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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for English
A building permit is required before beginning construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure when the cost exceeds $500.
Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving a change in use, additional lot coverage, or increase in size
Underground or overhead utility lines, signs, and related appurtenances other than buildings and primary structures erected by a public utility or public agency
Lot improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, play equipment, flag poles, and lawn and garden equipment
Structures accessory to an agricultural cultivation or husbandry land use
- Exempt Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving a change in use, additional lot coverage, or increase in size
- Exempt Underground or overhead utility lines, signs, and related appurtenances other than buildings and primary structures erected by a public utility or public agency
- Exempt Lot improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, play equipment, flag poles, and lawn and garden equipment
- Exempt Structures accessory to an agricultural cultivation or husbandry land use
Required documents
- Plat or sketch showing lot boundaries
- Plans and specifications showing the work
- State design release for covered construction
- Building code
- Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules incorporated by reference; Indiana Building Code; Indiana One and Two Family Dwelling Code; Indiana Plumbing Code; Indiana Electrical Code; Indiana Mechanical Code; Indiana Energy Conservation Code; Indiana Swimming Pool Code
- Permit validity
- Improvement location permits must begin within 180 days of issuance and be completed within 1 year or they expire.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Prepare a plat or sketch of the proposed location showing lot boundaries and plans and specifications showing the work to be done.
- 02 If the project is covered by a state design release, provide the Design Release issued by the State Building Commissioner and State Fire Marshal.
- 03 File the application using forms furnished by the Building Commissioner.
- 04 The Building Commissioner reviews the application for code compliance and flood safety as applicable.
- 05 After approval, the permit is issued.
Source: Town of English Building Commissioner / Zoning Administrator ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
English building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Improvement location permit fee is set by Town Council / Advisory Plan Commission exhibit, not printed in the ordinance.
02
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees are authorized for work found incomplete or not ready for inspection.
03
Penalty (no permit)
Penalties for violations are $100 to $1,000 per violation, with each day a separate offense.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Typical sequence: Building Commissioner reviews permit applications. Inspections occur after permit issuance as needed for compliance. Fire chief or designee assists for fire suppression, detection, and alarm systems. Certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about English permits
01 Do I need a building permit in English, IN? ▸
A building permit is required before beginning construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure when the cost exceeds $500.
02 How much does a building permit cost in English, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in English, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Improvement location permit fee is set by Town Council / Advisory Plan Commission exhibit, not printed in the ordinance..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in English, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in English, IN, follow these steps: 1. Prepare a plat or sketch of the proposed location showing lot boundaries and plans and specifications showing the work to be done. 2. If the project is covered by a state design release, provide the Design Release issued by the State Building Commissioner and State Fire Marshal. 3. File the application using forms furnished by the Building Commissioner. 4. The Building Commissioner reviews the application for code compliance and flood safety as applicable. 5. After approval, the permit is issued.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in English, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in English, IN. The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving a change in use, additional lot coverage, or increase in size; Underground or overhead utility lines, signs, and related appurtenances other than buildings and primary structures erected by a public utility or public agency; Lot improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, play equipment, flag poles, and lawn and garden equipment; Structures accessory to an agricultural cultivation or husbandry land use. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Town of English Building Commissioner / Zoning Administrator ↗
entry id permits/indiana/crawford/english
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of English Building Commissioner / Zoning Administrator before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.