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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Forest
A building permit is required prior to any new construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or excavation within the City of Forest.
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.
- Exempt Flood Zones: Forest participates in the NFIP. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require floodplain compliance.
- Exempt Mobile Home Permits: Mobile home permits issued separately through the Code & Zone Office.
- Exempt Demolition Permits: Separate Demolition Application required.
- Exempt 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.
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)
- Building code
- Forest has adopted building codes via Ordinance 494 (specific code editions based on Mississippi's 2021 IBC/IRC framework).
- Permit validity
- Contact Code & Zone Office for permit validity and expiration requirements.
- 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).
Source: Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; contact Code & Zone Office for project-specific timeline.
- 01 Contact the Code & Zone Office at (601) 469-2251 to determine permit requirements for the specific project type.
- 02 Obtain the Application for Building Permit form from the Code & Zone Office or download from cityofforest.com.
- 03 Complete and submit the application with required documentation: site plan, floor plan/construction drawings, contractor license/registration information, project description, and construction valuation.
- 04 Submit the Contractor Registration Application if the contractor is not already registered with the City of Forest.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fees per the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
- 06 Receive permit approval before beginning construction.
- 07 Post permit at the job site during construction.
- 08 Schedule required inspections at each applicable construction stage through the Code & Zone Office.
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Forest permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Forest, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Forest, MS, follow these steps: 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).
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest, MS? ▸
Building permit processing times in Forest, MS typically run Varies; contact Code & Zone Office for project-specific timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Forest, MS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Forest, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Forest, MS via: (601) 469-2251, cofczac@att.net. Contact Code & Zone Office for scheduling procedures..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/scott/forest
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Code & Zone Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.