City Building Permits

Bedford, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Indiana Lawrence County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Bedford.

Department
Planning and Zoning Department
Address
1102 16th Street, Bedford, IN 47421
Phone
812-275-1631

Online Permit Portal

Platform: City web forms; direct online submission with captcha. • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

General Requirements

Bedford lists residential new construction, remodels with structural, electrical, or plumbing changes, remodels over $500 without such changes, commercial new construction, foundation-only work, and remodels requiring inspection.

Required Documents

  • Plans and specifications; Bedford also requires uploads for some permit types and reserves the right to require plan amendments. Commercial form states plans must match those released by Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services.
Contractor requirements
Commercial portal asks for general contractor details; sign portal asks for contractor license number.

Fees

Plan check fee
Not separately published in the snippet.
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction $50 plus $0.10 per sq ft. Commercial new construction and certain public buildings $200 plus $0.10 per sq ft.
Reinspection fee
Permit fees are doubled if work is started before permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Related guidance indicates fence and deck permits follow standard building permit procedures, so they are not exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: The commercial application requires plan submission, review, issuance, then inspection under the permit terms.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bedford Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bedford, IN?
Bedford lists residential new construction, remodels with structural, electrical, or plumbing changes, remodels over $500 without such changes, commercial new construction, foundation-only work, and remodels requiring inspection.
How much does a building permit cost in Bedford, IN?
Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction $50 plus $0.10 per sq ft. Commercial new construction and certain public buildings $200 plus $0.10 per sq ft.. Plan check fee: Not separately published in the snippet..
What work is exempt from building permits in Bedford, IN?
The following work is generally exempt: Related guidance indicates fence and deck permits follow standard building permit procedures, so they are not exempt..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Bedford 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.

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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.

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