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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greenville
A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and trade work within the City of Greenville.
Note: Confirm exempt work and edge cases directly with the Planning & Development Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project scope information
- Applicant/owner acknowledgements
- For historic district properties: Certificate of Appropriateness
- Building code
- Greenville's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 — BUILDINGS (available via library.municode.com/ms/greenville) references the International Building Code and International Residential Code; adopted edition should be confirmed with the Planning Department.
- Permit validity
- Contact Planning Department for permit validity terms.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with state and local permitting requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- MSBOC license required for commercial projects over $50,000 and residential new construction over $50,000. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are submitted alongside or separately from the main building permit.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by permit type; contact Planning Department at 662-378-1548 for estimates.
- 01 Download or pick up application forms from the Planning & Development Department (340 Main St) or from greenvillems.org/planning-development/.
- 02 Determine permit type: Building Permit, Electrical Permit, Mechanical Permit, Plumbing and Gas Permit, Sign Permit, Permit to Erect Fence, Certificate of Business Occupancy, Business Water Permit, Certificate of Appropriateness (historic properties), or Garage/Rummage/Estate Sale Permit.
- 03 Prepare required documentation and completion details.
- 04 For properties in the Historic District, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a building permit.
- 05 Submit completed application with required documents and fee payment to the Planning Department (online or in-person).
- 06 Planning Department reviews for code and zoning compliance.
- 07 Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
- 08 Upon approval, post permit on-site during construction.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by permit type; contact Planning Department at 662-378-1548 for estimates.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Planning & Development Department: 662-378-1548 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Planning Department to schedule.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Standard inspection stages include foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greenville permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Greenville, MS? ▸
A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and trade work within the City of Greenville.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Greenville, MS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Greenville, MS, follow these steps: 1. Download or pick up application forms from the Planning & Development Department (340 Main St) or from greenvillems.org/planning-development/. 2. Determine permit type: Building Permit, Electrical Permit, Mechanical Permit, Plumbing and Gas Permit, Sign Permit, Permit to Erect Fence, Certificate of Business Occupancy, Business Water Permit, Certificate of Appropriateness (historic properties), or Garage/Rummage/Estate Sale Permit. 3. Prepare required documentation and completion details. 4. For properties in the Historic District, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a building permit. 5. Submit completed application with required documents and fee payment to the Planning Department (online or in-person). 6. Planning Department reviews for code and zoning compliance. 7. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Upon approval, post permit on-site during construction.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greenville, MS? ▸
Building permit processing times in Greenville, MS typically run Processing time varies by permit type; contact Planning Department at 662-378-1548 for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greenville, MS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Greenville, MS via: Planning & Development Department: 662-378-1548. Contact Planning Department to schedule..
last verified April 2026
source Planning & Development Department ↗
entry id permits/mississippi/washington/greenville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.