County Building Permits
Hancock County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Applies to unincorporated Hancock County outside separately administered municipal permit systems.
- Department
- Hancock County Planning and Building Department
- Address
- 111 American Legion Pl, Suite 146, Greenfield, IN 46140
- Phone
- 317-477-1133
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Hancock County permit forms and instructions • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Identify the correct county permit type using the Permit Requirements page.
- Download the matching application and instruction sheet.
- Complete required outside consultations and approvals for septic, driveway, drainage, fire, utilities, and IDHS design release where applicable.
- Submit plans, forms, and required supporting materials to Hancock County Planning and Building. For non-residential permits, email PDF plans to scott.williams@hancockin.gov in addition to paper submissions.
- Pay combined planning/building fees as required.
- Obtain issued permit and complete county inspections before occupancy/use.
General Requirements
County applications and instructions cover residential new homes, attached and detached accessory structures, residential alterations, non-residential construction, signs, change of use, and electrical work.
Required Documents
- Application form
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Septic or sewer/water proof
- Driveway permit where required
- Drainage approval where required
- IDHS release where required
- Permit validity
- County non-residential instructions state permits are valid for 12 months following issuance.
- Building code
- County/state code enforcement through Hancock County Planning and Building and related IDHS requirements.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential remodels/additions under 1200 square feet show a $375 building fee; planning ILP fees begin at $110 for certain residential remodels/additions; electrical permit fees are listed separately
- Plan check fee
- $75 per inspection at plan review for certain residential remodels/additions
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed flat and square-foot formulas. Example: single-family residence on a platted lot is $175 ILP plus $375 building fee plus $0.02 per square foot over 1200 square feet.
- Penalty (no permit)
- County materials reference fines, time extensions, plan reviews, occupancy, and other building-related charges; construction without permit and consultant charges are also referenced.
- Payment note
- Applicants may owe both planning and building fees depending on the project.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Hancock County Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 317-477-1133 (phone)
- scott.williams@hancockin.gov (email)
Additional Resources
- Building code: County/state code enforcement through Hancock County Planning and Building and related IDHS requirements.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Policies and Procedures
- Electrical Permit
- Residential Detached Structure Permit
- 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 Hancock County Planning and Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, IN?
- County applications and instructions cover residential new homes, attached and detached accessory structures, residential alterations, non-residential construction, signs, change of use, and electrical work.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hancock County, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential remodels/additions under 1200 square feet show a $375 building fee; planning ILP fees begin at $110 for certain residential remodels/additions; electrical permit fees are listed separately. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and square-foot formulas. Example: single-family residence on a platted lot is $175 ILP plus $375 building fee plus $0.02 per square foot over 1200 square feet.. Plan check fee: $75 per inspection at plan review for certain residential remodels/additions.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, IN?
- 1. Identify the correct county permit type using the Permit Requirements page. 2. Download the matching application and instruction sheet. 3. Complete required outside consultations and approvals for septic, driveway, drainage, fire, utilities, and IDHS design release where applicable. 4. Submit plans, forms, and required supporting materials to Hancock County Planning and Building. For non-residential permits, email PDF plans to scott.williams@hancockin.gov in addition to paper submissions. 5. Pay combined planning/building fees as required. 6. Obtain issued permit and complete county inspections before occupancy/use.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hancock County, IN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 317-477-1133, scott.williams@hancockin.gov.
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