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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for New Albany
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Contact Building Inspector for permit validity period and expiration requirements.
- 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.
Source: City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Inspector for estimate.
- 01 Contact Building Inspector Eric Thomas at (662) 538-4108 or (662) 266-0836 for pre-application consultation to verify code compliance and zoning requirements.
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 Submit application and drawings at City Hall (101 W. Bankhead Street) with all required documentation.
- 05 Pay permit fee (based on project cost; building inspector may request contract copy or use base square-footage pricing).
- 06 Receive permit approval and proceed with construction.
- 07 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 ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Source: City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about New Albany permits
01 Do I need a building permit in New Albany, MS? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in New Albany, MS? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in New Albany, MS? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in New Albany, MS? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in New Albany, MS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of New Albany — Building Inspector / Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.