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Building Department

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1. Which Codes are currently adopted?

The 2018 editions of the International Code Council family of codes are adopted. See Section 101.4 of the International Building Code for Codes that are adopted by reference of the IBC and the Referenced Standards section for standards or portions of standards that are referenced. The codes that are included are the 2018 Intl. Gas Code, Intl. mechanical Code, International Property Maintenance Code(amended by City Ordinance), and the Intl. Fire Code. The 2017 Edition of the National Electric Code is adopted as well as other standards included in the Referenced Standards section of the IBC. The 2018 Intl. Residential Code (amended by City Ordinance) will apply to structures that are not regulated by the IBC. There are very limited amendments to the codes that can be found within the Southaven Code of Ordinances.

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2. 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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3. How do I open a business within an existing structure in Southaven?

The general process for opening a business is a multi-step procedure that involves a few different City departments. We work together to make it more convenient for the applicant. The steps listed below are not all inclusive but rather a general guide for many businesses. Some might require other steps depending on the complexity, size, or hazard class of the occupancy.

a) The first step is to consult with the Planning and Zoning Department to verify that the intended use is allowed at the location that has been chosen. In addition other City ordinances that affect the surrounding occupancies must be evaluated. A conditional use hearing might be required to consider a permit for the proposed use of the location. The Planning and Zoning Department will provide a checklist verifying the use has been approved for that specific location. This is not an approval to occupy or begin any work whatsoever.

b) Immediately following verification from the Planning and Zoning Department the applicant must consult with the Building Department for details related to any construction and the Certificate of Occupancy that must be issued for occupancy of any location within the City of Southaven. A use and occupancy permit will be issued to allow preparation for the Use and Occupancy inspection. All construction trades contractors will apply for permits for their scopes of work individually and obtain the proper inspections for that work. The Fire Prevention Bureau of the Southaven Fire Department and the Building Department will inspect the location when all work is complete and the space is ready to occupy. All parties will sign the checklist to indicate that all inspections were completed.

The completed checklist and inspection forms must be brought to the Building Department to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.

c) A business license can then be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office across the hall from the Building Department.

4. What do I need to do if I want to build a fence?

The homeowner can obtain a permit to build a fence or they can hire a contractor. If a contractor does the work then he/she will pull the permit. A plot plan or survey is needed along with the fence permit so that we can evaluate property lines, easements, set-backs, etc. that affect where fences might be installed. The criteria for materials, height, and other specifics are regulated by the Planning and Zoning Department. Approval from the Homeowner’s Association might be required. Please consult the subdivision covenants for those requirements. The City cannot enforce covenants. That is specifically at the discretion of the Homeowner’s Association.

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5. What do I need to do if I want to build or install a ready-to-install shed?

A permit is required for sheds whether they are constructed on-site or delivered already fabricated. The homeowner or contractor shall provide a plot plan or survey so that the location of the shed can be reviewed to verify no issues with property lines, set-backs, easements, etc.

6. What do I need to do if I want to install a swimming pool?

Pool permits must be obtained by the contractor that is installing them. They will call for the related inspections. Part of the permit process is to determine if the pool can be placed where it is proposed. A site plan will be needed to verify setbacks, utility easements, proper distance from the residence, and other relevant issues. A security fence must be provided in accordance with code prior to the final inspection.

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7. What kind of license do I need to do various trade works in Southaven?

Licensing details are listed in the Code of Ordinances.

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8. How can I test for a license or renew an existing license?

Licensing details are listed in the Code of Ordinances.

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9. 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.

10. When are construction plans required and what kind of plans do I need?

Construction plans are required for all new projects and additions and remodels when the scope of work is determined by the Building Official that it justifies them. A change in occupancy class can also justify the requirement for plans that verify construction types, square footage, occupant loads, fire protection systems, etc. are compatible with the new proposed occupancy and use. Three sets of paper documents are required. One set goes to be reviewed by the Fire Prevention Bureau, one for Building Department records, and one to be kept on the job site until completed. Additionally one set in PDF electronic format must be provided for archive files. As-built plans will be required when there are significant changes made during the project.

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11. Where can I find the applications needed for various projects?

See link below to access forms available. Forms

12. Do you accept credit card payments?

Yes the City of Southaven does accept Visa and MasterCard with the appropriate device located at the Building Department permit counter.

13. Do I have to pay all fees at the time plans are submitted for review?

Yes plan review fees must be included with plans before the plan review process can be started.

14. What are the requirements for fire sprinklers?

Fire Sprinkler details are listed in the Code of Ordinances.

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15. 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.

16. What is the process for building a single family residence?

Details are listed in the Code of Ordinances.

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17. Can I convert my detached garage into a living space?

The process for changing the occupancy classification of any building requires the existing building to be brought into compliance with currently adopted codes for the new occupancy classification. This would include an evaluation of the existing structure to design the required improvements to meet the requirements for a newly constructed residence. Plans must be provided by a design professional that is qualified to evaluate the existing structure and design the changes necessary to make it comply with the 2018 International Residential Code.

18. How can I obtain a copy of a survey or plot plan for the purpose of submitting a permit application for construction of any type on my property?

In most instances foundation surveys are part of the records kept within the Southaven Building Department for structures constructed in 1997 and after. That applies only if the structure was located within the City of Southaven during that time period. Properties that were annexed into the City of Southaven with existing structures are not included. The jurisdiction that issued the building permit for the structure might have a copy of a survey or plot plan included within their records. The purpose for requiring the survey or plot plan is to verify setbacks, utility or other easements on the property, or any other pertinent information that might affect the ability to construct anything on the property. There are specific separation distances and rules that apply for the various types of structures, swimming pools, fences, etc. that might be proposed.

19. What if I want to build my own home?

Details listed are listed in the Code of Ordinances

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20. How can I schedule my inspections?

At present inspections must be called in to the office. We are moving toward new hardware and software that will allow us to electronically produce inspection reports. Inspections will be conducted for those scheduled the previous date by 5:00 pm. As we migrate to the new software our methods will be upgraded as well. There will be a contractor portal which will allow specific inspections to be scheduled on-line if all prerequisite requirements have been met.