Greenwood, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Greenwood administers its own building permits, reviews, inspections, and related planning approvals.

Department

Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services

Address

300 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood, IN 46142

Phone

Building Commissioner main line (317) 881-8698; permit application packet line (317) 887-5230

Email

sealk@greenwood.in.gov , building@greenwood.in.gov

Website

https://www.greenwood.in.gov/division/blocks.php?structureid=199

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start from the Greenwood Building Commissioner page and choose the correct application packet or the online portal.
2. Complete the permit application and prepare all attachments in PDF format.
3. Include site plan, construction plans, energy-code material if required, and any prerequisite planning, stormwater, sanitation, or HOA approvals.
4. Submit online or through the city's permit intake route.
5. Greenwood states it will notify the applicant within 3 business days after receiving all required documents whether plan review can be completed within 7 business days.
6. Pay all applicable fees before permit issuance, including any related sewer, availability, stormwater, or impact fees.
7. Post the permit, request inspections by email form, and complete final approvals before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Greenwood states a complete permit application is afforded 7 business days for review; an expedited review may be processed within 48 hours for an additional $250 fee when approved by the Building Commissioner.

Source: Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services

General Requirements

Greenwood requires permits for most new homes, additions, remodels, detached garages, accessory structures, pools, demolition, electrical work, and other structural work. The city also states any deck, pergola, or gazebo larger than 3 feet by 3 feet requires a permit and any shed or barn requires a permit.

Required Documents

• Application form, site plan, construction plans and specifications, energy code compliance worksheet when applicable, planning or zoning architectural approval when required, stormwater approval when required, sanitation approval when required, and private-provider materials if used.

Building code

Greenwood states all plan reviews and inspections are conducted under current State of Indiana approved codes. The residential packet references the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, 2009 Indiana Electrical Code, and 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code as code options used on the application.

Owner-builder

Greenwood posts an owner affidavit for demolition, but no general owner-builder summary was clearly posted on the reviewed building pages.

Contractor requirements

Not clearly summarized on the reviewed public building pages.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The reviewed fee schedule PDF is publicly posted but not machine-readable in full. Greenwood separately posts a $250 expedited review surcharge and many related utility and impact fees.

Plan check fee

Included within the posted permit fee schedule; expedited review is an added $250 when approved.

Permit fee formula

Greenwood uses a posted permit fee schedule plus a separate related-fees schedule. Related fees include sewer connection, sewer availability, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and park impact fees.

Reinspection fee

Not clearly machine-readable from the reviewed permit fee PDF.

Payment note

Any applicable fees are due prior to building permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Concrete pads or patios, though easement or right-of-way approvals may still be required
• Fences
• Like-for-like HVAC replacement, unless electrical work or ductwork changes trigger a permit
• Play houses or tree houses
• Roofing work that only lays new shingles and patches unsound decking, without removal of 25 percent or more of the decking
• Window replacement of the same size
• Wireless-facility equipment changes that do not affect footprint or height

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Submit Greenwood's inspection request form by email during business hours; cancellation requests go to building@greenwoo (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; exact times are only available for footings, commercial inspections, or inspections requiring homeowner availability

Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific inspections from footing through final, using the city's inspection request process

Requested times are not guaranteed and the city emails back the actual confirmed date and time

Additional Resources

• Building code: Greenwood states all plan reviews and inspections are conducted under current State of Indiana approved codes. The residential packet references the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, 2009 Indiana Electrical Code, and 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code as code options used on the application.
• 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

Greenwood Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Greenwood, IN?

Greenwood requires permits for most new homes, additions, remodels, detached garages, accessory structures, pools, demolition, electrical work, and other structural work. The city also states any deck, pergola, or gazebo larger than 3 feet by 3 feet requires a permit and any shed or barn requires a permit.

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

The minimum permit fee is The reviewed fee schedule PDF is publicly posted but not machine-readable in full. Greenwood separately posts a $250 expedited review surcharge and many related utility and impact fees.. Fees are calculated as: Greenwood uses a posted permit fee schedule plus a separate related-fees schedule. Related fees include sewer connection, sewer availability, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and park impact fees.. Plan check fee: Included within the posted permit fee schedule; expedited review is an added $250 when approved..

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

1. Start from the Greenwood Building Commissioner page and choose the correct application packet or the online portal. 2. Complete the permit application and prepare all attachments in PDF format. 3. Include site plan, construction plans, energy-code material if required, and any prerequisite planning, stormwater, sanitation, or HOA approvals. 4. Submit online or through the city's permit intake route. 5. Greenwood states it will notify the applicant within 3 business days after receiving all required documents whether plan review can be completed within 7 business days. 6. Pay all applicable fees before permit issuance, including any related sewer, availability, stormwater, or impact fees. 7. Post the permit, request inspections by email form, and complete final approvals before occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Greenwood, IN?

Typical processing time is Greenwood states a complete permit application is afforded 7 business days for review; an expedited review may be processed within 48 hours for an additional $250 fee when approved by the Building Commissioner..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Concrete pads or patios, though easement or right-of-way approvals may still be required; Fences; Like-for-like HVAC replacement, unless electrical work or ductwork changes trigger a permit; Play houses or tree houses; Roofing work that only lays new shingles and patches unsound decking, without removal of 25 percent or more of the decking; Window replacement of the same size; Wireless-facility equipment changes that do not affect footprint or height.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Submit Greenwood's inspection request form by email during business hours; cancellation requests go to building@greenwoo.

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