City Building Permits

Madison, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Madison County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City of Madison (incorporated) administers its own building permits for all construction within city limits. The department enforces the 2018 International Building Codes family and holds a Class-4 rating from the Mississippi State Rating Bureau -- the highest rating issued by that bureau.

Department
City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department
Address
120 Montgomery Street, Madison, MS 39110 (mailing: PO Box 40, Madison, MS 39130)
Phone
(601) 856-7116
Website
https://www.madisonthecity.com/departments/permits/

Application Process

  1. Review permit type requirements to confirm a permit is needed.
  2. Download or obtain the Building Permit Application.
  3. Prepare required documents: two sets of building plans (elevations, foundation, floor plan); plot plan showing setbacks, drainage, and finished floor elevation; electrical, HVAC, and rafter/joist span information; bedroom/bathroom count and heated square footage; construction cost; HOA approval if applicable; licensed subcontractor credentials.
  4. Confirm contractor bonding ($5,000 or 0.5% of project cost, whichever is greater) and state licensing are in order.
  5. Submit completed application and all documents to City Hall in person.
  6. Building official reviews plans for code compliance; commercial plans must be stamped by a registered architect.
  7. Pay all fees (fees are due at the time the permit is issued).
  8. Permit is issued; post permit on job site.
  9. Schedule the ten required inspections as construction progresses.
  10. Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Community Development processes development applications in approximately 5 to 6 weeks from submission to final approval for planning/zoning cases. Building permit timeline for standard projects is not separately published. Contact (601) 856-7116 for current estimates.

Source: City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for: new residential construction; commercial buildings and commercial miscellaneous work; additions and renovations; foundations; roofs; fences; gas and electric work; pools; demolitions; site grades; banners; POD storage units; rental properties.

Required Documents

  • Two sets of building plans (elevations, foundation, floor plan with door/window schedule)
  • Plot plan with setbacks, drainage, finished floor elevation
  • Electrical, HVAC, and structural span information
  • Bedroom/bathroom count and heated square footage
  • Construction cost
  • HOA approval if applicable
  • Licensed subcontractor credentials (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
  • State contractor license as required
  • Master trade licenses from all licensed subcontractors
Permit validity
Not publicly stated on permit pages; confirm with department.
Building code
Family of International Building Codes, 2018 Edition, including: International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Fire Code, and National Electric Code. Zoning Ordinance 2024 governs land use.
Owner-builder
Not specified on public-facing pages; contact permits@madisonthecity.com.
Contractor requirements
Mississippi State Board of Contractors licensing for residential over $50,000 and commercial over $100,000. City also requires master trade licenses from licensed subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and contractor bonding of $5,000 or 0.5% of project cost (whichever is greater).

Fees

Plan check fee
Not publicly stated.
Permit fee formula
Not publicly stated; the department enforces the International Building Codes and Fees, 2018 Edition, suggesting a valuation-based or ICC fee table approach. Confirm with department.
Reinspection fee
$200 re-inspection fee for any inspection requested but not ready when inspector arrives, or on second rejection. $500 fee to remove a Stop Work Order.
Payment note
All fees are due at the time the permit is issued. Paid in person at City Hall; contact department for accepted methods.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (601) 856-7116 (phone)
  • permits@madisonthecity.com (email)
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (typical hours; contact department to confirm).

Typical inspection sequence: Ten required inspections: 1. Setback and site; 2. Rough plumbing; 3. Sewer connection; 4. Foundation; 5. Gas; 6. Framing; 7. Insulation; 8. Electrical; 9. Drainage; 10. Final (required before occupancy).

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Madison, MS?
Permits are required for: new residential construction; commercial buildings and commercial miscellaneous work; additions and renovations; foundations; roofs; fences; gas and electric work; pools; demolitions; site grades; banners; POD storage units; rental properties.
How much does a building permit cost in Madison, MS?
Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated; the department enforces the International Building Codes and Fees, 2018 Edition, suggesting a valuation-based or ICC fee table approach. Confirm with department.. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated..
How do I apply for a building permit in Madison, MS?
1. Review permit type requirements to confirm a permit is needed. 2. Download or obtain the Building Permit Application. 3. Prepare required documents: two sets of building plans (elevations, foundation, floor plan); plot plan showing setbacks, drainage, and finished floor elevation; electrical, HVAC, and rafter/joist span information; bedroom/bathroom count and heated square footage; construction cost; HOA approval if applicable; licensed subcontractor credentials. 4. Confirm contractor bonding ($5,000 or 0.5% of project cost, whichever is greater) and state licensing are in order. 5. Submit completed application and all documents to City Hall in person. 6. Building official reviews plans for code compliance; commercial plans must be stamped by a registered architect. 7. Pay all fees (fees are due at the time the permit is issued). 8. Permit is issued; post permit on job site. 9. Schedule the ten required inspections as construction progresses. 10. Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Madison, MS?
Typical processing time is Community Development processes development applications in approximately 5 to 6 weeks from submission to final approval for planning/zoning cases. Building permit timeline for standard projects is not separately published. Contact (601) 856-7116 for current estimates..
What work is exempt from building permits in Madison, MS?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Flooring; Cabinet installation; Countertop replacement; Minor repairs not affecting structure, fire resistance, egress, or utility systems. Note: No specific exemption list is published on the department's public pages. Standard IRC/IBC exemptions are typical. Contact permits@madisonthecity.com for project-specific guidance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Madison, MS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 856-7116, permits@madisonthecity.com.

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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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