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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jackson
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).
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)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, mechanical systems, or safety components
- Exempt Painting, wallpaper, flooring, and other cosmetic work
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine project type and whether a permit is required by reviewing the Building Permit page at jacksonms.gov/building-permits/
- 02 Create an account on the OpenGov portal at jacksonms.portal.opengov.com
- 03 Submit the permit application online, including project details, site plans, contractor information, and trade permit applications as applicable
- 04 Pay applicable fees online by credit card or ACH draft
- 05 Application is reviewed by Building Permit staff; applicant can monitor status in real time via the portal
- 06 If plans require correction, the applicant receives comments through the portal
- 07 Upon approval, permit is issued electronically
- 08 Schedule inspections online through the portal or via the Building Permit office; inspectors use real-time mobile devices
- 09 Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-in trades, final)
- 10 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection
Source: City of Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jackson building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee structure; exact amount not specified publicly.
02
Permit fee formula
Fees are generally valuation-based for construction permits, plus flat fees for trade permits; exact schedule not published online.
03
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.
Online payment by credit card or ACH draft through OpenGov portal; in-person payment also accepted at the office.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/slab, framing, rough-in electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Jackson permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Jackson, MS? ▸
Building permit fees in Jackson, MS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Jackson, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Jackson, MS, follow these steps: 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
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Jackson, MS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Jackson, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Jackson, MS via: OpenGov portal.
last verified April 2026
source City of Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/hinds/jackson
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Jackson — Office of Code Services, Building Permit Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.