooring, and other cosmetic work; Replacement of fixtures in kind (without relocating). Note: Jackson requires permits for fences, tents, satellite dishes, and portable storage buildings — these are NOT exempt. Confirm specific exemptions with the Building Permit office.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Jackson, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Jackson can be complicated.

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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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