Show All Answers

1. This is an example of a frequently asked question?

This is an example of a frequently asked question

2. This is an example of a frequently asked question?

This is an example of a frequently asked question

3. This is an example of a frequently asked question?

This is an example of a frequently asked question

Show All Answers

1. What ward do I live in?

View our Ward Map to determine what ward you are located in.

2. Where do I go to vote?

To determine your voting location, please call the Circuit Clerk's Office at 601-445-7502.

Show All Answers

1. Is there a grant to repair my home?

Yes.  Every year the City of Natchez announces its SNAP (Special Needs Assistance Program) through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, offering to undertake health and safety repairs to those citizens that fall within the income, age, and/or disability requirements.  Click on the following link to view the SNAP Criteria to see if you or your family member can apply.  The criteria for income changes slightly year to year, so be sure to contact the Community Development Department (601) 445-7518 for any questions. 

2. How do I apply for grants for my organization?

In most cases, to apply for a grant your organization must have a charitable designation from the Internal Revenue Service such as a 501(c)(3) exemption, however, some grants are available to for-profit entities.

If your organization is for-profit, you will find that federal grants generally prevent you from profiting from the activities funded with federal dollars. To find information on available federal grants now open to receive applications in which you or your organization may have an interest, follow the directions given on the federal grants website to obtain information and forms to apply for those grant opportunities for which your organization is an eligible recipient.

3. Are there any loans for small businesses?

Not directly through the City, however the Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District offers a variety of programs to help small businesses grow in Natchez-Adams County. Visit their website http://www.swmpdd.com/ for more information. 

Show All Answers

1. When do I need to pull a permit for work being done?

The need to pull a permit depends on the type of work being done. For instance, non structural work such as painting or laying down flooring or carpet would not require a permit. 

Building permits are required for any structural work such as new constructions, additions, repairs to porches, siding and roofing work.

Electrical permits are required for any new wiring, installations or service upgrades and repairs.

Mechanical permits are required for any new installations or repairs to HVAC systems.

Plumbing permits are required for any new additions or repairs to water and gas lines.

In addition, inspections by our department are required to be done during and after completion of work.  

2. Can I do work on my own house?

Homeowners may do work at their own property as long as it is their primary residence. They would still be required to pull the necessary permits and have the work inspected.

3. What trades require a license to perform work in the City of Natchez?

Contractors who wish to pull permits for any building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work in the City of Natchez must obtain a license with the Inspection Department.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Personnel Office located?

The City of Natchez Personnel Office is located inside the City Council Chambers, 115 S. Pearl Street (across from City Hall).

Show All Answers

1. How is my property zoned?

There are three ways to find zoning on a property: 

1. Call planning at 601-445-7518 
2. Come into the planning department on the second floor of city hall 
3. Use our online zoning map atlas.geoportalmaps.com/adams
   • Click "Agree" to continue 
   • Using the "Layers" tab you can check the boxes for 2018 Aerial Imagery. 
   • Also in the Layers tab, under "City of Natchez layers" you will find the "zoning" box. 
   • Use the search box to key in your address or use your mouse to manually search for properties. 

Online GIS database

2. How do I open a business in Natchez?

The first step is to determine the type of business (retail, service, manufacturing, etc) and location of the business, and then submit a completed Privilege License Application (Business License) to the Planning Department. 

3. How do I know if I am in the Historic District?

The City of Natchez has seven (7) adopted local review historic districts.  In 1999, the City of Natchez adopted the Historic Natchez Design Guidelines, a document guiding development and preservation in the Historic Districts of Natchez. Any repair or construction work involving the exterior of the building must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA Application).  "In-kind" repairs using the same materials existing on the house can be approved administratively by the Planning Director, however any new construction, demolition, addition, or exterior alteration must be approved by the Natchez Preservation Commission 

To view the map of the Historic District, click here.  The colored lines indicated districts, while the thick black line indicates the extent of the local review district regulated by the Preservation Commission. 

