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1. What activities require a permit from the Planning and Building?

Permits are needed for all of the following:

Residential Construction

• New Construction
• Additions ( Carports, Garages, Living Space)
• Enclosing ( Carports, Garages, Patios, Decks,& Porches)
• Accessory Buildings (Storage, Detached Garages/Shops, Barns, Gazebos, etc.)
• Renovations
• Finishing out Expandable Areas
• Storm Shelters / Safe Rooms
• Fences
• Swimming Pools / Spas / Therapeutic Pools (Private)
• Signs (All Types)
• Irrigation (Landscape Sprinkler Systems)
• Temporary Tents
• Temporary Trailers Residential Construction or Real Estate Sales Offices
• Moving Building(s) / Structure(s)
• Demolition of Building(s) / Structure(s)

Commercial / Industrial Construction

• New Construction
• Additions
• Enclosing Any Roof Covered Areas
• Renovations
• Build-Outs in Exiting Building
• Re-Roofing
• Pallet Racks & Convey Systems
• Tank Farms
• Storm Shelters / Safe Rooms
• Fences
• Swimming Pools / Spas / Hot Tubs/ Therapeutic Pools (Public)
• Signs (All Types)
• Irrigation (Landscape Sprinkler Systems)
• Temporary Tents
• Temporary Trailers (Construction Office or Real Estate Sale Office)
• Moving Building(s) / Structure(s)
• Demolition of Building(s) / Structure(s)

Plumbing

• Residential New
• Residential Building Renovation
• Residential Building Additions
• Residential Accessory Buildings
• Residential Replacement(s) of Any Fixture(s) and Equipment
• Commercial / Industrial New
• Commercial / Industrial Building Renovation
• Commercial / Industrial Building Additions
• Commercial / Industrial Accessory Buildings
• Commercial / Industrial Replacement(s) of Any Fixture(s) & Equipment

Electrical

• Residential New
• Residential Building Renovations
• Residential Building Additions
• Residential Accessory Buildings
• Residential Additions to Existing Circuits / Adding New Circuits
• Residential Additions to Existing Service/ Adding New Service
• Residential Swimming Pools / Spas / Hot Tubs Etc.
• Commercial / Industrial New
• Commercial / Industrial Building Renovations
• Commercial / Industrial Building Additions
• Commercial / Industrial Accessory Buildings
• Commercial / Industrial Additions to Existing Circuits / Adding New Circuits
• Commercial / Industrial Additions to Existing Service / Adding New Service
• Commercial / Industrial Swimming Pools / Spas / Hot Tubs Etc.

Mechanical (HVAC Systems)

• Residential New
• Residential Building Renovations
• Residential Building Additions
• Residential Accessory Buildings
• Residential Additions of New Equipment
• Residential Replacement of Existing Equipment
• Residential Gas Piping
• Commercial / Industrial New
• Commercial / Industrial Building Renovations
• Commercial / Industrial Building Additions
• Commercial / Industrial Accessory Buildings
• Commercial / Industrial Additions of New Equipment
• Commercial / Industrial Replacement of Existing Equipment
• Commercial / Industrial Gas Piping
• Boilers
• Refrigeration
• Vent Hoods
• Duct Work Only
• Water Heaters

2. What are the requirements concerning replacing a fence?

A permit must be applied for to insure that the new fence meets the requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance. A fence permit can be applied for at the Building Department offices.

3. Are silt fence require on all vacant lots?

No, silt fences are required only on lots where grass has been removed.

4. What are the requirements to install an accessory building on your property?

In order to construct an accessory structure, a permit must be applied for at the Building Department offices. The permit application process ensures that the potential structure does not interfere with any utility easements and that the placement of the structure is in accordance with zoning and building regulations.

5. How do I schedule inspections?

Contact the Building Department offices at 662-892-9333 before 4 pm to schedule an inspection for the next business day.

6. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No, a permit is not required if you are having the garage sale at your residence. A permit is necessary if you are having the sale at a commercial location.

7. What are your adopted building codes?

The Mayor and Board of Alderman passed an ordinance adopting the following building codes:

• 2018 International Building Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2018 International Plumbing Code
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2017 National Electric Code
• 2018 International Existing Building Code
• 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

8. What is the difference between the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment?

The Planning Commission is made of seven Commissioners, which includes a Chairman who is in charge of the meetings. Those monthly meetings are held to process applications from land owners requesting changes in a particular subdivision's zoning text, to change from one zoning designation to another, or subdivide currently owned property for the purpose of developing it, and other necessary miscellaneous requests. The Planning Commission's function is to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with reference to the applications that have been processed. The final decision rests with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. The Board of Adjustment also consists of seven members, including a Chairman who is in charge of the meetings. Those monthly meetings are held to process applications from land owners requesting changes and or variances in existing City of Olive Zoning Regulations. The requests also include temporary allowances of certain functions to take place for requested periods of time, and within particular zoning designations. The requests are known as Conditional Use Permit and Variance requests, the final decisions with reference to the applications submitted rests with this Board unless that decision is appealed to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

9. The notices that we receive in the mail about the meetings, are those meetings open to the public? If I attend, do I have to speak?

The purpose of the notice is to inform you about the request from a homeowner located within 500 feet of your property. This gives you the opportunity to either support or object to the request, you may choose not to attend the meeting. You will be given the opportunity to speak at the meeting if you desire, with the length of time to be determined by the Chairman. Board of Adjustment meetings is open to the general public.

10. What are the rules for parking vehicles? How many vehicles are allowed? Can we park on the street? What is considered a junk or derelict vehicle?

The City of Olive Branch parking ordinance states that all vehicles shall be parked on an impervious surface. Vehicles are not allowed to be parked on the lawn. Parking on the street is allowed for a time period of 48 hours. Junk vehicles, as defined by the City of Olive Branch, are vehicles without current tags, current inspection stickers, or that are clearly inoperable. Any vehicle that meets the criteria for a junk vehicle must be parked in a completely enclosed building or garage.

11. Why does it take a long time to clean abandoned properties?

The City of Olive Branch cleans or cuts properties under Mississippi Code section 21-19-11. This code requires the City to set a public hearing date at a regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen and requires that we give the property owner substantial notice of the public hearing. The public hearing must also be held at a regular meeting of the Board of aldermen. To complete the required process, takes about eight weeks.

12. Why are some portable signs allowed and others not?

The City of Olive Branch's ordinance relating to signs prohibits the use of portable signs, or signs that are not permanently affixed to the ground or a building. There are a few exemptions to this ordinance including, but not limited to, political signs, real estate or "for lease" signs, and public signs.

13. How much is a fence permit?

The total for a residential fence permit is $36.