FAQs • When are construction plans required, and what kind o

When are construction plans required, and what kind of plans do I need?: Construction plans are required for all new construction projects, additions and renovations/remodels when the scope of work is determined by the Building Official that it justifies them. One set of drawings in PDF digital format must be provided to be electronically reviewed by the Building Department. As-built plans will be required when there are significant changes made during the project.

Building Department

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1. Which Codes are currently adopted?: All work in Southaven must be performed in accordance with the minimum standards of the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code and 2017 National Electrical Code.
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2. What are your hours of operation?: Our standard hours of operation are from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday unless specified otherwise due to inclement weather or observance of a holiday.

3. Do you accept credit card payments?: Yes, the City of Southaven does accept Visa and MasterCard from 8:00 – 4:00pm with the appropriate device located at the Building Department permit counter. You may contact our office for payment over the phone after receiving an automated email with the invoice balance due if this is more convenient.

4. Can you print my application?: As of January 2021, the Building Department moved to a paperless system. All permit applicants including homeowners and contractors are required to utilize our online permitting portal. We do not provide physical forms in office.

5. How can I get an address for my property?: All individuals wishing to apply for or amend an existing address should contact our GIS Coordinator, Butch Sheley, via email for further information.

6. Do you have a copy of my house plans?: As of January 2021, the Building Department has moved to a paperless system. If the construction of the residence was completed prior to this date, we would not have a copy of the physical plans on file as the department now only accepts electronic, pdf files or design submissions to complete plan reviews.

7. Can you mark my property lines?: All individuals wishing to mark their property lines, telecommunications lines, gas/electric power lines or utility lines should contact Mississippi 811 [MS811] and call for a locate request as this matter is not handled directly by the City of Southaven Building Department but by a third party. These individuals should contact MS811 via phone [(800)-227-6477 or 811] for further information and locate request scheduling.

8. Can you survey my property?: All individuals wishing to have their properties surveyed must contact a third-party surveyor company/entity as this is not a service the City of Southaven Building Department provides. If the individual wishes to have an approximated estimation with regard to where property lines are located – please note, this is not nor does this equate to having a survey performed – they should contact our GIS Coordinator, Butch Sheley, via email for further information.

9. How do I know what size accessory structure I can place on my property?: All individuals requesting information specifically related to the size of an accessory structure should reference the City of Southaven Code of Ordinances [Sec. 13-13(e)]. The general requirements for accessory or storage buildings do limit the structures from exceeding fifty percent of the square footage of the heated principal structure or occupying more than thirty percent of the rear yard – please note, this is only a minimum standard and additional requirements may be necessary as deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official or subdivision covenants in which the individual resides. Individuals are encouraged to contact our GIS Coordinator, Butch Sheley, via email for further information and guidelines.

10. Where can I place an accessory structure on my property?: All individuals requesting information specifically related to the placement of an accessory structure should reference the City of Southaven Code of Ordinances [Sec. 13-13(e)]. The general requirements for accessory or storage buildings location states the structures cannot be placed any closer than ten feet to a primary/main building or any closer than five feet of a side or rear yard – please note, this is only a minimum standard and additional requirements may be necessary as deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official or subdivision covenants in which the individual resides. Individuals are encouraged to contact our GIS Coordinator, Butch Sheley, via email for further information and guidelines.

11. Where can I access a copy of my plat or subdivision covenants?: All individuals wishing to access a copy of covenants or a plat map of their property should access Desoto County GIS Hub as this is a free, public-access resource for geospatial and mapping information. These individuals should visit the Desoto County GIS website [https://www.desotocountyms.gov/205/GIS-Maps-Data] for further information.

12. Do I need to have my address posted for inspections to be performed?: Yes, a physical address and lot # for commercial and residential new construction projects must be posted and appear legible for our inspectors to locate the site and perform any applicable or necessary inspections. Failure to post a clear and legible address for new construction projects will result in an inspection being denied or failed until necessary actions to correct and post the address have been made.

13. How do I get my gas turned on?: All individuals that need to connect or restore service for gas must hire a MS State licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor to apply for a permit and applicable gas inspections. After the inspection has been performed and approved, the contractor will receive an automated email at which time the contractor or property owner will turn in said report to Atmos to restore service. These individuals should contact Atmos for further information regarding restoring gas services.

