City of Columbia

Building permits are required for new residential construction (single-family, multi-family), new commercial or industrial construction, additions/alterations/renovations affecting structural integrity/fire safety/code compliance, demolition, electrical/plumbing/mechanical system installation or replacement, roofing work, septic system installation, and construction in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Note: Confirm exemption status with City Hall before proceeding.

Building code

The City of Columbia has not posted its current building code adoption publicly online. Under Mississippi Code § 21-19-25, municipalities have authority to adopt and enforce building codes. Applicants should contact City Hall at 601-736-8201 to confirm which edition of the IBC/IRC Columbia has formally adopted.

Permit validity

Specific validity periods should be confirmed directly with City Hall.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply; confirm any required disclosure forms with City Hall.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing residential work over $50,000 or commercial work over $50,000 must hold a valid MSBOC license.

1. 01
   Contact City Hall (601-736-8201) to confirm permit requirements for your specific project type (residential, commercial, renovation, demolition, etc.) and request current application forms.
2. 02
   Prepare project documentation: completed building permit application, 2 sets of construction plans/drawings (site plan, floor plans, elevations), copy of property deed, and contractor license documentation if project exceeds $50,000.
3. 03
   Submit completed application and all supporting documents to City Hall in person.
4. 04
   Allow a review period (typically 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; longer for complex commercial projects).
5. 05
   Upon approval, pay applicable permit fees.
6. 06
   Receive permit, post on job site, and schedule required inspections before beginning work.
7. 07
   Do not proceed to the next phase of construction without passing each required inspection.

Typical processing time: Typically 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; longer for complex commercial projects.

• City Hall: 601-736-8201 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact City Hall to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical inspection stages include: foundation/footing inspection (before pouring concrete), framing inspection (after rough framing complete, before insulation/sheathing), electrical rough-in inspection (before walls are closed), plumbing rough-in inspection (before walls are closed), mechanical rough-in inspection (HVAC ductwork before enclosure), insulation inspection (before drywall for energy code compliance), and final inspection (upon project completion for Certificate of Occupancy).