County Building Permits
Clinton County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
The APC states it serves the unincorporated areas in Clinton County and issues use and building permits there.
- Department
- Clinton County Area Plan Commission
- Address
- 2 E Washington St, Suite 104, Frankfort, IN 46041
- Phone
- 765-659-6302
- sruckel@clintonco.com
- Website
- https://www.clintonco.com/apc/
Application Process
- Email project details to the APC office.
- APC staff assists with the correct application.
- Submit plans and permit materials digitally.
- Wait for review and any required corrections.
- Pay fees and obtain the permit.
- Schedule inspections by phone.
Typical processing time: Plan review and processing generally takes about 3 to 5 days after submission. 24 hour notice is required for inspections.
General Requirements
The APC FAQ indicates a permit is required for building projects unless exempt, and most residential projects require plans and complete application(s).
Required Documents
- Graphic plans or construction drawings showing proposed work and code and zoning compliance
- Permit validity
- Construction must commence within 180 days and cannot stop completely for more than 180 days or the permit expires.
- Building code
- 2020 Indiana Residential Code, Indiana Plumbing Code 2012 edition, Indiana Electrical Code, Indiana Fire Prevention Code, General Administrative Rules, and other Indiana standards
- Owner-builder
- A homeowner may act as their own general contractor for a single-family residence they will occupy.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Portable structures 200 square feet or less do not require a permit, footings, or foundations, but must meet setbacks and ordinance standards.
- Decks under 30 inches from natural grade to top of deck do not require a permit unless attached to an existing structure.
- Replacing only shingles and/or decking does not require a permit, but repairs or modifications to framing or roof do.
Important: Portable structure and deck exemptions still must meet setbacks and ordinance standards; confirm edge cases with the APC before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 765-652-6302 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hour notice is required.
Typical inspection sequence: Footers, walls, and under-floor plumbing inspections must be completed before concrete is poured. A valid building permit and prepaid inspections are required before scheduling.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2020 Indiana Residential Code, Indiana Plumbing Code 2012 edition, Indiana Electrical Code, Indiana Fire Prevention Code, General Administrative Rules, and other Indiana standards
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County FAQ
- APC inspection guide
- 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 Clinton County Area Plan Commission before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IN?
- The APC FAQ indicates a permit is required for building projects unless exempt, and most residential projects require plans and complete application(s).
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IN?
- 1. Email project details to the APC office. 2. APC staff assists with the correct application. 3. Submit plans and permit materials digitally. 4. Wait for review and any required corrections. 5. Pay fees and obtain the permit. 6. Schedule inspections by phone.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IN?
- Typical processing time is Plan review and processing generally takes about 3 to 5 days after submission. 24 hour notice is required for inspections..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clinton County, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Portable structures 200 square feet or less do not require a permit, footings, or foundations, but must meet setbacks and ordinance standards.; Decks under 30 inches from natural grade to top of deck do not require a permit unless attached to an existing structure.; Replacing only shingles and/or decking does not require a permit, but repairs or modifications to framing or roof do.. Note: Portable structure and deck exemptions still must meet setbacks and ordinance standards; confirm edge cases with the APC before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clinton County, IN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 765-652-6302. 24 hour notice is required..
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