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

1. Contact the Code & Zone Office at (601) 469-2251 to determine permit requirements for the specific project type. 2. Obtain the Application for Building Permit form from the Code & Zone Office or download from cityofforest.com. 3. Complete and submit the application with required documentation: site plan, floor plan/construction drawings, contractor license/registration information, project description, and construction valuation. 4. Submit the Contractor Registration Application if the contractor is not already registered with the City of Forest. 5. Pay applicable permit fees per the Building Permit Fee Schedule. 6. Receive permit approval before beginning construction. 7. Post permit at the job site during construction. 8. Schedule required inspections at each applicable construction stage through the Code & Zone Office. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all final inspections (for applicable projects).

How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest, MS?

Typical processing time is Varies; contact Code & Zone Office for project-specific timeline..

What work is exempt from building permits in Forest, MS?

The following work is generally exempt: Flood Zones: Forest participates in the NFIP. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require floodplain compliance.; Mobile Home Permits: Mobile home permits issued separately through the Code & Zone Office.; Demolition Permits: Separate Demolition Application required.; Agricultural Structures: May be exempt per MS Code § 17-2-7; verify with Code & Zone Office.. Note: Verify exemption applicability with the Code & Zone Office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 469-2251, cofczac@att.net. Contact Code & Zone Office for scheduling procedures..

City Building Permits

Forest, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Scott County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Forest.

Department: Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office
Address: Upper Colbert Commons, 105 East 1st Street, Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-2251
Email: cofczac@att.net
Website: https://www.cityofforest.com/code-zone-office/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Forest Website

Platform: Manual Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Code & Zone Office at (601) 469-2251 to determine permit requirements for the specific project type.
Obtain the Application for Building Permit form from the Code & Zone Office or download from cityofforest.com.
Complete and submit the application with required documentation: site plan, floor plan/construction drawings, contractor license/registration information, project description, and construction valuation.
Submit the Contractor Registration Application if the contractor is not already registered with the City of Forest.
Pay applicable permit fees per the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
Receive permit approval before beginning construction.
Post permit at the job site during construction.
Schedule required inspections at each applicable construction stage through the Code & Zone Office.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all final inspections (for applicable projects).

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Code & Zone Office for project-specific timeline.

Source: Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office

General Requirements

A building permit is required prior to any new construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or excavation within the City of Forest.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Floor plan/construction drawings
Contractor license/registration information
Project description
Construction valuation
Contractor Registration Application (if contractor not yet registered)

Permit validity: Contact Code & Zone Office for permit validity and expiration requirements.
Building code: Forest has adopted building codes via Ordinance 494 (specific code editions based on Mississippi's 2021 IBC/IRC framework).
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with all applicable local and state requirements.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid MSBOC license for projects exceeding MSBOC thresholds ($50,000+ residential; $50,000+ commercial; $10,000+ residential remodeling/roofing). Contractors must register with the City of Forest before pulling permits per the Contractor Ordinance. MSBOC contractor license/certificate of responsibility number required on all permit applications (MS Code § 19-5-11).

Fees

Payment note: A separate Building Permit Fee Schedule document is maintained by the Code & Zone Office. Contact (601) 469-2251 or cofczac@att.net to obtain the current fee schedule. Fees are typically assessed based on construction valuation or square footage.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(601) 469-2251 (phone)
cofczac@att.net (email)

Scheduling deadline: Contact Code & Zone Office for scheduling procedures.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: The Code & Zone Office conducts residential rental property inspections, gas inspections, electrical inspections, and structural/building inspections. Typical residential inspection stages: foundation/footing, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical/HVAC, insulation, and final.

Additional Resources

Building code: Forest has adopted building codes via Ordinance 494 (specific code editions based on Mississippi's 2021 IBC/IRC framework).
Verify contractor license: Mississippi Board of Contractors (MSBOC) License Lookup
City of Forest - Main Website
City Hall
MS State Fire Marshal
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
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 Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forest Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Forest, MS?: A building permit is required prior to any new construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or excavation within the City of Forest.
How do I apply for a building permit in Forest, MS?: 1. Contact the Code & Zone Office at (601) 469-2251 to determine permit requirements for the specific project type. 2. Obtain the Application for Building Permit form from the Code & Zone Office or download from cityofforest.com. 3. Complete and submit the application with required documentation: site plan, floor plan/construction drawings, contractor license/registration information, project description, and construction valuation. 4. Submit the Contractor Registration Application if the contractor is not already registered with the City of Forest. 5. Pay applicable permit fees per the Building Permit Fee Schedule. 6. Receive permit approval before beginning construction. 7. Post permit at the job site during construction. 8. Schedule required inspections at each applicable construction stage through the Code & Zone Office. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all final inspections (for applicable projects).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest, MS?: Typical processing time is Varies; contact Code & Zone Office for project-specific timeline..
What work is exempt from building permits in Forest, MS?: The following work is generally exempt: Flood Zones: Forest participates in the NFIP. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require floodplain compliance.; Mobile Home Permits: Mobile home permits issued separately through the Code & Zone Office.; Demolition Permits: Separate Demolition Application required.; Agricultural Structures: May be exempt per MS Code § 17-2-7; verify with Code & Zone Office.. Note: Verify exemption applicability with the Code & Zone Office before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Forest, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 469-2251, cofczac@att.net. Contact Code & Zone Office for scheduling procedures..

Need help with your project?

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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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