How much does a building permit cost in Goshen, IN?

The minimum permit fee is Residential demolition $30; many common residential permit categories range from $59 to $85; new residential starts at $233 up to 900 sq. ft.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New residential and new commercial are square-foot based by tier; many remodel, siding, roof, window, trade, and service permits are flat fees.. Plan check fee: Not separately listed on the fee sheet reviewed.

How do I apply for a building permit in Goshen, IN?

1. Apply in person at the Annex Building or register on the City Portal. 2. Complete the permit request; commercial projects upload stamped plans through the portal and follow the site plan review process. 3. Residential new construction also needs a zoning clearance form signed by Planning/Zoning and Engineering before permit issuance. 4. Staff review the request; online permit requests are generally reviewed within 24 hours during normal working hours. 5. Once approved, pay online through the portal link or in person; permits are not issued until paid. 6. Print the issued permit and schedule inspections with 24 to 48 hours lead time.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Goshen, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Portal, Contact Building Department or appropriate inspector. Allow 24 to 48 hours lead time.

City Building Permits

Goshen, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Indiana Elkhart County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Handles permits and inspections within Goshen city limits; zoning clearance may also be required from city Planning/Zoning and Engineering.

Department: Building Department
Address: Annex Building, 204 E Jefferson St, Suite 5, Goshen, IN 46528
Phone: 574-534-1811
Email: building@goshencity.com
Website: https://goshen.in.gov/government/departments/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Open City Portal

Platform: City Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Apply in person at the Annex Building or register on the City Portal.
Complete the permit request; commercial projects upload stamped plans through the portal and follow the site plan review process.
Residential new construction also needs a zoning clearance form signed by Planning/Zoning and Engineering before permit issuance.
Staff review the request; online permit requests are generally reviewed within 24 hours during normal working hours.
Once approved, pay online through the portal link or in person; permits are not issued until paid.
Print the issued permit and schedule inspections with 24 to 48 hours lead time.

Typical processing time: Online permit requests are generally reviewed within 24 hours during business hours; inspections need 24 to 48 hours lead time.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

The department states permits are required for construction, alteration, remodeling, rehabilitation, additions, mobile home placement, reroofing, siding, windows, and new or altered electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems including water heaters and water softeners.

Required Documents

Permit request
For commercial new construction: architect stamped plans uploaded through portal
For new residential: zoning clearance signed by Planning/Zoning and Engineering
Trade permits from subcontractors where applicable

Building code: Department states it follows and enforces the Indiana Building Code, the City of Goshen Municipal Code, and the State Energy Code.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may apply for permits related to their own residential properties; property owners may apply for commercial construction permits.
Contractor requirements: Electrical and HVAC contractors must be licensed by the City of Goshen; plumbing contractors must hold a current Indiana state license; general contractors do not need a city license or bond.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential demolition $30; many common residential permit categories range from $59 to $85; new residential starts at $233 up to 900 sq. ft.
Plan check fee: Not separately listed on the fee sheet reviewed
Permit fee formula: Mixed. New residential and new commercial are square-foot based by tier; many remodel, siding, roof, window, trade, and service permits are flat fees.
Reinspection fee: Failure to obtain a permit $59; reinspection $59 each occurrence; inspection outside normal business hours $145
Penalty (no permit): Failure to obtain a permit $59
Payment note: City accepts cash, check, and credit or debit cards in person; portal payment link is sent after approval

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

City Portal (online)
Contact Building Department or appropriate inspector (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Allow 24 to 48 hours lead time
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Project specific; building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC finals are tied to the issued permit and no trade inspection occurs until subcontractor permits are issued for new residential work.

Additional Resources

Building code: Department states it follows and enforces the Indiana Building Code, the City of Goshen Municipal Code, and the State Energy Code.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Board of Zoning Appeals
Goshen City Code
Contractor License Application
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 Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Goshen Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Goshen, IN?: The department states permits are required for construction, alteration, remodeling, rehabilitation, additions, mobile home placement, reroofing, siding, windows, and new or altered electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems including water heaters and water softeners.
How much does a building permit cost in Goshen, IN?: The minimum permit fee is Residential demolition $30; many common residential permit categories range from $59 to $85; new residential starts at $233 up to 900 sq. ft.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New residential and new commercial are square-foot based by tier; many remodel, siding, roof, window, trade, and service permits are flat fees.. Plan check fee: Not separately listed on the fee sheet reviewed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Goshen, IN?: 1. Apply in person at the Annex Building or register on the City Portal. 2. Complete the permit request; commercial projects upload stamped plans through the portal and follow the site plan review process. 3. Residential new construction also needs a zoning clearance form signed by Planning/Zoning and Engineering before permit issuance. 4. Staff review the request; online permit requests are generally reviewed within 24 hours during normal working hours. 5. Once approved, pay online through the portal link or in person; permits are not issued until paid. 6. Print the issued permit and schedule inspections with 24 to 48 hours lead time.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Goshen, IN?: Typical processing time is Online permit requests are generally reviewed within 24 hours during business hours; inspections need 24 to 48 hours lead time..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Goshen, IN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: City Portal, Contact Building Department or appropriate inspector. Allow 24 to 48 hours lead time.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Goshen can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Elkhart County

Elkhart Elkhart Nappanee Bristol Middlebury Millersburg Wakarusa

View all Elkhart County jurisdictions →