On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greenwood
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.
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
- Exempt Concrete pads or patios, though easement or right-of-way approvals may still be required
- Exempt Fences
- Exempt Like-for-like HVAC replacement, unless electrical work or ductwork changes trigger a permit
- Exempt Play houses or tree houses
- Exempt Roofing work that only lays new shingles and patches unsound decking, without removal of 25 percent or more of the decking
- Exempt Window replacement of the same size
- Exempt Wireless-facility equipment changes that do not affect footprint or height
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Start from the Greenwood Building Commissioner page and choose the correct application packet or the online portal.
- 02 Complete the permit application and prepare all attachments in PDF format.
- 03 Include site plan, construction plans, energy-code material if required, and any prerequisite planning, stormwater, sanitation, or HOA approvals.
- 04 Submit online or through the city's permit intake route.
- 05 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.
- 06 Pay all applicable fees before permit issuance, including any related sewer, availability, stormwater, or impact fees.
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Greenwood building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Plan check fee
Included within the posted permit fee schedule; expedited review is an added $250 when approved.
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Not clearly machine-readable from the reviewed permit fee PDF.
Any applicable fees are due prior to building permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greenwood permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Greenwood, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in Greenwood, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Greenwood, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Greenwood, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greenwood, IN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Greenwood, IN typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Greenwood, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greenwood, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Greenwood, IN via: Submit Greenwood's inspection request form by email during business hours; cancellation requests go to building@greenwoo.
last verified April 2026
source Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services ↗
entry id permits/indiana/johnson-in/greenwood
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.