Unincorporated Johnson County

County requires permits for residential, accessory structures, pools, decks, demolition, pole barns, mobile homes, electrical service, and all window replacements under energy code enforcement.

Note: County expressly requires permits for window replacement and publishes separate packets for decks, pools, accessory structures, demolition, and electrical service. Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption directly with the Building Department before starting work.

Building code

Johnson County incorporates by reference the rules of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code with no locally adopted amendments.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may use the Contractor Listing Exemption Affidavit instead of county contractor listing when they are not acting as a listed contractor.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be on the county Contractor Listing Program with a $15,000 surety bond and listing fee: $150 for 1 year, $200 for 2 years, or $400 for 5 years.

1. 01
   Download the correct county permit packet from the Building Permit Packets and Forms page.
2. 02
   Prepare the completed application, site plan, construction plans, and any supporting forms required for the project type.
3. 03
   Submit the packet to Johnson County Planning and Zoning and wait for plan review.
4. 04
   If the applicant is not a county-listed contractor, use the Contractor Listing Exemption Affidavit route when eligible.
5. 05
   Pay the applicable permit fees when the permit is ready.
6. 06
   Keep the permit and released plans on site and visible from the road once windows are installed.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections with Planning and Zoning staff and complete all required inspections before occupancy.

Typical processing time: 10 business days average; 7-10 business days depending on workload

Source: Johnson County Building Department, Department of Planning and Zoning ↗

County accepts cash, check, or charge for contractor listing fees.

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

• (317) 346-4350 (phone)

Time windows

Footing inspections may be set for a specific time; other inspections are scheduled by day, with AM or PM requests not guaranteed.

Typical sequence: Erosion control meeting if required, then project-specific inspections such as footing and later trade/final inspections. Permit and stamped released plans must remain on site for inspection signoff.