Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Olive Branch bills utility customers monthly for water, natural gas, sewer, garbage, and recycling pick-up in one monthly billing statement. When you apply for your City utility services, you will be required to pay a deposit for your water and gas. This will remain on file for as long as you remain a customer.

You can pay your bill during business hours by:

• inside City Hall at the Utility Department (#133)
• through the drive-thru window 

You can pay your bill anytime by:

• mail
•  online at obms.us 
• dropped off in the drop box under the porch of City Hall

To learn more or for assistance completing the application, please contact the Utilities Department at 662-892-9305.

Please contact the Utilities Department at 662-892-9305.

Visit www.obms.us/jobs 

Please contact the Utilities Department at 662-892-9305.

Please visit https://www.obms.us/AgendaCenter

Four dogs and 6 cats.

If it has become a nuisance, call the shelter at 662-895-4582 during business hours or call the police department at 662-895-4111 after hours.

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

Saturday
8 to 11 am 

Yes, all animals including cats are to be on a leash or confined if you live in the city.

Call the shelter and we will have an officer do a welfare check on the animal.

If the shelter is closed, it has to be a problem with an aggressive animal in order to dispatch an officer.

Yes, it is a Mississippi law, but also helps in the return of your lost animal.

No. The City Attorney represents the City of Olive Branch and its Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and employees regarding their official duties. He does not represent nor can he provide advice to members of the public. However, your search for an attorney may be assisted by reference to the webpage for the Mississippi Bar. The Bar's website contains a link labeled "How to Choose a Lawyer." This resource may prove helpful for finding a local attorney who can assist.

The City of Olive Branch Code of Ordinances is available online and through this website. View the City ordinances currently in effect.

The Mississippi Secretary of State's website contains links to various legal resources, including the Mississippi Code which contains the general laws of the State of Mississippi. The Office of the Attorney General maintains a website containing numerous resources, including an online opinion database.

Finally, the Mississippi State Legislature has a website with a bill status link that allows one to research current and prior legislative sessions. Hopefully, these resources will be of assistance.

Public records are available from the City of Olive Branch in accordance with the provisions of State law and local policy, as such may be amended from time to time. The current City Public Records policy and associated request form are available to be submitted online or submitted in person. Payment will be collected before records are released. Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's office with any questions.

Call the Business License clerk at 662-892-9238 for the correct fee amount.

Business Licenses expire every September 30 and must be renewed by September 30 to avoid penalty.

The Mississippi Department of Revenue at 662-562-4489.

Apply for Mississippi State Sales Tax number if applicable. Come to City Hall to check for zoning, apply for a business license and submit payment.

• Make sure the commercial building is zoned correctly by calling 662-892-9334
• Apply for State Sales Tax number, Federal Tax number, and Beer/Liquor Permits if applicable at 662-562-4489
• Get the Health Department inspection if food-related at 662-429-2034
• Get building inspections at 662-892-9333
• Get a fire inspection at 662-890-7376
• Come to City Hall and apply for a business license (the last step prior to opening doors for business).

Contact the office of the City Clerk at 662-892-9200.

Contact the City Court Clerk, 662-892-9500, and speak with any of the clerks.

The DeSoto County Tax Collector has three offices. You can also renew your current car tags online. Visit the Tax Collector’s webpage for more information.

Marriage License applications are available in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

Contact or visit the Tax Assessor.

The Tax Collector accepts current (not delinquent) property taxes.

The Chancery Court Clerk accepts delinquent property taxes.

Yes, for more information contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Batesville office at 662-563-6330.

The Board of Supervisors meets regularly on the first Monday of every month. Additional meeting are scheduled as necessary. Contact the County Administrator’s office for the Board of Supervisor’s calendar.

Call the Board of Supervisor’s office at 662-429-5590.

The Highway Patrol has two driver’s license locations in DeSoto County. Visit the Driver’s License page for more information.

The Tax Assessor’s office accepts applications for a homestead exemption from January 2 through April 1 every year.

Please contact the Clerk's office to inquire about changing your court date.

If you were issued a ticket, your court date/time can be found at the bottom of your ticket. Court is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and begins at 9 am. If you are arrested, you will be given a court date and time upon release. Please contact the court office at 662-892-9500 to confirm your court date and time.

