Cass County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Cass County unincorporated area, plus county planning and zoning functions that are shared with Walton and Logansport through the county planning office and ordinance structure.

Department

Cass County Planning Department

Address

200 Court Park, Logansport, IN 46947

Email

jamey.harper@co.cass.in.us , ralph.koppe@co.cass.in.us , jamie.moore@co.cass.in.us

Website

https://www.in.gov/counties/cass/departments/planning-department/

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work needs a local Improvement Location Permit and, if applicable, a building permit.
2. If the project also needs a state design release, submit plans to the Indiana State Fire Prevention and Building Safety Plan Review first.
3. Gather required supporting items such as site plans, driveway cut approvals, septic permits, and any other required outside approvals.
4. Submit the local application to the Cass County Planning Department.
5. The planning office reviews the application and, if the local standards are met, issues the permit.
6. Start work only after permits are issued.

Typical processing time: A complete zoning application is generally acted on within 30 days; demolition permit applications are processed within 48 hours.

Source: Cass County Planning Department

General Requirements

Required when occupying or using land; constructing, reconstructing, moving, altering, or enlarging a structure; changing use; or changing a nonconforming use.

Required Documents

• Site plan
• State design release when required
• Driveway cut approvals when required
• Septic permits when required
• Other outside approvals when required

Permit validity

Local Improvement Location Permit and building permit become null and void one year from issuance if not substantially completed.

Building code

The public county materials reference compliance with Indiana state building and fire safety rules, but no single county building code adoption line was found.

Contractor requirements

The reviewed county materials do not state a separate countywide contractor registration requirement.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10 for residential, public/semi-public, and agricultural Improvement Location Permits

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction/additions/accessory structures are $100 plus $0.07 per square foot plus $10 ILP fee; commercial, public, semi-public, and industrial new construction/additions/accessory structures are $300 plus $0.12 per square foot plus $50 ILP fee.

Reinspection fee

Residential reinspection is $50; commercial or industrial reinspection is $100; after-the-fact permit is double the original permit cost; requested inspection is $35.

Penalty (no permit)

After-the-fact permit is double the original permit cost.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Water management and use facilities
• Certain yard improvements
• Normal plowing and working of land for gardens and yards
• Trimming or removal of trees and shrubs for maintenance or agricultural purposes
• Earth movements related to farming and agricultural activity
• Public and private road construction
• Installation of utilities
• Drain tile laying and ditch cleaning
• Topsoil removal other than mineral excavation
• Forest management activities
• Soft-side above-ground pools, hot tubs, spas, and saunas
• Storage of recreational vehicles and trucks as specified
• Fences as specified
• Vending machines as specified

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Permits are issued first, then construction can begin. Inspections are performed during the work and at completion as needed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The public county materials reference compliance with Indiana state building and fire safety rules, but no single county building code adoption line was found.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Cass County planning department
• Cass County developers guidebook
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cass County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, IN?

Required when occupying or using land; constructing, reconstructing, moving, altering, or enlarging a structure; changing use; or changing a nonconforming use.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cass County, IN?

The minimum permit fee is $10 for residential, public/semi-public, and agricultural Improvement Location Permits. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction/additions/accessory structures are $100 plus $0.07 per square foot plus $10 ILP fee; commercial, public, semi-public, and industrial new construction/additions/accessory structures are $300 plus $0.12 per square foot plus $50 ILP fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, IN?

1. Confirm whether the work needs a local Improvement Location Permit and, if applicable, a building permit. 2. If the project also needs a state design release, submit plans to the Indiana State Fire Prevention and Building Safety Plan Review first. 3. Gather required supporting items such as site plans, driveway cut approvals, septic permits, and any other required outside approvals. 4. Submit the local application to the Cass County Planning Department. 5. The planning office reviews the application and, if the local standards are met, issues the permit. 6. Start work only after permits are issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, IN?

Typical processing time is A complete zoning application is generally acted on within 30 days; demolition permit applications are processed within 48 hours..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cass County, IN?

The following work is generally exempt: Water management and use facilities; Certain yard improvements; Normal plowing and working of land for gardens and yards; Trimming or removal of trees and shrubs for maintenance or agricultural purposes; Earth movements related to farming and agricultural activity; Public and private road construction; Installation of utilities; Drain tile laying and ditch cleaning; Topsoil removal other than mineral excavation; Forest management activities; Soft-side above-ground pools, hot tubs, spas, and saunas; Storage of recreational vehicles and trucks as specified; Fences as specified; Vending machines as specified.