Building Permits - When Not Required

Building permits for industrial, commercial, and residential construction are required in the City of Vicksburg to erect, modify, remove, or repair all structures. This includes everything from new building constructions to fences, fireplaces and signs. Once a complete set of plans for your project is approved by the Building & Inspection Department for code compliance, a building permit will be issued for the project. Additional permits may be required depending on the nature of the work.

Building Permits shall not be required for the following:

1. One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.

2. Fences not over 6 feet.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one and two family dwellings.

12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 occupancies.

13. Movable cases, counter and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

For more information about building permits and fees, or to request a copy of "When is a Permit not required" contact the Building & Inspection Department located at 805 South Street, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call the department at 601-634-4528. You may also visit or web portal here on the website.