Franklin, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Franklin runs its own city permit and inspection system and no longer relies on county-administered permitting for city projects.

Department

Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development

Address

70 E. Monroe Street, Franklin, IN 46131

Phone

(317) 736-3631

Website

https://www.franklin.in.gov/department/division.php?structureid=82

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start in the Franklin permitting portal and choose the correct permit type.
2. Upload the required plans, application materials, and project information.
3. Pay application and permit fees through the city's accepted payment methods.
4. Wait for staff review and respond to any correction requests.
5. Once approved, print or retain the issued permit and proceed with construction.
6. Schedule inspections with the Department of Planning and Economic Development at least 1 business day before the requested inspection date.
7. Complete final approvals and any Certificate of Occupancy requirements before use.

Source: Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development

General Requirements

Franklin's fee schedule covers new construction, remodel or addition work, decks, electrical or mechanical or plumbing upgrades, accessory structures, agricultural buildings, in-ground pools, house moving, demolition, signage, land disturbance, and commercial work.

Required Documents

• Portal-uploaded permit materials; project-specific plans; and any nonresidential reviews required by the city. The city also provides separate nonresidential checklists and permit forms through its document center.

Building code

Franklin posts a building code reference page and administers building permits under current applicable Indiana codes; the reviewed public text did not provide a machine-readable edition summary on the main division page.

Contractor requirements

Not clearly summarized in the reviewed public city pages.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$15 roof upgrade or repair

Plan check fee

Not separately broken out on the posted fee schedule; review cost appears embedded in permit charges.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Examples include residential new construction at $250 plus $0.10 per square foot, residential remodel or addition at $100 plus $0.10 per square foot, accessory structures at $50 plus $0.10 per square foot, and commercial new construction at $400 plus $0.10 per square foot.

Payment note

Franklin states it accepts cash, money order, debit, or credit; debit or credit adds $4.00 plus 2 percent.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures of less than 120 square feet that are not placed on a permanent foundation
• Satellite dishes smaller than 1 meter (3.3 feet)
• Replacing shingles and other non-structural roof items

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Schedule with the Department of Planning and Economic Development (contact)

Inspection hours

At least 1 business day before inspection; inspections will not be scheduled more than 5 days in advance

Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific city inspections from rough construction through final approval

Additional Resources

• Building code: Franklin posts a building code reference page and administers building permits under current applicable Indiana codes; the reviewed public text did not provide a machine-readable edition summary on the main division page.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Franklin, IN?

Franklin's fee schedule covers new construction, remodel or addition work, decks, electrical or mechanical or plumbing upgrades, accessory structures, agricultural buildings, in-ground pools, house moving, demolition, signage, land disturbance, and commercial work.

How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, IN?

The minimum permit fee is $15 roof upgrade or repair. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Examples include residential new construction at $250 plus $0.10 per square foot, residential remodel or addition at $100 plus $0.10 per square foot, accessory structures at $50 plus $0.10 per square foot, and commercial new construction at $400 plus $0.10 per square foot.. Plan check fee: Not separately broken out on the posted fee schedule; review cost appears embedded in permit charges..

How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, IN?

1. Start in the Franklin permitting portal and choose the correct permit type. 2. Upload the required plans, application materials, and project information. 3. Pay application and permit fees through the city's accepted payment methods. 4. Wait for staff review and respond to any correction requests. 5. Once approved, print or retain the issued permit and proceed with construction. 6. Schedule inspections with the Department of Planning and Economic Development at least 1 business day before the requested inspection date. 7. Complete final approvals and any Certificate of Occupancy requirements before use.

What work is exempt from building permits in Franklin, IN?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures of less than 120 square feet that are not placed on a permanent foundation; Satellite dishes smaller than 1 meter (3.3 feet); Replacing shingles and other non-structural roof items.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Schedule with the Department of Planning and Economic Development.

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