4. What is zoning?

It is the process that divides land into different zones (residential, commercial, industrial, etc). Each zone is regulated as to the density, location, size and type of building permitted in each zone.  

5. Can I operate a Bed and Breakfast or Guest House in Natchez?

Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses are allowed in Natchez, however they are only permitted within certain districts and all must be approved by the Planning Commission.  Bed and Breakfasts must submit a Bed and Breakfast application follow the requirements in the Bed and Breakfast Ordinance.  Guest Houses are allowable on a case-by-case basis and approved through the submission and approval of a Special Exception Application.  Special Exceptions must meet all seven of the criteria adopted in the Natchez Development Code. 

After approval, short term rentals must attain a privilege license and be inspected by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. 

Prior to operating a short term rental establishment, please contact the Planning Department at (601) 445-7518 or by email at planning@natchez.ms.us 

6. Do I need a permit to paint my house?

Yes, if you live within the area defined by the thick black line, known as the Historic District.  If you live within the Historic District and would like to change the color of the exterior of your home, you must submit a Paint Application to the Planning Department. There is no fee for the application, and they take 1-3 business days to process.  For questions, call (601)  445-7518.

7. Can I operate a business out of my home?

Yes, but not without a permit. 

Operating a business out of your home depends on your residential zoning and type of business you intend to operate.  Home Occupations are businesses that do not require customers to come on-site, and have no signage nor commercial vehicles indicating there is a business present.  Home Businesses, such as physician’s offices and salons, are permitted on a case-by-case basis in certain residential zoning districts.  Please see the Planning Department if you intend to open a business out of your home.  

Bed and Breakfasts or other short-term rentals require a different process.  See the FAQ addressing Bed and Breakfasts for more information. 

8. What are the setbacks (dimensional standards) for my property?

Dimensional standards or setbacks for properties in the City of Natchez depend on the zoning of the property, and its current use.  If you do not know your zoning, please see the FAQ "What is zoning?" If you do know your property’s zoning, please click the following link (Dimensional Standards Table) to see the dimensional standards table from the City of Natchez Development Code.

9. What is a Variance?

A variance is a request made to the Planning Commission to relieve certain dimensional constraints, inhibiting the property owner of rights of enjoying the same rights as adjacent property owners.  The most common variances are to setback requirements, allowing the construction of structures closer to the property line.  Other variances can include, but are not limited to the number of parking spaces, building height, fence height, etc.  Variances to the permitted use table are not allowed, an example of a use variance would be to allow a retail business within a residential zoning district. Click here to view Chapter 8: Variances, from the Natchez Development Code. 

10. What is a Special Exception?

Special Exceptions are used by the Planning Commission to approve uses on a case-by-case basis.  To approve a special exception, the Planning Commission must deem that the application meets all of the Special Exception Criteria.  This is due to the fact that uses that are labeled as "special exceptions" have the potential to negatively affect other land uses.  Additionally, the special exception process is used to control nonconforming ("grandfathered") uses. When seeking to change, alter, reestablish or repair a nonconforming use,a special exception must be approved. Click here to view the section controlling nonconforming uses.

11. Can I rezone my property?

Requesting to rezone a property involves making an application to the Planning Commission, and then Mayor and Board of Alderman.  When requesting a rezoning it is important to first meet with the City of Natchez Planning Department to ensure the rezoning conforms with the plans and regulations of the City of Natchez.  Click here to view the rezoning regulations. 

12. What are the regulations on building a fence in Natchez?

The regulations for fences depend on whether your property is located inside or outside the historic district.  However all fences are regulated by the corner visibility and visual clearance section in the Natchez Development Code. If your property is outside of the Historic District (map here) you may construct a fence six (6) feet in height, without a permit.  If you would like to build a higher fence, you must submit a permit application to the Planning Department.  

