The City Of Tupelo requires the property owner or tenant
to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the following:

New Businesses - Commercial and Home Based
Existing Businesses that are changing locations, names, or owners
Residential Structures located in Neighborhood Protections Districts

Requirements:

1. Contact the Planning Department to complete a application for a Certificate of Occupancy.
2. The Planning Department will determine if the location for the business is in an appropriate zoning district.
3. The Planning Department will determine if a Building Inspection is required and schedule said inspection at the earliest available time.
4. Contact the Fire Department at (662) 841-6439 to schedule a Fire Code Inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy.
5. Present both inspection reports to the Planning Department.
6. Visit the City of Tupelo Finance Office (2nd Floor City Hall) to obtain a Privilege Tax License. For more information about obtaining a Privilege Tax License, contact the City Clerk at (662) 841-6506.
7. Visit the Tupelo Water & Light Collections office at 320 Court Street to establish service. Provide copies of the business lease, Certificate of Occupancy, Fire Inspector's Report, and Privilege License.

Other Permits and Licenses that may be required:

• Building Permits: A building permit may be required if improvements or changes are being made to the building. The Building Inspector will determine the need during the Certificate of Occupancy Inspection. The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until a final inspection is approved upon completion of the construction project.
• Sign Permit: A sign permit is required for any new or altered wall or ground signs for a business. The size of permitted signs is determined by the location and zoning district of the business. Contact the Planning Department for more detailed information.
• Health Department Approval: A copy of an approved inspection report from the Health Department is required before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for all food service businesses and all day care businesses. Contact the Lee County Health Department, (662) 841-9096, for more information.
• Sales Tax Number: A Sales Tax Number can be obtained from the local office of the Mississippi State Tax Commission, 2610 Traceland Drive, Tupelo, MS (662) 842-4616.

RESIDENTIAL

1. Contact the Planning Department to complete a application for a Certificate of Occupancy.
2. The Planning Department will determine if a Building Inspection is required and schedule said inspection at the earliest available time.
3. Present the inspection report to the Planning Department. (For information on what items will be inspected, click here.)
4. Visit the Tupelo Water & Light Collections office at 320 Court Street to establish service. Provide copies of the lease and Certificate of Occupancy.

Other Permits and Licenses that may be required:

• Building Permits: A building permit may be required if improvements or changes are being made to the building. The Building Inspector will determine the need during the Certificate of Occupancy Inspection. The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until a final inspection is done at the completion of the construction project.