Grant County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County unincorporated areas and, according to the county page, planning jurisdiction over Jonesboro, Fairmount, Matthews, Upland, Van Buren, and Sweetser.

Department

Grant County Area Plan Commission / Grant County Area Plan Department

Address

401 S. Adams Street, Marion, IN 46953, 4th Floor

Phone

(765) 668-4765

Email

areaplan@grantcounty.in.gov

Website

https://www.in.gov/counties/grant/county-offices/area-plan/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project is in county jurisdiction and whether it needs an ILP/building permit.
2. Prepare the required drawings, contract/owner authorization if a contractor is pulling the permit, and any supporting documents.
3. Submit by phone, email, fax, or in person to Area Plan.
4. If issuing a permit by phone, Area Plan states credit/debit cards are accepted for over-the-phone requests.
5. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.

Source: Grant County Area Plan Commission / Grant County Area Plan Department

General Requirements

County fee schedule covers improvement location permits and building permits for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, pools, roofing, demolitions, ponds, grading, signs, wind systems, and similar work.

Required Documents

• Owner/contractor details
• Contract or owner letter authorizing contractor
• Project-specific drawings or plans when required

Permit validity

County code states permits may expire; if construction starts under an expired permit and a new permit is not granted, condemnation may follow. The county code also says a permit must be posted on site while in effect.

Building code

Grant County Building Code is codified in Area Wide Zoning Ordinance sections 153.145 through 153.166. The ordinance incorporates the Indiana Building Code, Indiana Building Code Standards, Indiana Handicapped Accessibility Code, the Council of American Building Officials One and Two Family Dwelling Code, the International Residential Code, and the International Plumbing Codes by reference in the building code chapter.

Owner-builder

The county FAQ says if a contractor is pulling the permit, the county needs a copy of the contract or a letter from the owner approving the contractor to pull the permit.

Contractor requirements

Contractors working in the county jurisdiction must register.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential accessory buildings over 120 sq ft have a minimum of $32; many permit types have higher minimums.

Permit fee formula

Examples include $0.13 per sq ft for certain residential additions, accessory structures, and new homes; commercial/new building fees also use base fee plus $0.13 per sq ft in many cases.

Reinspection fee

$85 residential or $245 other; failure to call for inspection is $65 per occurrence up to $250; early bird fine equals 2 times the permit cost; variance fine is 5 times the approved permit cost plus variance cost; occupying before COO is $250.

Penalty (no permit)

Early bird fine equals 2 times the permit cost; variance fine is 5 times the approved permit cost plus variance cost; occupying before COO is $250.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential accessory buildings 0-120 sq ft do not require a permit.
• The county FAQ says tearing down a building on private property does not require a county permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Area Plan at (765) 668-4765 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.

Inspection hours

Office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; permit hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection follows project completion; COO is issued after the final inspection shows compliance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Grant County Building Code is codified in Area Wide Zoning Ordinance sections 153.145 through 153.166. The ordinance incorporates the Indiana Building Code, Indiana Building Code Standards, Indiana Handicapped Accessibility Code, the Council of American Building Officials One and Two Family Dwelling Code, the International Residential Code, and the International Plumbing Codes by reference in the building code chapter.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms
• FAQ
• Fee schedule
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Grant County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, IN?

County fee schedule covers improvement location permits and building permits for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, pools, roofing, demolitions, ponds, grading, signs, wind systems, and similar work.

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

The minimum permit fee is Residential accessory buildings over 120 sq ft have a minimum of $32; many permit types have higher minimums.. Fees are calculated as: Examples include $0.13 per sq ft for certain residential additions, accessory structures, and new homes; commercial/new building fees also use base fee plus $0.13 per sq ft in many cases..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, IN?

1. Confirm whether the project is in county jurisdiction and whether it needs an ILP/building permit. 2. Prepare the required drawings, contract/owner authorization if a contractor is pulling the permit, and any supporting documents. 3. Submit by phone, email, fax, or in person to Area Plan. 4. If issuing a permit by phone, Area Plan states credit/debit cards are accepted for over-the-phone requests. 5. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Residential accessory buildings 0-120 sq ft do not require a permit.; The county FAQ says tearing down a building on private property does not require a county permit..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Area Plan at (765) 668-4765. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice..