City Building Permits

Ocean Springs, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Jackson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all property within the incorporated limits of the City of Ocean Springs.

Department
Building Department, City of Ocean Springs
Address
City Hall, 1018 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone
228-875-6712
Website
https://oceansprings-ms.gov/162/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits and Applications

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type needed (commercial building, residential building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, roof, sign, food truck, tree removal, etc.).
  2. Download the appropriate application form from https://oceansprings-ms.gov/267/Permits-Applications.
  3. Complete the application and gather required documents.
  4. Submit by email to the Building Department or in person at City Hall, 1018 Porter Avenue, during business hours.
  5. Plans reviewed for compliance with 2018 International Building Codes and flood freeboard requirements (minimum 18 inches above current Base Flood Elevation).
  6. Pay permit fees.
  7. Post permit on-site; begin work.
  8. Schedule inspections at required stages. Final inspections are required on all commercial and residential buildings.
  9. Obtain final inspection approval.

Source: Building Department, City of Ocean Springs

General Requirements

Any work exceeding $100 in value, excluding flooring or painting, requires a permit.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Construction plans
  • Site plan
  • Contractor license documentation where required
  • Elevation certificates (for flood zone properties)
  • Flood compliance documentation (18-inch freeboard above Base Flood Elevation)
Building code
2018 International Building Codes (commercial and residential). Flood Management: 18-inch freeboard above current Base Flood Elevation required.
Contractor requirements
Contractor licensing enforced per Mississippi state requirements. Department oversees contractor licensing locally.

Fees

Payment note
Contact building department at 228-875-6712 for payment methods. $1.00 surcharge added to all permits and application fees per Ordinance 2022-17.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department, City of Ocean Springs to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 228-875-6712 (phone)
  • Darrell Stringfellow or Joe Tabor (email)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspections are required on ALL commercial and residential buildings. Other stages (foundation, framing, rough-in trades) typical for new construction. Contact department for project-specific sequence.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ocean Springs Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ocean Springs, MS?
Any work exceeding $100 in value, excluding flooring or painting, requires a permit.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ocean Springs, MS?
1. Determine permit type needed (commercial building, residential building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, roof, sign, food truck, tree removal, etc.). 2. Download the appropriate application form from https://oceansprings-ms.gov/267/Permits-Applications. 3. Complete the application and gather required documents. 4. Submit by email to the Building Department or in person at City Hall, 1018 Porter Avenue, during business hours. 5. Plans reviewed for compliance with 2018 International Building Codes and flood freeboard requirements (minimum 18 inches above current Base Flood Elevation). 6. Pay permit fees. 7. Post permit on-site; begin work. 8. Schedule inspections at required stages. Final inspections are required on all commercial and residential buildings. 9. Obtain final inspection approval.
What work is exempt from building permits in Ocean Springs, MS?
The following work is generally exempt: Flooring replacement (does not require permit regardless of value); Painting (does not require permit regardless of value); Work with a total value of $100 or less. Note: Ocean Springs does not publish a comprehensive exempt work list beyond the above. Contact 228-875-6712 for specific project guidance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ocean Springs, MS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 228-875-6712, Darrell Stringfellow or Joe Tabor.

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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