New Albany, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of New Albany.

Department

City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement

Address

101 W. Bankhead Street, New Albany, MS 38652

Phone

(662) 534-1010

Website

https://www.visitnewalbany.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Building Inspector Eric Thomas at (662) 538-4108 or (662) 266-0836 for pre-application consultation to verify code compliance and zoning requirements.
2. Confirm contractor licensing requirements — contractors performing any construction work (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) must be licensed and bonded with the City of New Albany and hold an MSBOC Minimum Residential Builders License for projects $50,000+. Property owners constructing their own primary residence are exempt from contractor licensing but must still obtain permits.
3. Assemble two (2) complete sets of construction drawings including: site plan, floor plan, plumbing plan, electrical plan, foundation layout, wall/ceiling/roof sections, elevation (if flood-prone), and total project cost.
4. Submit application and drawings at City Hall (101 W. Bankhead Street) with all required documentation.
5. Pay permit fee (based on project cost; building inspector may request contract copy or use base square-footage pricing).
6. Receive permit approval and proceed with construction.
7. Schedule required inspections at each construction stage.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Inspector for estimate.

Source: City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of New Albany. Permit triggers include new construction, additions, enlargements, major renovations, change of use, and demolition. Alterations affecting property drainage require permit approval.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing existing/proposed buildings, driveways, fences, and setbacks from property lines
• Floor plan
• Plumbing plan
• Electrical plan (including service and distribution panel locations)
• Foundation layout with typical footing section
• Wall, ceiling joist, and roof sections (including bracing spans and beam details)
• Elevation drawing (required if property is in flood-prone area)
• Total project cost

Permit validity

Contact Building Inspector for permit validity period and expiration requirements.

Building code

New Albany has adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and ICC A117.1-2017. Confirm specific IBC and IRC editions adopted directly with Building Inspector.

Owner-builder

Property owners constructing, repairing, or altering their own primary residence are exempt from contractor licensing requirements but must still obtain all permits and comply with building codes.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing construction work (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) must be licensed and bonded with the City of New Albany. MSBOC Residential Builders License required for projects $50,000+. Contractors must maintain current city business license throughout construction.

Fees

Payment note

Permit fees are calculated based on total project cost or base square-footage pricing at the Building Inspector's discretion. Building Inspector may request a copy of contractor contract to verify project cost. Contact Eric Thomas at (662) 538-4108 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Inspector Eric Thomas: (662) 538-4108 or (662) 266-0836 (phone)
• Building Inspector Joey Watson: (662) 266-1037 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact Building Inspector to schedule inspections at required stages.

Inspection hours

Contact Building Inspector for office hours and availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection stages for new residential construction typically include: foundation/footing (before concrete pour), rough framing/rough plumbing/rough electrical (before walls close), insulation (if applicable), and final inspection (upon completion before occupancy). Confirm exact required stages with Building Inspector.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New Albany has adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and ICC A117.1-2017. Confirm specific IBC and IRC editions adopted directly with Building Inspector.
• Verify contractor license: MSBOC License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City of New Albany — Codes and Zoning
• Planning & Zoning Meetings
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• MS DEQ Stormwater General Permits
• License lookup guide: Mississippi Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Mississippi Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Mississippi hub: Mississippi Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

New Albany Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Albany, MS?

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of New Albany. Permit triggers include new construction, additions, enlargements, major renovations, change of use, and demolition. Alterations affecting property drainage require permit approval.

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

1. Contact Building Inspector Eric Thomas at (662) 538-4108 or (662) 266-0836 for pre-application consultation to verify code compliance and zoning requirements. 2. Confirm contractor licensing requirements — contractors performing any construction work (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) must be licensed and bonded with the City of New Albany and hold an MSBOC Minimum Residential Builders License for projects $50,000+. Property owners constructing their own primary residence are exempt from contractor licensing but must still obtain permits. 3. Assemble two (2) complete sets of construction drawings including: site plan, floor plan, plumbing plan, electrical plan, foundation layout, wall/ceiling/roof sections, elevation (if flood-prone), and total project cost. 4. Submit application and drawings at City Hall (101 W. Bankhead Street) with all required documentation. 5. Pay permit fee (based on project cost; building inspector may request contract copy or use base square-footage pricing). 6. Receive permit approval and proceed with construction. 7. Schedule required inspections at each construction stage.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Inspector for estimate..

What work is exempt from building permits in New Albany, MS?

The following work is generally exempt: Work that is purely cosmetic (painting, flooring, cabinets, minor repairs) generally does not require permits.. Note: Exemptions from contractor licensing do not apply to building permit requirements. Consult with Building Inspector before assuming any work is exempt.

How do I schedule a building inspection in New Albany, MS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspector Eric Thomas: (662) 538-4108 or (662) 266-0836, Building Inspector Joey Watson: (662) 266-1037. Contact Building Inspector to schedule inspections at required stages..

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