On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Vicksburg
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).
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool and storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area ≤ 120 square feet (Zoning Administrator approval still required)
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly upon grade, capacity ≤ 5,000 gallons, ratio of height to diameter not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary structures, motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 (single-family and duplex) occupancies
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not specified publicly; contact Building and Inspection at (601) 634-4528.
- 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.
Source: City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified; contact office. Commercial projects and those requiring plan review will take longer than simple residential permits.
- 01 Contact the Building and Inspection Department at (601) 634-4528 or inspection@vicksburg.org to confirm permit requirements.
- 02 Request the 'Policies and Procedures for Obtaining a Building Permit' handout (available by phone, email, or in-person).
- 03 Download applicable permit applications from https://www.vicksburg.org/forms or pick up in person.
- 04 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).
- 05 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.
- 06 For projects requiring site plan review (commercial, multi-family, certain residential), submit to the Building and Inspection Department and Zoning Administrator for concurrent review.
- 07 Submit completed permit application with all required documents and fee payment in person at 819 South Street.
- 08 City staff reviews for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations; applicant is notified if corrections are required.
- 09 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.
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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Vicksburg building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in fee structure; contact office for current breakdown.
02
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)
03
Trade permit fee
Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fuel gas permits; see trade permit applications.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Vicksburg permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Vicksburg, MS? ▸
Building permit fees in Vicksburg, MS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Vicksburg, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Vicksburg, MS, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Vicksburg, MS? ▸
Building permit processing times in Vicksburg, MS typically run Not publicly specified; contact office. Commercial projects and those requiring plan review will take longer than simple residential permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Vicksburg, MS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Vicksburg, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Vicksburg, MS via: (601) 634-4528, inspection@vicksburg.org.
last verified April 2026
source City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/warren/vicksburg
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Vicksburg — Building and Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.