City Building Permits
Washington, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Washington, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City limits and the 2-mile extraterritorial area around the city for zoning enforcement. Code enforcement is city limits only.
- Department
- Building Commission, City of Washington
- Address
- 2113 Memorial Ave., Washington, IN 47501
- Phone
- 812-254-8208
- bldgcomm@washingtonin.us
Application Process
- Determine whether the work is in the city limits or the 2-mile area around Washington.
- Confirm whether a permit is needed before construction starts.
- Obtain the permit from the Building Commissioner's Office; the city states owner or contractor may obtain it.
- If the project needs a variance or conditional use, obtain that from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Start work only after the permit is secured.
- Complete the needed inspections through the office.
- Close out with final approval.
General Requirements
Permits are required within city limits and the 2-mile area around the city for new construction, signs, re-roofs, additions, fences, pools, demolitions, and storage sheds.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or contractor may obtain the permit.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- .10 per square foot for the first floor
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Siding
- Replacement windows
- Doors
- Remodeling
Important: The city permit page specifically states these items do not need permits, but applicants should confirm edge cases with the Building Commissioner's Office.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Inspection hours
- Building Commission office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Commission location
- Code enforcement and permits page
- 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 Building Commission, City of Washington before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Washington, IN?
- Permits are required within city limits and the 2-mile area around the city for new construction, signs, re-roofs, additions, fences, pools, demolitions, and storage sheds.
- How much does a building permit cost in Washington, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is .10 per square foot for the first floor.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Washington, IN?
- 1. Determine whether the work is in the city limits or the 2-mile area around Washington. 2. Confirm whether a permit is needed before construction starts. 3. Obtain the permit from the Building Commissioner's Office; the city states owner or contractor may obtain it. 4. If the project needs a variance or conditional use, obtain that from the Board of Zoning Appeals. 5. Start work only after the permit is secured. 6. Complete the needed inspections through the office. 7. Close out with final approval.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Washington, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Siding; Replacement windows; Doors; Remodeling. Note: The city permit page specifically states these items do not need permits, but applicants should confirm edge cases with the Building Commissioner's Office.
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