How much does a building permit cost in New Haven, IN?

The minimum permit fee is $25 for fence and temporary sign permits; $100 for residential one- and two-family dwelling ILP. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees by permit or land-use action type. Plan check fee: Site plan review: $200 for up to 1,500 sq ft GFA; $400 for 1,501-10,000 sq ft GFA; $800 for over 10,000 sq ft GFA.

How do I apply for a building permit in New Haven, IN?

1. Determine whether the project needs an Improvement Location Permit, site plan review, variance, or other Planning approval from New Haven. 2. Download the appropriate fillable PDF application packet from the Planning pages and complete it. 3. Email the completed application and plan set to the Planning Department or submit in person. 4. For a primary structure or addition, also apply for the Allen County Building Department permit through their portal or counter. 5. New Haven Planning reviews zoning compliance and issues the Improvement Location Permit when approved. 6. Build the project under both city zoning approval and county building permit. 7. Before occupancy, obtain New Haven Certificate of Compliance, then secure the final certificate of occupancy from Allen County Building Department.

How do I schedule a building inspection in New Haven, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Planning Department, 260-748-7000 ext. 1304.

City Building Permits

New Haven, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in New Haven, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Indiana Allen County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

New Haven Planning Department issues Improvement Location Permits and Certificates of Compliance under city zoning. Allen County Building Department issues building permits and certificates of occupancy.

Department: City of New Haven Planning Department and Allen County Building Department
Address: Planning Department, 815 Lincoln Highway East, New Haven, IN 46774
Phone: 260-748-7000 ext. 1304
Email: nhooley@newhaven.in.gov
Website: https://www.newhaven.in.gov/617/Planning

Application Process

Determine whether the project needs an Improvement Location Permit, site plan review, variance, or other Planning approval from New Haven.
Download the appropriate fillable PDF application packet from the Planning pages and complete it.
Email the completed application and plan set to the Planning Department or submit in person.
For a primary structure or addition, also apply for the Allen County Building Department permit through their portal or counter.
New Haven Planning reviews zoning compliance and issues the Improvement Location Permit when approved.
Build the project under both city zoning approval and county building permit.
Before occupancy, obtain New Haven Certificate of Compliance, then secure the final certificate of occupancy from Allen County Building Department.

Source: City of New Haven Planning Department and Allen County Building Department

General Requirements

Primary structures, additions, fences, sheds, swimming pools, and site plans require Improvement Location Permits. Buildings and additions also require Allen County building permits.

Required Documents

Fillable PDF application
Plan set
Project-specific packet such as rezoning, variance, plat, or development plan if applicable
County building permit application for structures and additions

Building code: New Haven zoning review under the New Haven Unified Development Ordinance; building permit enforcement through Allen County Building Department code set.
Owner-builder: Allen County owner-builder rules apply to the county building permit component; New Haven did not publish separate owner-builder rules.
Contractor requirements: County building permit work is subject to Allen County contractor licensing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 for fence and temporary sign permits; $100 for residential one- and two-family dwelling ILP
Plan check fee: Site plan review: $200 for up to 1,500 sq ft GFA; $400 for 1,501-10,000 sq ft GFA; $800 for over 10,000 sq ft GFA
Permit fee formula: Flat fees by permit or land-use action type
Payment note: Confirm payment method with Planning at filing; online payment instructions not clearly posted on reviewed pages.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of New Haven Planning Department and Allen County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact Planning Department (email)
260-748-7000 ext. 1304 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: New Haven zoning approval first, county building inspections during construction, then New Haven Certificate of Compliance, then Allen County final certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: New Haven zoning review under the New Haven Unified Development Ordinance; building permit enforcement through Allen County Building Department code set.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals
License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of New Haven Planning Department and Allen County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Haven, IN?: Primary structures, additions, fences, sheds, swimming pools, and site plans require Improvement Location Permits. Buildings and additions also require Allen County building permits.
How much does a building permit cost in New Haven, IN?: The minimum permit fee is $25 for fence and temporary sign permits; $100 for residential one- and two-family dwelling ILP. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees by permit or land-use action type. Plan check fee: Site plan review: $200 for up to 1,500 sq ft GFA; $400 for 1,501-10,000 sq ft GFA; $800 for over 10,000 sq ft GFA.
How do I apply for a building permit in New Haven, IN?: 1. Determine whether the project needs an Improvement Location Permit, site plan review, variance, or other Planning approval from New Haven. 2. Download the appropriate fillable PDF application packet from the Planning pages and complete it. 3. Email the completed application and plan set to the Planning Department or submit in person. 4. For a primary structure or addition, also apply for the Allen County Building Department permit through their portal or counter. 5. New Haven Planning reviews zoning compliance and issues the Improvement Location Permit when approved. 6. Build the project under both city zoning approval and county building permit. 7. Before occupancy, obtain New Haven Certificate of Compliance, then secure the final certificate of occupancy from Allen County Building Department.
How do I schedule a building inspection in New Haven, IN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Planning Department, 260-748-7000 ext. 1304.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in New Haven can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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