14. How do I get my power turned on?: All individuals that need to connect or restore service for power must hire a MS State licensed electrical contractor to apply for a permit and applicable electrical inspections. After the inspection has been performed and approved, the contractor will receive an automated email at which time the contractor or property owner will turn in said report to Entergy to restore service. These individuals should contact Entergy for further information regarding restoring power services.

15. How do I submit a permit?: All individuals wishing to apply for a permit are required to apply online utilizing our online Energov permitting portal [accessed from our website] as our department no longer provides physical permit forms in office or accepts paper applications.

16. How can I make a payment for a license or a permit?: Applicants can make payment for permit applications or related fees online via credit card. You may also drop off/mail in a check or contact our office for card payment over the phone after receiving an automated email with the invoice balance [our department only accepts Visa and MasterCard] from 8:00 – 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

17. How long are permits active?: Applicants have 6 months to obtain their first inspection before the permit will be deactivated. Final inspections must be scheduled and completed within 1 year from the date of permit issuance in order to be considered void. After this time penalties will be enforced, and the applicant must pay to reactivate/reopen his or her expired permit.

18. How do I schedule a permit inspection?: Individuals wishing to schedule an inspection(s) for an active permit must request any and all applicable inspections online through our permitting portal. Please note, you will receive an email confirmation of that details the date the inspection will be performed. While our department works diligently to ensure inspections are scheduled and performed effectively and efficiently, it is highly recommended you view this email confirmation as inspections are scheduled strictly based on availability not based on preference.

19. How long does permit process take until I receive my official permit?: Applicants will wait on average anywhere from a few days to several weeks for their official permit to be issued, depending upon the time of permit application submitted and whether or not all necessary pre-requisites such as but not limited to licensing requirements, plan review, or the provision of additional documents/revisions as deemed fit by the Chief Building Official have been met.

20. Can I pick up my permit?: No. Since the entirety of our permitting process is completed online, individuals will receive a copy of their permit(s) via email given all necessary pre-requisites have been met.

21. When are construction plans required, and what kind of plans do I need?: Construction plans are required for all new construction projects, additions and renovations/remodels when the scope of work is determined by the Building Official that it justifies them. One set of drawings in PDF digital format must be provided to be electronically reviewed by the Building Department. As-built plans will be required when there are significant changes made during the project.

22. How do I submit my plans?

Construction plans are required for all new construction projects, additions and renovations/remodels when the scope of work is determined by the Building Official that it justifies them. We no longer accept or review physical, paper plans. An individual will upload and attach one set of drawings in PDF digital format must be provided to be electronically reviewed by the Building through the applicant’s online permit portal.

In addition to Building Department approval, Fire Department approval may also be required. Therefore, it is the shared responsibility of the applicant, contractor, and/or property owner to get the required approval from the Fire Department to ensure compliance with any and all applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances.

23. How long does the plan review process take?: Generally, the review timeframe for plan review for any project can average anywhere from approximately 1-3 business days or 1-3 weeks, depending upon the quantity of additional plan review projects at any given time. Any subsequent reviews would be subject to the same timeframe of 1-3 weeks.

24. Can I submit a Building permit for my own house?: Yes, although our department encourages individuals to hire a MS State licensed and bond general contractor, in Mississippi the homeowner is able to submit the building permit for his or her own home. The individual will be expected to utilize the online permitting portal and request any applicable and necessary inspections for his or her home as if the individual was a contractor. Additionally, the individual will be required to complete and attach a certificate of compliance form [available on our department forms page] stating he or she will be assuming all liability for the project by acting as the contractor. Any applications received without this form attached will be denied and returned. Please note, the homeowner can ONLY submit the building permit and will be required to hire a MS State licensed contractor for all trade work performed.
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25. Do I need a permit to replace an existing structure?: Individuals wishing to repair/replace existing accessory structures such as fences or storage buildings will not be required to apply for a permit. Please note, the installation of new structures or the extension of existing structures – like that of extending a fence further out – will require a permit to be filed and issued prior to work to avoid penalties.

