Greenwood, IN — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services

Street address

300 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood, IN 46142

Phone

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

sealk@greenwood.in.gov

Coverage

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

Online portal

Cityworks Permit Portal

Cityworks

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Residential Permit Packet ↗

§ 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. Any deck, pergola, or gazebo larger than 3 feet by 3 feet requires a permit and any shed or barn requires a permit.

Scope of work

Permit?

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

Exempt

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
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.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 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.

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 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: 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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Greenwood building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Greenwood permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Greenwood, IN? ▸

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. 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..

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 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 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.. 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: Inspection request form. Submit inspection request form by email during business hours..

last verified April 2026 source Building Commissioner, City of Greenwood Community Development Services ↗ entry id permits/indiana/johnson/greenwood

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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.

City of Greenwood

Other jurisdictions in Johnson County.