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

The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Residential 1 and 2 family: $7.50 per 100 sq ft with $75 minimum; Commercial and industrial new/additions: $8.00 per 100 sq ft with $100 minimum.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures with floor area smaller than 200 square feet. Note: Work not otherwise listed on the county Required Permits page should be confirmed with the office before starting.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (765) 747-7799. Call at least 24 to 48 hours in advance; email inspections are not accepted..

County Building Permits

Delaware County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Delaware County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Indiana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties in the unincorporated area of Delaware County. The county office does not issue permits for properties within incorporated cities (Muncie, Yorktown, Albany, Daleville, Eaton, Gaston, or Selma).

Department: Delaware County Building Commissioner's Office / DMMPC - Building Commissioner & Zoning Administrator
Address: 100 W Main St Room 206, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 747-7799
Website: https://www.co.delaware.in.us/department/?fDD=5-0

Online Permit Portal

Open County Document Center

Platform: CORE Document Center / Downloadable Forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the project is in unincorporated Delaware County and determine the required permit type from the county Required Permits page.
Download the applicable permit application from the county permit document center.
For commercial projects, obtain the required Indiana state release before county permit issuance.
Submit the application and required plans to the Building Commissioner's Office.
Stake the proposed structure for the required site inspection before permit approval when applicable.
Call (765) 747-7799 at least 24 to 48 hours in advance to schedule required inspections; email inspections are not accepted.
Pass required inspections and obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.

Source: Delaware County Building Commissioner's Office / DMMPC - Building Commissioner & Zoning Administrator

General Requirements

Permits are required for new structures (except detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft), additions, demolition, electrical service or panel work, plumbing in new buildings or additions, HVAC new or replacement furnaces/AC/unit heaters/radiant heaters, pools, signs, residential solar panels, and other listed building work in unincorporated Delaware County.

Required Documents

Permit application
Plans as required by permit type
Site staking for site inspection
Indiana state release (for commercial work)
Current county registration, insurance, and bond (for contractor-issued permits)

Building code: According to county sources: 2006 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Mechanical Code as adopted by Indiana (department page); however, a newer Required Inspections PDF states 2018 versions of these codes. Verify current code set with the office.
Owner-builder: The property owner is responsible for obtaining required permits, but a contractor currently registered with Delaware County may obtain the permit on the owner's behalf.
Contractor requirements: General, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors working in unincorporated Delaware County must register annually and keep insurance and bond current with the office.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75
Permit fee formula: Residential 1 and 2 family: $7.50 per 100 sq ft with $75 minimum; Commercial and industrial new/additions: $8.00 per 100 sq ft with $100 minimum
Reinspection fee: $50
Penalty (no permit): $700 minimum for building without permit

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Detached accessory structures with floor area smaller than 200 square feet

Important: Work not otherwise listed on the county Required Permits page should be confirmed with the office before starting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(765) 747-7799 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Call at least 24 to 48 hours in advance; email inspections are not accepted.
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Site inspection before permit approval; post structure footing inspection if applicable; footing; foundation/basement; under slab; framing; temporary or permanent electrical service; rough-ins; final inspection before occupancy and certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: According to county sources: 2006 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Mechanical Code as adopted by Indiana (department page); however, a newer Required Inspections PDF states 2018 versions of these codes. Verify current code set with the office.
Required Inspections PDF
Permit Applications Index
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 Delaware County Building Commissioner's Office / DMMPC - Building Commissioner & Zoning Administrator before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delaware County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?: Permits are required for new structures (except detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft), additions, demolition, electrical service or panel work, plumbing in new buildings or additions, HVAC new or replacement furnaces/AC/unit heaters/radiant heaters, pools, signs, residential solar panels, and other listed building work in unincorporated Delaware County.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?: The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Residential 1 and 2 family: $7.50 per 100 sq ft with $75 minimum; Commercial and industrial new/additions: $8.00 per 100 sq ft with $100 minimum.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?: 1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Delaware County and determine the required permit type from the county Required Permits page. 2. Download the applicable permit application from the county permit document center. 3. For commercial projects, obtain the required Indiana state release before county permit issuance. 4. Submit the application and required plans to the Building Commissioner's Office. 5. Stake the proposed structure for the required site inspection before permit approval when applicable. 6. Call (765) 747-7799 at least 24 to 48 hours in advance to schedule required inspections; email inspections are not accepted. 7. Pass required inspections and obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures with floor area smaller than 200 square feet. Note: Work not otherwise listed on the county Required Permits page should be confirmed with the office before starting.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Delaware County, IN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (765) 747-7799. Call at least 24 to 48 hours in advance; email inspections are not accepted..

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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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