Do you need a building permit?
By law, building permits and inspections are required for new construction, additions, and remodeling work to confirm that all structures meet applicable building code requirements.
The City of Brandon regulates construction and development to safeguard and ensure the health and safety of the public. As part of the permit process, plans are reviewed to ensure compliance with adopted codes. Building permits are issued for new construction, as well as for additions to and remodeling of existing buildings and structures. Most repairs or alterations require a building permit.
State law requires any builder or superintendent to have a residential builder’s license if the home is in excess of $50,000. Any person engaging in a remodel job that exceeds $10,000 must have a residential builder’s license or a remodeler’s license. The property owner can pull a permit, but beware, pulling the permit makes YOU the general contractor and, as such, responsible and personally liable for accidents on the job.
Examples include:
- New homes and buildings
- Room additions
- Enclosures and carports
- Decks and patio covers
- Garage conversions
- Window replacements
- Signs
- Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
- Skylights
- Sheds
- Swimming pools and spas
- Re-roofing
- Siding
State law requires any person engaging in commercial construction or construction management exceeding $50,000 (privately or publicly funded), must have a commercial builder’s license or a Certificate of Responsibility from the Mississippi State Contractor’s Board.
Residential builders may construct, improve, repair, remodel or renovate a commercial structure, without being required to obtain an additional license, provided the project does not exceed 7,500 square feet or two stories.
A permit is required for projects such as new construction, additions, remodeling, and repairs to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. Projects like signs, pools, dumpster enclosures, parking lot expansions, accessory buildings, etc., require permits. If in doubt, please call and check.
Examples include:
- New homes and buildings
- Room additions
- Enclosures and carports
- Decks and patio covers
- Garage conversions
- Window replacements
- Signs
- Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
- Skylights
- Sheds
- Swimming pools and spas
- Re-roofing
- Siding
Signs are regulated by the City of Brandon and required a permit in most cases. Standards for each type are on the application.
Signs in the Historic District must have a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to issuing a permit. Please complete both the Certificate of Appropriateness Application and a Sign Permit Application.
Apply for a Permit
To apply for a building permit:
- Submit completed application for building permit
- Confirm contractor and sub-contractor registrations are active
- Provide required submittals (See resources page for project type)
Applicable Forms:
- Building Permit Information
- Building Permit Application
- Building Permits Fee Schedule
- Contractor and Subcontractor Registration Form
- Sign Permit Application
- Temporary Sign Permit Application
- Commercial Site Plan Review Process
- Residential Plan Review Requirements
- Application for Rental Inspection & Permit
- Land Disturbance Permit Application
- Truck Route Application
All licensed residential and commercial contractors, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors must register with the City before a permit will be issued.
Documents Required:
- Completed Contractor and Subcontractor Registration Form
- Copy of MS Certificate of Responsibility or valid license issued by the State of Mississippi or a Mississippi municipality
- Performance bond in the amount of $5,000 made payable to the City of Brandon conditioned upon such contractor complying with all ordinances and regulations of the City, and the statutes of the state
- Annual registration fee of $25 payable to the City of Brandon (per registered trade)
2018 International Property Maintenance Code (with amendments)
2018 International Building Code (with amendments) and some appendixes including:
- Appendix E – Supplemental accessibility requirements
- Appendix F – Rodent proofing
2018 International Residential Code (with amendments) and some appendixes including:
- Appendix E – Manufactured housing used as dwellings
- Appendix F – Radon control methods
- Appendix J – Existing buildings and structures
2018 International Mechanical Code (with amendments)
2018 International Plumbing Code (with amendments)
2018 International Fuel Gas Code (with amendments)
2018 International Fire code (with amendments)
2017 National Electrical Code (with no amendments)
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (with no amendments)
2018 International Existing Building Code (with no amendments)
FAQ
What is the fee to file for a building permit or to submit plans?
Most building permit fees depend on the project valuation. Depending on the project, development review and plans examination may also be required and have associated fees. Refer to the Building Permits Fee Schedule to estimate your permit cost or call to discuss with staff.
What is the turnaround time for the approval of a building permit?
The turnaround time for the approval of a building permit depends on the scope of the work. Permits for work not requiring plans are issued over-the-counter. Work requiring plans has to be routed to several Community Development Divisions and/or other City agencies (Fire, Public Works, and Engineering Departments) for review and approval. The more complete and compliant the plan submittal, the quicker the approval occurs. Commercial new construction site plan approval generally takes 2-3 weeks and does require board approval. New residential permits are often issued within 24 hours of submittal.
Where do I submit plans for my project?
You may submit your plans at the following location:
1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon, MS 39042
in the Community Development Suite.
What does it mean when a building permit application is on hold?
Usually an application is put on hold when additional information is required by the plan checker reviewing your application. Additional information may consist of fee receipts, certificates, calculations and/or revised drawings.
Where do I submit revisions to my building application?
To resubmit plans, please verify that all requested items on the correction list have been addressed. Highlight or cloud any and all changes on every set. Resubmit with a response letter explaining all changes or lack thereof. The plans should be resubmitted to the Permit Counter (1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon, MS 39042).
What if a permit expires?
Generally, a permit expires after 90 days, if no inspections have been made. After construction has commenced, a project is considered abandoned, if no work is completed over a period of a year. If you have a project with a building permit that is approaching expiration, you can submit a request for extension to the Community Development Director in writing requesting additional time.