26. How do I get a permit to build a fence?: A homeowner applying for a fence permit will be required to submit a fence permit application, a certificate of compliance form and potentially a plot plan, diagram, or survey to demonstrate the intended placement of the fence in relation to property lines, easements, set-backs, etc. as deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official. The City of Southaven (“City”) does not enforce Homeowners Association (“HOA”) Covenants. In addition to City approval, HOA approval may be required. Therefore, it is the shared responsibility of the applicant, contractor, and/or property owner to get the required approval from the HOA to ensure compliance with any and all applicable HOA Covenant(s). The criteria for materials, height, and other specifics are regulated by the Planning and Zoning Department. Please consult the subdivision covenants for those requirements as the Building Department does not enforce covenants.
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27. How do I get a permit to build or install a shed/garage?: A homeowner applying for an accessory permit will be required to submit a miscellaneous building permit application, a certificate of compliance form and a diagram or drawing to demonstrate the intended placement of the structure in relation to the primary structure, property lines, easements, set-backs, etc. as deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official. The City of Southaven (“City”) does not enforce Homeowners Association (“HOA”) Covenants. In addition to City approval, HOA approval may be required. Therefore, it is the shared responsibility of the applicant, contractor, and/or property owner to get the required approval from the HOA to ensure compliance with any and all applicable HOA Covenant(s). The criteria for materials, height, and other specifics are regulated by the Planning and Zoning Department. Please consult the subdivision covenants for those requirements as the Building Department does not enforce covenants.

28. How do I get a permit to install a swimming pool?: A homeowner applying for a pool permit will be required to submit a pool permit application, a certificate of compliance form and a diagram or drawing to demonstrate the intended placement of the structure in relation to the primary structure, property lines, easements, set-backs, etc. as deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official. The City of Southaven (“City”) does not enforce Homeowners Association (“HOA”) Covenants. In addition to City approval, HOA approval may be required. Therefore, it is the shared responsibility of the applicant, contractor, and/or property owner to get the required approval from the HOA to ensure compliance with any and all applicable HOA Covenant(s). A security fence must be provided in accordance with code prior to the final inspection of the pool.
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29. What kind of license do I need to do various trade works in Southaven?

Individuals wishing to submit permits including but not limited to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade work are required to show proof of having an active MS State contractor’s license for the respective trade work being completed, and the applicant will be expected register as a contractor for the appropriate trade license type within our jurisdiction prior to permit submittal or issuance.

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30. How do I apply for a Contractor's License?: Please refer to our Application For License Form & License Application Checklist [available on our department forms page] for further information regarding what our requirements are for licensing.

31. How can I renew an existing license?: Our contractor license renewal notices are mailed annually to all active, existing trade contractors. Individuals wishing to renew a license that has expired or was not renewed before the December 31^st deadline will be expected to provide all license application documents [see our Application For License and License Requirements on our website] as if he or she was registering as a new contractor, given all licenses not renewed prior to the deadline will be deactivated.
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32. How can I test for a license?: All testing for licensing is currently handled by third-party testing facilitators. Individuals are encouraged to access the International Code Council [ICC] website for contractor testing/credentialing [https://www.iccsafe.org/jurisdiction-specific-contractor-trades-exams/] or the contact Mississippi State Board of Contractors [MSBOC] via phone or email [601-351-6161 or info@msboc.us] for further information regarding testing for licensing.
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33. What are all the inspections that should be called for during the commercial construction process of a new building?

The list of inspections required varies for different projects. Following is a generalized list of some of the most common types:

Footing/Slab – Items included are silt fencing, footings, and rough-ins within the slab. Each trade is responsible for having inspections for any part of their work that will not be visible for inspection at a later point. A special inspection/engineers inspection document is required for all commercial slabs.

Framing – Included are fire wall, seismic and wind bracing, beams, and electrical, mechanical, or plumbing located within walls that need to be inspected prior to wall sheathing.

Rough In - All trades will call for rough-in inspections as applicable.

Above Ceiling - All trades must call for inspections prior to installation of the ceiling.

Final – The final inspection will be completed when all work is complete. If work is to be completed under multiple permits a Certificate of Completion can be requested for a specific scope when complete. The Certificate of Occupancy is issued once the project is completely finished.

When hardships arise partial inspections can be requested. It is best to call for clarification when situations are not within the normal occurrences.

34. Where can I find the applications needed for various projects?: See link below to access forms available. Forms

35. Do I need to provide structural and non-structural seismic bracing in Southaven?: All seismic bracing or restraints shall be provided for all building components as listed within the 2018 editions of the various applicable ICC codes. Examples are mechanical units, water heaters, pipes, ducts, ceilings, light fixtures, racking and shelving and all structural components. In general most things suspended from a roof or ceiling structure that can fall and injure occupants must be considered.

36. What is the process for building a single family residence?: Details are listed in the Code of Ordinances.
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37. Which accessibility guidelines are adopted?: The 2018 International Building Code references the 2018 edition of the ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
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