If you have been arrested for driving while your license was suspended, you can call the Mississippi Department of Driver’s Improvement at 601-987-1224 and they will provide you with the information to have your license reinstated.

We accept cash, checks, and money orders. You may choose to make a payment online with a credit card. There is a fee for this service. You are able to pay some citations online without appearing in court. Please contact the Clerk's office to verify if your citation is payable prior to your court date.

The State of Mississippi requires you to have proof of insurance in your car at all times. If you’re stopped and have insurance but do not have a card on your person, you can bring in your proof of insurance to the Clerk’s office prior to your court date. If we are able to verify your insurance was active at the time of your citation, a copy will be made for the file and the ticket will be dismissed. If your insurance card is on your phone or any other electronic device, you will need to bring in a printed copy of your card. If you do not purchase insurance, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year or until you provide proof to the Department of Public Safety in Jackson, MS.

Desoto County provides a list and a map of drop-off locations throughout Desoto County. Redirect to the Desoto County website for the Recycling locations.

Call the Engineering Department at 892-9352. If this problem is occurring as a result of an ongoing construction project, call Engineering to request that an inspector take a look at it. 

Please call Engineering 892-9352. We will take your name, phone number, address, and area of concern. An Engineering Inspector will be assigned and will come out to evaluate.

Call Public Works, 893-5249, ext. 202, or Engineering, 892-9352. We will take your name, address, and phone number and send someone to inspect it.

Call Engineering at 892-9352. We will take your name, address, and phone number and will coordinate with the contractor to get you on the repairs list.

Call Public Works at 662.892.5208. Please provide us with the street name and the area the pothole is located and a work order will be created  or we will contact the developer to repair it if the subdivision is still under development.

Call Engineering Department, 892-9352. We will take your name, phone number and address, and area of concern. If the subdivision is still under development we will send the request to the developer. If it is for stop signs or speed limit signs, all other sign requests will be handled as if not under development. If the subdivision is not under development, we will present the request to our City Engineer, Andy D. Swims, for his approval of the street signs.

Please call Public Works by 662.893.5208. We will take your name, phone number and address, and area of concern to have a sign repaired or re-installed as soon as possible. 

Call the Engineering Department at 892-9352. We will take your information: name, address, phone number, and the nature of your request-such as too much speeding-etc. We will present your request to the City Engineer for his approval.

Call the Engineering Department at 892-9352. We will first check to see if your area has a sewer service line. If so, we will forward you to the utility department to discuss putting in an application to begin sewer service and paying the connection fee. You will be required to hire your own plumbing contractor to connect a line from your home to our sewer line.

Call Public Works, 893-5249, ext. 202, or Engineering Department, 892-9352. We will take your name, address, and phone number and send someone to inspect it.

In 2024, it became City Policy that no new speed bumps are to be installed. 

Call the Engineering Clerk at 892-9352 to request. We will send you a petition to obtain 75% of the homeowner's signatures to receive approval to have the speed bumps removed.

Each Olive Branch Fire Department Engine Company has at least one certified Emergency Medical Technician on board. Firefighters can be on the scene in an average of fewer than 6 minutes. This quick response allows for life-saving care to begin on a sick or dying patient before an ambulance arrives.

Please see the OBFD Employment page for employment information.

No, all personnel in the operations division are full-time Firefighters.

Call Fire Administration at 662-892-9550. Tell us the incident for which you need a report. Be sure to include your name, the date of the incident, and the address of the incident.

Call Chief Johnny Eason at 662-892-9550.

You can visit our Fire Education pages for safety information and kids games, as well as information on fire safety in your home. Contact information is provided should you desire to speak with a Fire and Life Safety Inspector.

Open burning in the City of Olive Branch is not allowed except for contractors who are burning for the purpose of clearing off the land for a construction project.

Leaves and yard debris should be taken to the street for pick up by the City's rubbish truck.

