City Building Permits
Ridgeland, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Ridgeland is an incorporated city in Madison County. The Building Permits and Inspections Division is charged with reviewing construction drawing packages, performing periodic inspections, and issuing Certificates of Occupancy. A separate Planning and Zoning division handles master planning, maps, and zoning information.
- Department
- City of Ridgeland -- Building Permits and Inspections Division
- Address
- 100 W School Street, Ridgeland, MS 39157
- Phone
- (601) 856-7113
Online Permit Portal
Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review the permit types and requirements.
- For commercial projects: obtain Mayor and Board of Aldermen approval through the Architectural Review Board (ARB) process before plan review. Use the ARB Checklist.
- Download the Building Permit Application (PDF) from the city website.
- Prepare required documents: construction drawing package; site plan (use Site Plan Review Checklist); contractor license; subcontractor license applications as needed.
- Submit online via MGO Connect or in person at 100 W School Street.
- Building official reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes.
- Pay permit fees.
- Permit is issued.
- Schedule required inspections at construction milestones.
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact (601) 856-7113 for current estimates.
Source: City of Ridgeland -- Building Permits and Inspections Division
General Requirements
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, commercial tenant improvements, and other work regulated by adopted codes. Rental properties require an inspection before occupancy. New businesses require a privilege license inspection.
Required Documents
- Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Construction drawing package
- Site plan
- ARB checklist for commercial projects
- Contractor licensing application
- Subcontractor licensing application
- Utility inspection application as needed
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; confirm with the division.
- Building code
- Ridgeland enforces the 2015 International Code family (International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Property Maintenance Code) and the 2005 National Electric Code. A 2021 Building Code adoption document is referenced, suggesting the city may have updated to the 2021 I-Codes. Confirm current edition with (601) 856-7113.
- Owner-builder
- Not specified on public-facing pages; contact (601) 856-7113.
- Contractor requirements
- General Contractor Licensing Application Packet and Sub Contractor Licensing Application Packet available on city website. Mississippi State Board of Contractors licensing required for residential over $50,000 and commercial over $100,000. City maintains its own contractor licensing requirement; applicants must register with the city.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Not publicly stated.
- Permit fee formula
- Not publicly stated; contact the division.
- Reinspection fee
- Not publicly stated.
- Payment note
- Fees paid through the MGO Connect portal (online) or in person at City Hall; contact for accepted methods.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Ridgeland -- Building Permits and Inspections Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (601) 856-7113 (phone)
- MGO Connect Portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (typical hours; contact division to confirm inspector availability windows).
Typical inspection sequence: New building inspections, privilege license inspections for new businesses, rental property inspections before occupancy. Standard sequence includes foundation, rough trades (plumbing, framing, electrical), insulation, and final. Confirm required inspections at permit issuance.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Ridgeland enforces the 2015 International Code family (International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Property Maintenance Code) and the 2005 National Electric Code. A 2021 Building Code adoption document is referenced, suggesting the city may have updated to the 2021 I-Codes. Confirm current edition with (601) 856-7113.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Licenses, Forms, and Permits (all downloadable forms)
- Community Development Division
- Official Zoning Ordinance (adopted February 4, 2014)
- Ridgeland Codes and Ordinances
- City Directory
- Planning and Zoning Commission
- License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ridgeland -- Building Permits and Inspections Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ridgeland Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Ridgeland, MS?
- Building permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, commercial tenant improvements, and other work regulated by adopted codes. Rental properties require an inspection before occupancy. New businesses require a privilege license inspection.
- How much does a building permit cost in Ridgeland, MS?
- Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated; contact the division.. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Ridgeland, MS?
- 1. Review the permit types and requirements. 2. For commercial projects: obtain Mayor and Board of Aldermen approval through the Architectural Review Board (ARB) process before plan review. Use the ARB Checklist. 3. Download the Building Permit Application (PDF) from the city website. 4. Prepare required documents: construction drawing package; site plan (use Site Plan Review Checklist); contractor license; subcontractor license applications as needed. 5. Submit online via MGO Connect or in person at 100 W School Street. 6. Building official reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes. 7. Pay permit fees. 8. Permit is issued. 9. Schedule required inspections at construction milestones. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Ridgeland, MS?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact (601) 856-7113 for current estimates..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Ridgeland, MS?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair; Painting and decoration; Flooring; Cabinet and countertop replacement; Minor non-structural repairs. Note: No specific exemption list is published on the division's public pages. Standard exemptions under the adopted I-Codes are typical. Confirm with (601) 856-7113 for your specific project.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Ridgeland, MS?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 856-7113, MGO Connect Portal.
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