On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hendricks County
County Improvement Location Permit is required before work starts. Covers principal buildings, additions, remodels, accessory structures, electrical upgrades, pools, signs, demolition, temporary manufactured homes, and commercial work. Permit becomes void if no inspection is completed or scheduled within one year; work must be completed within two years.
Required documents
- Improvement Location Permit application
- Plot plan
- Construction plans
- Utility information
- Sewer or septic approvals as applicable
- For commercial: three plan sets including one electronic copy, proof of ownership, and state design release
- Building code
- Building Code Ordinance No. 2022-29; administers permits under Indiana state building code requirements.
- Permit validity
- Permit is void if an inspection has not been completed or scheduled within one year; construction must be completed within two years.
- Owner-builder
- Individuals who are not considered contractors and want to obtain a permit must complete a Contractor Listing Exemption Affidavit before obtaining the permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors who wish to apply for permits in county jurisdiction must be listed by Hendricks County; packet requires application, original $20,000 surety bond, liability insurance naming the county, workers compensation proof, and annual listing fee noted as $175.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the project type and download the applicable county permit requirements and application if you are not applying fully online.
- 02 Create an iWorQ account or prepare the paper application for the required Improvement Location Permit.
- 03 Submit the application with the required plans, plot plan, and utility or agency approvals that apply to the project.
- 04 If the project is commercial, apply with Planning and Building first, then obtain approvals from other required departments such as Health, Clean Water, and Surveyor before issuance.
- 05 Pay application review and inspection fees. County materials state online credit card payments carry a 3.25 percent service fee.
- 06 Pick up or print the permit placard and post it in a conspicuous location before inspections.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least one day in advance before 4:00 PM, complete all required inspections, and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy when applicable.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hendricks County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
Application review fee functions as the plan review charge
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed schedule of flat application review fees plus inspection fees, with square-foot surcharges over 2,000 square feet for many categories. Examples: single-family residential review $285; two-family residential review $430; commercial principal new review $1,140.
04
Reinspection fee
$100 to $400 depending on the missed, late, or failed inspection circumstance
Credit card payments through the portal carry a 3.25 percent service fee
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- iWorQ portal (online)
- 317-745-9255 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Must be requested before 4:00 PM at least one day prior
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday
- Time windows
- AM 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; PM 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Development standard, footing, sub-surface drain, foundation, rough-in, insulation, permanent power, final or occupancy; sequence varies by project type
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hendricks County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN? ▸
County Improvement Location Permit is required before work starts. Covers principal buildings, additions, remodels, accessory structures, electrical upgrades, pools, signs, demolition, temporary manufactured homes, and commercial work. Permit becomes void if no inspection is completed or scheduled within one year; work must be completed within two years.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule of flat application review fees plus inspection fees, with square-foot surcharges over 2,000 square feet for many categories. Examples: single-family residential review $285; two-family residential review $430; commercial principal new review $1,140.. Plan check fee: Application review fee functions as the plan review charge.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project type and download the applicable county permit requirements and application if you are not applying fully online. 2. Create an iWorQ account or prepare the paper application for the required Improvement Location Permit. 3. Submit the application with the required plans, plot plan, and utility or agency approvals that apply to the project. 4. If the project is commercial, apply with Planning and Building first, then obtain approvals from other required departments such as Health, Clean Water, and Surveyor before issuance. 5. Pay application review and inspection fees. County materials state online credit card payments carry a 3.25 percent service fee. 6. Pick up or print the permit placard and post it in a conspicuous location before inspections. 7. Schedule inspections at least one day in advance before 4:00 PM, complete all required inspections, and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy when applicable.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hendricks County, IN via: iWorQ portal, 317-745-9255. Must be requested before 4:00 PM at least one day prior.
last verified April 2026
source Hendricks County Planning and Building Department ↗
entry id permits/indiana/hendricks/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hendricks County Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.