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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin
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.
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
- Exempt Accessory structures of less than 120 square feet that are not placed on a permanent foundation
- Exempt Satellite dishes smaller than 1 meter (3.3 feet)
- Exempt Replacing shingles and other non-structural roof items
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start in the Franklin permitting portal and choose the correct permit type.
- 02 Upload the required plans, application materials, and project information.
- 03 Pay application and permit fees through the city's accepted payment methods.
- 04 Wait for staff review and respond to any correction requests.
- 05 Once approved, print or retain the issued permit and proceed with construction.
- 06 Schedule inspections with the Department of Planning and Economic Development at least 1 business day before the requested inspection date.
- 07 Complete final approvals and any Certificate of Occupancy requirements before use.
Source: Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Franklin building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$15 (roof upgrade or repair)
02
Plan check fee
Not separately broken out; review cost appears embedded in permit charges.
03
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.
Franklin accepts cash, money order, debit, or credit. Debit or credit adds $4.00 plus 2 percent.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Project-specific city inspections from rough construction through final approval.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Franklin permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in Franklin, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Franklin, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Franklin, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Franklin, IN 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..
last verified April 2026
source Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development ↗
entry id permits/indiana/johnson/franklin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning and Economic Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.