Madison, MS — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department

Street address

120 Montgomery Street, Madison, MS 39110 (mailing: PO Box 40, Madison, MS 39130)

Phone

(601) 856-7116

permits@madisonthecity.com

Coverage

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.

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Madison

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Painting

Exempt

Flooring

Exempt

Cabinet installation

Exempt

Countertop replacement

Exempt

Minor repairs not affecting structure, fire resistance, egress, or utility systems

Exempt

Exempt Painting
Exempt Flooring
Exempt Cabinet installation
Exempt Countertop replacement
Exempt 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.

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

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.
Permit validity: Not publicly stated on permit pages; confirm with department.
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).

Source: City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 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.

01

Review permit type requirements to confirm a permit is needed.
02

Download or obtain the Building Permit Application.
03

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.
04

Confirm contractor bonding ($5,000 or 0.5% of project cost, whichever is greater) and state licensing are in order.
05

Submit completed application and all documents to City Hall in person.
06

Building official reviews plans for code compliance; commercial plans must be stamped by a registered architect.
07

Pay all fees (fees are due at the time the permit is issued).
08

Permit is issued; post permit on job site.
09

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Madison building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

All fees are due at the time the permit is issued. Paid in person at City Hall; contact department for accepted methods.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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).

Source: City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Madison permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Madison, MS? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Madison, MS? ▸

Building permit fees in Madison, MS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Madison, MS? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Madison, MS, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Madison, MS? ▸

Building permit processing times in Madison, MS typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Madison, MS? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Madison, MS? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Madison, MS via: (601) 856-7116, permits@madisonthecity.com.

last verified April 2026 source City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department ↗ entry id permits/mississippi/madison/madison-city

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Madison -- Building and Permits Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Madison

Other jurisdictions in Madison County.