Florence, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all property within the incorporated city limits of Florence.

Department

Building Department

Address

201 N Church Street, Florence, MS 39073; Municipal Complex at 203 College Street houses Planning and Zoning

Phone

601-845-5638

Email

florencebuildone@gmail.com

Website

https://cityofflorencems.com/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Building Department prior to any construction, renovation, addition, demolition, change of use, or installation of an accessory structure to confirm permit requirements.
2. Download the appropriate permit application from the community development page (20+ applications available, including building permit, architectural review, conditional use, zoning variance, floodplain development, and telecommunications).
3. Gather required documents: application form, construction plans, contractor registration documents (bond, insurance, MSBOC certificate).
4. Contractor registration requirements must be satisfied before permit can be issued.
5. Submit completed application to the Building Department at City Hall.
6. Permit is issued upon approval.
7. Post permit on job site.
8. Schedule all eight required inspections through the Building Department as work progresses.
9. Final inspection leads to Certificate of Occupancy.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for every building constructed in the City; prior contact with the Building Department is required before constructing any accessory building or structure, and before any remodel, change of use, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans
• Contractor registration: $5,000 performance bond, commercial liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence minimum, worker's compensation insurance, State of Mississippi Board of Contractors certificate

Building code

2012 International Building Code (IBC), 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2012 International Fire Code (IFC), 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold a State of Mississippi Board of Contractors (MSBOC) certificate, post a $5,000 performance bond, carry minimum $500,000 commercial liability insurance, and carry worker's compensation insurance

Fees

Permit fee formula

Not confirmed from public sources; contact the Building Department

Payment note

In-person at City Hall or online via GovPayNow (requires prior department approval before paying online)

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 601-845-5638 (phone)
• 601-383-3376 (Building Official cell) (phone)

Inspection hours

Standard city hall hours; confirm with department

Typical inspection sequence: Eight mandatory phases before occupancy: (1) Plumbing grounds (water stack test required), (2) Foundation, (3) Frame, mechanical, and electrical rough-in (gas test and brick-tie required), (4) Insulation (fire blocking required), (5) Electrical service, (6) Water and sewer connections (4-inch sewer pipe required), (7) Sidewalk (ADA compliant), (8) Final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2012 International Building Code (IBC), 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2012 International Fire Code (IFC), 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• City Hall General
• City Clerk Linda Wigley
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Florence Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Florence, MS?

A building permit is required for every building constructed in the City; prior contact with the Building Department is required before constructing any accessory building or structure, and before any remodel, change of use, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition

How much does a building permit cost in Florence, MS?

Fees are calculated as: Not confirmed from public sources; contact the Building Department.

How do I apply for a building permit in Florence, MS?

1. Contact the Building Department prior to any construction, renovation, addition, demolition, change of use, or installation of an accessory structure to confirm permit requirements. 2. Download the appropriate permit application from the community development page (20+ applications available, including building permit, architectural review, conditional use, zoning variance, floodplain development, and telecommunications). 3. Gather required documents: application form, construction plans, contractor registration documents (bond, insurance, MSBOC certificate). 4. Contractor registration requirements must be satisfied before permit can be issued. 5. Submit completed application to the Building Department at City Hall. 6. Permit is issued upon approval. 7. Post permit on job site. 8. Schedule all eight required inspections through the Building Department as work progresses. 9. Final inspection leads to Certificate of Occupancy.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Florence, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 601-845-5638, 601-383-3376 (Building Official cell).

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