On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Grant County
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.
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.
- Exempt Residential accessory buildings 0-120 sq ft do not require a permit.
- Exempt The county FAQ says tearing down a building on private property does not require a county permit.
Required documents
- Owner/contractor details
- Contract or owner letter authorizing contractor
- Project-specific drawings or plans when required
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm whether the project is in county jurisdiction and whether it needs an ILP/building permit.
- 02 Prepare the required drawings, contract/owner authorization if a contractor is pulling the permit, and any supporting documents.
- 03 Submit by phone, email, fax, or in person to Area Plan.
- 04 If issuing a permit by phone, Area Plan states credit/debit cards are accepted for over-the-phone requests.
- 05 Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.
Source: Grant County Area Plan Commission / Grant County Area Plan Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Grant County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Residential accessory buildings over 120 sq ft have a minimum of $32; many permit types have higher minimums.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Final inspection follows project completion; COO is issued after the final inspection shows compliance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Grant County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grant County, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Grant County, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grant County, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grant County, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grant County, IN via: Call Area Plan at (765) 668-4765. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice..
last verified April 2026
source Grant County Area Plan Commission / Grant County Area Plan Department ↗
entry id permits/indiana/grant/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Grant County Area Plan Commission / Grant County Area Plan Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.