City Building Permits
Franklin, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Franklin, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
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
Online Permit Portal
Platform: ViewPoint Cloud / OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Start in the Franklin permitting portal and choose the correct permit type.
- Upload the required plans, application materials, and project information.
- Pay application and permit fees through the city's accepted payment methods.
- Wait for staff review and respond to any correction requests.
- Once approved, print or retain the issued permit and proceed with construction.
- Schedule inspections with the Department of Planning and Economic Development at least 1 business day before the requested inspection date.
- 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
- Nonresidential reviews required by the city
- Nonresidential checklists and permit forms
- Building code
- Franklin administers building permits under current applicable Indiana codes.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $15 (roof upgrade or repair)
- Plan check fee
- Not separately broken out; review cost appears embedded in permit charges.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed. Residential new construction: $250 plus $0.10 per square foot. Residential remodel or addition: $100 plus $0.10 per square foot. Accessory structures: $50 plus $0.10 per square foot. Commercial new construction: $400 plus $0.10 per square foot.
- Payment note
- Franklin 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
- Department of Planning and Economic Development (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule 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 administers building permits under current applicable Indiana codes.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Document Center
- Additional Forms
- 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 Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development before applying.
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. Residential new construction: $250 plus $0.10 per square foot. Residential remodel or addition: $100 plus $0.10 per square foot. Accessory structures: $50 plus $0.10 per square foot. Commercial new construction: $400 plus $0.10 per square foot.. Plan check fee: Not separately broken out; 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: Department of Planning and Economic Development. Schedule at least 1 business day before inspection; inspections will not be scheduled more than 5 days in advance..
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