If you live inside the historic district, the maximum height for a wooden privacy fence is six (6) feet without review by the Preservation Commission.  Additionally, wooden privacy fences must have a flat or horizontal top.  Any other new fences, such as rod iron, handrails, or gates must receive an approved Certificate of Appropriateness from the Natchez Preservation Commission. See the Fence Guidelines in the Historic District for more detailed information. 

13. What payment methods are accepted for Planning or Preservation applications?

The City of Natchez accepts most forms of payment, including check, cash, credit or debit card, and money order. We can even process payments over the phone, with receipts emailed 

Show All Answers

1. How much does it cost to request a police report?

You may request one in person at the police department or by mail.

Accident Reports           $25.00

Incident Reports           $15.00

Background Checks     $20.00 (Must present a valid ID)

Fingerprints                   $15.00 (Monday & Thursday 1000-1500 Only)

Security Permit             $50.00 (Must present a valid ID)

For information request:  $25.00/hr research; $5.00/CD; $1.00/per page after initial report. If flash drive, price is based on the current market value for the size required. Shipping& Handling 

We accept cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards (there’s a 2.25% charge for each transaction)

2. If I file a police report will an arrest be made?

No, a report is exactly that. It is a report of an incident. In order for an arrest to be made, an affidavit or bench warrant must exist (unless an on view arrest is made by an officer where the officer affirms to an affidavit)

3. How do I get a copy of my accident report?

You can contact the records division of the Natchez Police Department and request a copy of your accident report. There is a small fee for the copy of the report. Below is the contact information for the records division: Natchez Police Department ATTN: Records Division 233 Devereux Drive Natchez, Mississippi 39120 Phone: (601) 445-5565 

4. What is the difference between a report, an affidavit, and a bench warrant?

Report is a report of an alleged crime or incident that occurred

Affidavit is a sworn statement that a person has committed a crime against the complainant on a specific date. The affidavit is affirmed to a clerk of court and then is submitted to the judge. The judge then reads the complainant and determines if "probable cause" exist to believe the person committed the crime. If probable cause exist then the judge signs the affidavit which then becomes a warrant. The person then has an arrest warrant for him. Probable cause is not enough for a conviction. It is just that there is probable cause to believe the person committed the crime. There must be "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" in order to get a conviction.

Bench Warrant is issued by the judge for failure to pay fine, failure to appear in court, or failure to answer to a subpoena (the last two are commonly known as contempt of court). The bench warrant is active until served, or fine/days served.

5. How do I get a corrected accident report?

If you feel your accident report is incorrect you may contact the officer that wrote the report or his supervisor within 2 days (48 hours) of the wreck. The officer is not obligated to change anything on the report, except factual details. This may be done by the officer on a separate report. If you feel the other party's statement is incorrect, keep in mind that the officer can only write down what the person says. The police officer does not determine who is at fault. That is determined by the insurance companies.

6. How do I file a complaint on an officer?

By writing out the nature of the complaint, including: time, date, officer(s) involved, and he specifics. The complaint must be signed with an address and telephone number that the complainant can be found at. It should be sealed and addressed to the Chief of Police. It may be delivered to, or picked up by any supervisor of the Natchez Police Department.

7. Is the police officer required to show me the radar speed if I ask to see it?

There is no current law requiring the officer to show you the radar. If the officer is asked to show the radar prior to him clearing the radar, it is possible for him to do so. Once the radar is cleared then there is no way in which for him to pull the speed back up.

8. Is my name going to be in the paper if I get arrested?

Police records are considered public record, only the names of victims and juveniles are protected. The police department can not prevent the name from being published in the paper. The Natchez Democrat has the final say on what is published and not published as long as it is not under a protected status, i.e. juvenile, victim, etc..

9. Who do I contact for more information on the citizen's academy?

Please contact Sgt. Jerry Ford at the Natchez Police Department or visit Citizen's Academy web page. You can contact Sgt Ford at 601-445-5565

10. Who do I contact for an animal problem?

Animal control falls under the direction of the Operation Commander of the Natchez Police Department. If you need animal control, he can be reached by dialing 911 and dispatched to the area. He may also be contacted on his cell phone at 601-807-1263. Animal control operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. except on holidays.

