BUILDING OFFICIAL’S GUIDE TO ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS - Rev. 08-2026

Oct 24, 2026

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Guide for building officials on reviewing architectural plans for compliance with building codes and state/local requirements, clarifying the responsibilities shared with architects under Mississippi law. Provides a practical reference addressing frequent questions, limitations of the guide, and contact points for the Mississippi State Board of Architecture and the engineering licensure board. Covers incidental practice, limits on sealing engineering drawings, rules for temporary and exempt practice by out-of-jurisdiction architects, and which projects require a licensed architect, including thresholds and exemptions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Incidental Practice

Unlicensed Practice

Non-Exempt and Exempt Building Projects

Which Projects Require a Licensed Architect?

Private/Commercial Projects

Publicly Owned Projects

BUILDING OFFICIAL’S GUIDE TO ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS (Rev. 08-2026) INTRODUCTION Building officials are responsible for reviewing plans to ensure conformance with building codes as well as state and local requirements. Their purpose is to safeguard life, health and property and to promote public good. Architects have the same general responsibility by state law. State boards were created to establish licensure or registration of these professionals and to generally enforce the laws of the state regarding the practice of architecture. Occasionally, building officials encounter questions regarding development of building plans and the responsibility of architects. This guide is intended as a ready reference to address issues commonly encountered by building officials but does not attempt to address all questions and concerns, nor does it include all applicable laws, rules or code requirements. This guide is related only to architectural services provided in accordance with Miss. Code. Ann. §§73- 1-1, et seq. Any questions with respect to engineering services should be referred to the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Please contact the appropriate licensing board for additional clarification or information. Contact: Mississippi State Board of Architecture 2 Professional Parkway, \#2BRidgeland, Mississippi 39157 Phone: 601-856-4652 or 888-272-2627 [Email:](Email: msboa@msboa. ms.gov)[ ](Email: msboa@msboa. ms.gov)[msboa@msboa. ms.gov](Email: msboa@msboa. ms.gov) Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Surveyors 455 North Lamar Street, Ste 208 Jackson, MS 39202 Phone: 601-359-6160 Email: [information@pepls.state.ms.us](information@pepls.state.ms.us) INCIDENTAL PRACTICE Can architects prepare and seal engineering plans? Although engineering incidental to an architectural project is allowed, architects generally should not seal electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil or structural engineering drawings. An architect should perform professional services only when he or she is qualified by education, training and experience in the specific technical areas involved. UNLICENSED PRACTICE Can an individual licensed as an architect in another jurisdiction engage in the temporary practice of architecture before obtaining a license here? No. Can an individual licensed as an architect in another jurisdiction engage in practice on exempted building projects without obtaining a license here? 1. Yes, if the individual is NOT represented as an architect in this state and the designs are not labeled as architectural (Ex. A-1) . If the individual has been or is represented as an architect, Mississippi licensure is required. 2. Yes. If the individual is an employee of the United States government, but only when the individual is acting in his or her capacity as an employee of the United States as required in Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-1-39(a) . NON-EXEMPT AND EXEMPT BULDING PROJECTS Which projects require a licensed architect? Refer to the flow chart on the following page. Are plans for oneself exempted? No, except for otherwise noted exemptions (see flow chart) . Are plans for changes or alterations to non-exempt structures exempted? No. Are plans for alterations or up-fitting of a shell or unfinished structure exempted? No, except for otherwise noted exemptions (see flow chart) . Are shop drawings exempted? Yes. Shop drawings are intended as contractor or fabricator details. These are not part of the building official’s approved design plans. Are church plans exempt? No, except for otherwise noted exemptions (see flow chart) . WHICH PROJECTS REQUIRE A LICENSED ARCHITECT? (Miss. Code Ann. §73-1-39 and Board of Architecture Rule 3.2.20) Note: All questions of exempt status are subject to more stringent local code requirements. Private/Commercial Projects Publicly Owned Projects Will the expenditure exceed

FAQs

What is the purpose of a building official in plan review?

Building officials review plans to ensure conformance with building codes and state and local requirements, safeguarding life, health, and property while promoting the public good.

Can architects prepare and seal engineering plans?

Engineering incidental to an architectural project is allowed, but architects generally should not seal electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil, or structural engineering drawings and should perform services only in areas they are qualified for.

Can an architect licensed in another jurisdiction temporarily practice in Mississippi before obtaining a license?

No.

When are construction documents for exempt building projects allowed to be prepared by someone other than a licensed architect?

For most exempt projects, plans and specifications may be prepared by anyone, but the designer and builder remain responsible for compliance with locally adopted codes and applicable ordinances. The architect must still sign and seal all original sheets of working drawings or plans the architect prepares.

Oct 24, 2026

Upload by OKfine