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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for construction permits; fees range from approximately $15 to $1,660 depending on project value (per 2014 Vicksburg Post reporting; confirm current schedule with department). Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; contact office for current breakdown..

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

1. Contact the Building and Inspection Department at (601) 634-4528 or inspection@vicksburg.org to confirm permit requirements. 2. Request the 'Policies and Procedures for Obtaining a Building Permit' handout (available by phone, email, or in-person). 3. Download applicable permit applications from https://www.vicksburg.org/forms or pick up in person. 4. Prepare a complete set of plans for the project (stamped by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial projects; site plan required for all projects). 5. If within the Historic Vicksburg District, first obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Community Planning Department at 805 South Street before submitting the building permit. 6. For projects requiring site plan review (commercial, multi-family, certain residential), submit to the Building and Inspection Department and Zoning Administrator for concurrent review. 7. Submit completed permit application with all required documents and fee payment in person at 819 South Street. 8. City staff reviews for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations; applicant is notified if corrections are required. 9. Building permit is issued upon approval; post permit on job site in visible location. 10. Schedule required inspections by contacting the department at (601) 634-4528. 11. Pass all required inspections. 12. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool and storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area ≤ 120 square feet (Zoning Administrator approval still required); Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; Water tanks supported directly upon grade, capacity ≤ 5,000 gallons, ratio of height to diameter not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Temporary structures, motion picture, television, and theater stage sets; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons in capacity, and not more than 8 feet in any dimension; Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 (single-family and duplex) occupancies; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify whether a property is within the Historic Vicksburg District — work within the district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) even if building permit-exempt. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Inspection Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 634-4528, inspection@vicksburg.org.

City Building Permits

Vicksburg, MS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Mississippi Warren County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All construction within the incorporated City of Vicksburg limits. Vicksburg is a Certified Local Government (CLG) for historic preservation.

Department: City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department
Address: 819 South Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 634-4528
Email: inspection@vicksburg.org
Website: https://www.vicksburg.org/buildinginspec

Online Permit Portal

Open Building and Inspection Department

Platform: In-person and contact-based submission; no dedicated online portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Building and Inspection Department at (601) 634-4528 or inspection@vicksburg.org to confirm permit requirements.
Request the 'Policies and Procedures for Obtaining a Building Permit' handout (available by phone, email, or in-person).
Download applicable permit applications from https://www.vicksburg.org/forms or pick up in person.
Prepare a complete set of plans for the project (stamped by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial projects; site plan required for all projects).
If within the Historic Vicksburg District, first obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Community Planning Department at 805 South Street before submitting the building permit.
For projects requiring site plan review (commercial, multi-family, certain residential), submit to the Building and Inspection Department and Zoning Administrator for concurrent review.
Submit completed permit application with all required documents and fee payment in person at 819 South Street.
City staff reviews for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations; applicant is notified if corrections are required.
Building permit is issued upon approval; post permit on job site in visible location.
Schedule required inspections by contacting the department at (601) 634-4528.
Pass all required inspections.
Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact office. Commercial projects and those requiring plan review will take longer than simple residential permits.

Source: City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required in the City of Vicksburg to erect, modify, remove, or repair all structures, including new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, fences exceeding 6 feet, decks, fireplaces, signs, manufactured homes, storage buildings over 120 sq ft, site grading exceeding 30 inches, and all trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas).

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Site plan or plot plan showing lot size, property lines, and locations of existing and proposed structures
Complete construction drawings (plans); commercial projects require architect/engineer stamp
Mississippi state contractor license number
Trade permit applications for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and/or fuel gas work as applicable
For manufactured homes: proof of payment for city water and sewer tap fees; pre-approval of electrical permit before home is positioned

Permit validity: Not specified publicly; contact Building and Inspection at (601) 634-4528.
Building code: The City of Vicksburg adopted the 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 Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), and 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective June 1, 2015. Contact the department to confirm whether Vicksburg has updated to newer editions locally.
Owner-builder: Not specified publicly; contact the department at (601) 634-4528.
Contractor requirements: Mississippi state contractor license required; license number must be provided on application.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; contact office for current breakdown.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based for construction permits; fees range from approximately $15 to $1,660 depending on project value (per 2014 Vicksburg Post reporting; confirm current schedule with department)
Trade permit fee: Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fuel gas permits; see trade permit applications.
Payment note: In-person at 819 South Street; confirm current payment options (cash, check, card) with department. The PDF fee schedule contains current specific fee amounts and must be downloaded directly from the city website.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures (tool and storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area ≤ 120 square feet (Zoning Administrator approval still required)
Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
Oil derricks
Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
Water tanks supported directly upon grade, capacity ≤ 5,000 gallons, ratio of height to diameter not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Temporary structures, motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons in capacity, and not more than 8 feet in any dimension
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 (single-family and duplex) occupancies
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify whether a property is within the Historic Vicksburg District — work within the district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) even if building permit-exempt. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Inspection Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(601) 634-4528 (phone)
inspection@vicksburg.org (email)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: (1) Foundation / slab, (2) Framing, (3) Rough-in electrical, plumbing, mechanical, (4) Insulation, (5) Final inspection. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing final.

Additional Resources

Building code: The City of Vicksburg adopted the 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 Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), and 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective June 1, 2015. Contact the department to confirm whether Vicksburg has updated to newer editions locally.
Verify contractor license: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
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 City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vicksburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Vicksburg, MS?: Building permits are required in the City of Vicksburg to erect, modify, remove, or repair all structures, including new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, fences exceeding 6 feet, decks, fireplaces, signs, manufactured homes, storage buildings over 120 sq ft, site grading exceeding 30 inches, and all trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas).
How much does a building permit cost in Vicksburg, MS?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for construction permits; fees range from approximately $15 to $1,660 depending on project value (per 2014 Vicksburg Post reporting; confirm current schedule with department). Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; contact office for current breakdown..
How do I apply for a building permit in Vicksburg, MS?: 1. Contact the Building and Inspection Department at (601) 634-4528 or inspection@vicksburg.org to confirm permit requirements. 2. Request the 'Policies and Procedures for Obtaining a Building Permit' handout (available by phone, email, or in-person). 3. Download applicable permit applications from https://www.vicksburg.org/forms or pick up in person. 4. Prepare a complete set of plans for the project (stamped by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial projects; site plan required for all projects). 5. If within the Historic Vicksburg District, first obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Community Planning Department at 805 South Street before submitting the building permit. 6. For projects requiring site plan review (commercial, multi-family, certain residential), submit to the Building and Inspection Department and Zoning Administrator for concurrent review. 7. Submit completed permit application with all required documents and fee payment in person at 819 South Street. 8. City staff reviews for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations; applicant is notified if corrections are required. 9. Building permit is issued upon approval; post permit on job site in visible location. 10. Schedule required inspections by contacting the department at (601) 634-4528. 11. Pass all required inspections. 12. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Vicksburg, MS?: Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact office. Commercial projects and those requiring plan review will take longer than simple residential permits..
What work is exempt from building permits in Vicksburg, MS?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool and storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area ≤ 120 square feet (Zoning Administrator approval still required); Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; Water tanks supported directly upon grade, capacity ≤ 5,000 gallons, ratio of height to diameter not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Temporary structures, motion picture, television, and theater stage sets; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons in capacity, and not more than 8 feet in any dimension; Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 (single-family and duplex) occupancies; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify whether a property is within the Historic Vicksburg District — work within the district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) even if building permit-exempt. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Inspection Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Vicksburg, MS?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (601) 634-4528, inspection@vicksburg.org.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Vicksburg can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Warren County

Unincorporated Area

View all Warren County jurisdictions →