Jefferson County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County zoning control areas only, excluding parcels under City of Madison or Town of Hanover zoning control. County page states the office has no jurisdiction in City of Madison, City of Madison Buffer, Town of Hanover, or Town of Hanover Buffer areas.

Department

Address

315 Jefferson Street, Annex Building, Madison, IN 47250

Phone

812-265-8925

Email

Taylor Baulac , Administrative Assistant , via county site contact link , published office emails are not clearly listed on the page

Website

https://jeffersoncounty.in.gov/293/Planning-Zoning-Building-Inspection

Application Process

Source:

General Requirements

All primary structures; accessory buildings and structures 200+ sq ft; signs; temporary storage containers; solar or wind energy systems; and all structures or alterations covered by the UDO.

Required Documents

• Contact information for builder/general contractor if used; electrical plan with service entry and panel location plus licensed electrical contractor; elevation plan; estimated cost and intended use; floor layout with room, door, and window dimensions; door and window sizes and tempered-glass notation; HVAC plan and licensed contractor; plumbing plan and licensed contractor; cash or check payment; septic permit or approval letter if not connected to municipal sewer; site plan with property lines, setbacks, and construction location.

Building code

County UDO references compliance with the State of Indiana Building Code and Indiana State Electric Code / Indiana State Plumbing Code where applicable. The county UDO also references Indiana Uniform Building Code and Energy Code for some uses.

Contractor requirements

Licensed electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors are required where applicable. Septic approval required for non-municipal sewer projects involving plumbing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75 minimum building fee

Permit fee formula

Residential $0.15 per sq ft with $75 minimum; commercial $0.15 per sq ft with $250 minimum; industrial $0.15 per sq ft with $500 minimum; AG non-residential buildings $50 under 6000 sq ft or $100 over 6000 sq ft; carports, signs, solar, towers, parking lots, and other categories have separate fixed or formula fees.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Above-ground and in-ground swimming pools
• Fences and retaining walls
• Pavement, such as slabs and walks
• Swing sets and children's playhouses
• Basketball poles, mailboxes, and lamp posts
• Home utilities such as cable or internet

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: County UDO requires inspections to be completed before occupancy or use. Final inspection approval is required before a structure can be occupied or used, and certificate of occupancy issuance follows completion and inspection.

Fee schedule charges $250 per missed inspection. County UDO also states a certificate of occupancy will not be issued until driveway culverts are installed and inspected when required, and sanitary sewage systems must be approved by the Health Department.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County UDO references compliance with the State of Indiana Building Code and Indiana State Electric Code / Indiana State Plumbing Code where applicable. The county UDO also references Indiana Uniform Building Code and Energy Code for some uses.
• Zoning GIS
• UDO
• Building permit instructions
• Fee schedule
• County planning/zoning page
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County Building Permit FAQ

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

All primary structures; accessory buildings and structures 200+ sq ft; signs; temporary storage containers; solar or wind energy systems; and all structures or alterations covered by the UDO.

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

The minimum permit fee is $75 minimum building fee. Fees are calculated as: Residential $0.15 per sq ft with $75 minimum; commercial $0.15 per sq ft with $250 minimum; industrial $0.15 per sq ft with $500 minimum; AG non-residential buildings $50 under 6000 sq ft or $100 over 6000 sq ft; carports, signs, solar, towers, parking lots, and other categories have separate fixed or formula fees..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Above-ground and in-ground swimming pools; Fences and retaining walls; Pavement, such as slabs and walks; Swing sets and children's playhouses; Basketball poles, mailboxes, and lamp posts; Home utilities such as cable or internet.