County Building Permits
Jackson County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
County building permit authority for the county code area and county planning and zoning functions. The county ordinance and county application sheet identify the county office as the permit authority.
- Department
- Jackson County Planning and Zoning / Building Commissioner
- Address
- 111 S Main St, Brownstown, IN 47220
- Phone
- 812-358-6109
Application Process
Source: Jackson County Planning and Zoning / Building Commissioner
General Requirements
Required Documents
- Completed application, plans and specs, plot plan, any required construction design release, septic permit documentation, driveway permit documentation, recorded deed, site plan, house plans, survey if available, and contractor details.
- Building code
- Jackson County Building Ordinance references compliance with Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules and Indiana state law. The ordinance also excludes certain industrialized building systems, mobile structures, and regulated devices as provided by state law.
- Contractor requirements
- County application requirements ask for general contractor name, phone, email, electrician and plumber name and license number, and manufactured home installer license numbers if applicable.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- The ordinance does state that certain items are outside the building ordinance scope, including industrialized building systems or mobile structures certified under IC 22-15-4 and regulated amusement devices, boilers, pressure vessels, and lifting devices under state law.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: The ordinance states that all construction is subject to periodic inspections by the Building Commissioner regardless of whether a permit was required.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Jackson County Building Ordinance references compliance with Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules and Indiana state law. The ordinance also excludes certain industrialized building systems, mobile structures, and regulated devices as provided by state law.
- County zoning ordinance
- County application requirements
- County profile
- 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 Jackson County Planning and Zoning / Building Commissioner before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jackson County Building Permit FAQ
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jackson County, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: The ordinance does state that certain items are outside the building ordinance scope, including industrialized building systems or mobile structures certified under IC 22-15-4 and regulated amusement devices, boilers, pressure vessels, and lifting devices under state law..
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Jackson County 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