City Building Permits

Greenwood, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Greenwood, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Indiana Johnson County Updated March 2026

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
(317) 881-8698; permit application packet line (317) 887-5230
Website
https://www.greenwood.in.gov/division/blocks.php?structureid=199

Online Permit Portal

Open Cityworks Permit Portal

Platform: Cityworks • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

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 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: Complete permit application afforded 7 business days for review; 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. 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
  • Private-provider materials if used
Building code
All plan reviews and inspections are conducted under current State of Indiana approved codes, including the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, 2009 Indiana Electrical Code, and 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code.
Owner-builder
Greenwood posts an owner affidavit for demolition, but no general owner-builder summary was clearly posted.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included within the posted permit fee schedule.
Permit fee formula
Greenwood uses a posted permit fee schedule plus a separate related-fees schedule. Expedited review is an added $250 when approved.
Payment note
Any applicable fees are due prior to building permit issuance. Related fees include sewer connection, sewer availability, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and park impact fees.

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

  • Inspection request form (email)
Scheduling deadline
Submit inspection request form by email during business hours.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Time windows
Exact times 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.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services before applying.

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. 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?
Fees are calculated as: Greenwood uses a posted permit fee schedule plus a separate related-fees schedule. Expedited review is an added $250 when approved.. Plan check fee: Included within the posted permit fee schedule..
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 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 Complete permit application afforded 7 business days for review; 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: Inspection request form. Submit inspection request form by email during business hours..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Greenwood can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Johnson County

Johnson Bargersville Edinburgh Franklin New Whiteland Princes Lakes Trafalgar Whiteland
View all Johnson County jurisdictions →