On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ocean Springs
Any work exceeding $100 in value, excluding flooring or painting, requires a permit.
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
- Exempt Flooring replacement (does not require permit regardless of value)
- Exempt Painting (does not require permit regardless of value)
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine permit type needed (commercial building, residential building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, roof, sign, food truck, tree removal, etc.).
- 02 Download the appropriate application form from https://oceansprings-ms.gov/267/Permits-Applications.
- 03 Complete the application and gather required documents.
- 04 Submit by email to the Building Department or in person at City Hall, 1018 Porter Avenue, during business hours.
- 05 Plans reviewed for compliance with 2018 International Building Codes and flood freeboard requirements (minimum 18 inches above current Base Flood Elevation).
- 06 Pay permit fees.
- 07 Post permit on-site; begin work.
- 08 Schedule inspections at required stages. Final inspections are required on all commercial and residential buildings.
- 09 Obtain final inspection approval.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ocean Springs permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Ocean Springs, MS? ▸
Any work exceeding $100 in value, excluding flooring or painting, requires a permit.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Ocean Springs, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Ocean Springs, MS, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Ocean Springs, MS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ocean Springs, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Ocean Springs, MS via: 228-875-6712, Darrell Stringfellow or Joe Tabor.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department, City of Ocean Springs ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/jackson/ocean-springs
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, City of Ocean Springs before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.