An update to City Ordinances regarding the discharge of fireworks has occurred. Discharging, shooting, and igniting fireworks shall be allowed ONLY on the following dates and times:

• JULY 2-5, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm
• DECEMBER 23-26, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm
• DECEMBER 30, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm
• DECEMBER 31, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 12:15 am
• JANUARY 1- 2, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm

Please be advised that the new law will be strictly enforced by the City of Olive Branch Police Department. The discharging, shooting and igniting of fireworks within the City limits of Olive Branch are prohibited outside of these dates and/or times. Any individual violating this provision shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each occurrence.

October 1, 2024 Fireworks Ordinance

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The total for a residential fence permit is $36.

State firearm permits are issued through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and are processed locally at the district Mississippi Highway Patrol Sub-Stations. The two nearest MHP Sub-Stations for the Olive Branch area are located at Batesville and New Albany. The Batesville location processes firearm permits on Mondays and Tuesdays (8 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 3 pm) - phone number 662-563-6400. The New Albany location processes firearm permits on Tuesdays through Thursdays (8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm) - phone number 662-534-8619. View the State Firearms Permit website.

Mississippi has reciprocal firearm permit agreements with: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The local Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License office is located at 6569 Highway 305 next door to the B. J. Chain Public Library in Olive Branch. Their phone number is 662-890-7211.

Mississippi vehicle tags can be purchased from the DeSoto County Tax Collector's office, located at 6597 B. J. Chain Drive in Olive Branch, next to the Olive Branch City Park. Their phone number is 662-469-8032.

• 901-528-6048 (Memphis area number) or 800-222-1222 (nationwide number).

There are two minor medical centers located in Olive Branch. (1) Baptist Minor Medical located at 8990 Germantown Road - phone 662-893-1160 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm, except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and (2) Methodist/Le Bonheur Minor Medical located at 5480 Goodman Road - phone 662-893-9800 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm).

The City of Olive Branch Animal Shelter/Control office is located at 7100 Stateline Road east of Highway 178. The shelter is open Monday through Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm. The phone number is 662-895-4582.

Underground natural gas pipelines are the safest mode of energy transportation.

Natural gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless. City of Olive Branch adds an odorant that is called mercaptan that is very recognizable to smell.

Do not operate electric switches. Do not use the home telephone. Evacuate immediately to a safe distance, then use a cell phone or neighbor's phone to make the emergency call, 662-893-5209 or 911.

No.

50 years old and older.

At this time, there is no restriction.

The Senior Center does not charge for any activities.

The exercise equipment is available at any time when the Senior Center is open except during Yoga class times and Chair Aerobics.

The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. We do not follow the school's inclement weather policy, typically we are open. The Senior Center does observe the municipal holidays; every effort is made to post those holidays in advance. If in doubt, please call the center at 662-890-7182.

No.

The Senior Center does not provide transportation.

Call the Business License clerk at 662-892-9238 for the correct fee amount.

The City of Olive Branch has changed its process for Business Licenses. Effective October 21, 2025, all applications and associated materials should be submitted electronically through the new online system at www.obms.us/apply.   

 With this new electronic application processing system, you will be able to:

• Submit your applications and upload associated materials online
• Follow the review process online, including viewing the status of your application
• See staff review comments online once they are posted
• Pay applications review fees online.

There are processing fees for paying online: E-check fees are $1.95.  Credit card payments will be 3.75% of the application fee, with a minimum of $2.50.

Business Licenses expire every September 30 and must be renewed by September 30 to avoid penalty.

Effective October 21, 2025, all applications and associated materials should be submitted electronically through the new online system at www.obms.us/apply.   

The Mississippi Department of Revenue at 662-449-5150 or their website.

• Make sure the residence is zoned correctly for home business at 662-892-9334.
• Complete and sign a Home Occupation Affidavit after zoning is approved.
• Apply for a Mississippi State Sales Tax number if applicable.
• Apply for a business license and submit payment at www.obms.us/apply 

• Make sure the commercial building is zoned correctly at 662-892-9334.
• Apply for State Sales Tax number, Federal Tax number, and Beer/Liquor Permits if applicable at 662-449-5150.
• Get a Health Department inspection if food-related.
• Get building inspection at 662-892-9333.
• Get fire inspection at 662-890-7376.
• Apply for a business license (the last step prior to opening doors for business) at www.obms.us/apply 

The fees vary depending on the request and types of data.