Your Natchez Animal Control officer is: RANDY MYERS

Show All Answers

1. How does the Public Records Policy & Procedure work

Click here to view Public Records Policy & Procedure

2. Where can we fill out a request form

The following Request Form can be printed and submitted at City Hall.

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact to get my lights turned on?

Contact Entergy at 1-800-368-3749 or Visit their Website.

Show All Answers

1. Is it necessary to have my site plans reviewed by the city?

Yes, it is necessary to have all site plans reviewed by the city. All plans for new construction, additions, and changes of land use must be reviewed to ensure compliance with all applicable city ordinances.

2. When does the Site Plan Committee meet?

The site plan review committee meets every Wednesday. Plans must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date.

Generally, there is a Planning Commission meeting at which site plans are required to be considered. The Planning Commission meets 1 time per month on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 115 South Pearl Street, across the street from City Hall.

Site plans and site plan revisions or corrections submitted at the last date for application to the Planning Commission cannot be reviewed by the Site Plan Review Committee prior to the Planning Commission advertising deadline, and therefore may be delayed past the nearest Planning Commission meeting date if there are issues with the plans.

Show All Answers

1. How do I know who maintains my street light?

Street lights that are maintained by the City of Natchez are typically black in color and have a decorative antique design. If your street light is silver in color then it is owned and maintained by Entergy. To report an Entergy street light issue, contact them at 1-800-Entergy (1-800-368-3749) Report a Natchez Street Light Issue

Show All Answers

1. Where do I pay my car tag?

To pay for your vehicle registration, please visit the Adams County Court House Tax Collector's office in the County Court building adjacent to City Hall on State Street.

Show All Answers

1. How many hotel rooms are there in the Natchez area?

There are currently 1,200 hotel rooms in the Natchez area. To view a list of accommodations in Natchez please Click Here.

2. What is the most unique antebellum mansion in Natchez?

While many indeed consider Longwood as the most unique antebellum mansion, there are over 100 beautiful antebellum homes in the historic district of Natchez and the surrounding areas. Additionally, there are a number of lovely Victorian-era homes and Craftsman-style homes. Well-maintained gardens can be seen through the area. For more information see our Visit Natchez website.

3. How do I book a convention through the Natchez Convention Center?

To book a convention through the Natchez Convention Center please visit our Visit Natchez website.

4. Is there a city-owned antebellum mansion?

Yes, there is a city-owned antebellum mansion.

Stephen Duncan’s magnificent Auburn Museum and Antebellum Home (ca. 1812) is open to the public. Auburn was designed by architect, Levi Weeks, and built for Lyman Harding, the first Attorney General of Mississippi.

5. What options are available for shopping in Natchez?

The historic district has wonderful shopping for tourists. There is a variety of antique, gift and book shops. Many of the tour homes also have museum gift shops. Natchez also has specialty clothing stores as well as a mall, shopping developments, and gardening, home improvement and farming supply stores.

6. What options are available for restaurants in Natchez?

Natchez has both fine and casual dining, with wide-range pricing. The historic district and the surrounding area are filled with a large variety of choices.

Show All Answers

1. What are the requirements for new residential water service?

Natchez Water Works requires a $50 deposit for any new residential service.

The person requesting the service must come into the office with 2 forms of identification - 1 of which must be state issued photo identification.

2. What are the residential rates for Natchez Water Works?

The basic charge for the first 300 cubic feet of water on a residential 3/4 inch meter is $10 for water and $10 for sewer. Each additional 100 cubic feet is billed at the rate of $2.46 for water and $2.46 for sewer.

In addition to the monthly water and sewer charge, we also collect a monthly garbage fee of $19.90 for the City of Natchez.