Indianapolis, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Primary permit authority for the consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County area outside the excluded cities.

Department

Department of Business and Neighborhood Services

Address

1200 S Madison Ave, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Phone

317-327-8700

Email

PermitQuestions@indy.gov

Website

https://www.indy.gov/activity/residential-development-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit type from Indianapolis residential development guidance and identify whether the project needs Improvement Location, Structural, Drainage, Driveway, Flood, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Wrecking approvals.
2. Prepare the required site plan, plans, and supporting documents including residential plan checklist, site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, elevations, sections, details, and engineered truss data when applicable.
3. Submit through Accela Citizen Access or in person with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
4. Staff reviews the application for code and zoning compliance. Comments are made available online in the Accela portal.
5. Pay the application, permit, and plan review fees.
6. Receive approvals from each required division, then obtain the issued permit.
7. Post the released plans at the site, schedule inspections, complete required inspections, and submit the certificate of completion and compliance where required.

Typical processing time: Unissued building permit applications are abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission.

Source: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services

General Requirements

Permits are commonly required for Improvement Location, Structural, Drainage, Driveway, Electrical, Wrecking, Plumbing, HVAC, and Flood work. Remodeling requires a permit unless specifically exempt.

Required Documents

• Residential plan checklist
• Site or plot plan
• Foundation plan
• Floor plan
• Framing plan
• Elevations
• Sections
• Details
• Project-specific engineering or agency approvals

Permit validity

Application is abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission.

Building code

2020 International Residential Code, Indiana Residential Code, and Indianapolis building standards procedures

Owner-builder

Any construction requiring a permit requires the applicant to be either a Marion County licensed contractor or the property owner. Homeowners may pull certain permits directly, but plumbing permits are limited and project-specific.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be licensed and listed, with required insurance, bond, and workers compensation coverage or waiver as applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$32.00 application fee in addition to permit fees

Plan check fee

Structural plan review fee is $85.00 for 1,000 square feet or less, plus $21.00 per 500 square feet over 1,000 square feet

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat and square-foot based fees depending on permit type

Reinspection fee

Additional fee for scheduled specific time or same-day inspections

Payment note

Online fee payment is available through Accela Citizen Access shopping cart functions.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement of exterior prime doors and windows on one- and two-family dwellings when done like-for-like without reducing required egress and done by a listed contractor or qualifying owner-occupant
• Replacement of an existing roof when the work does not change roof configuration, roofing type load, basic structural support, or involve heat-applied roofing material, subject to the listed-contractor or qualifying owner conditions
• Limited siding replacement under the exemptions summarized in the homeowner guide
• Small accessory sheds 120 square feet or less, under 15 feet high, without permanent foundation or utility connection

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Automated inspection line at 317-327-5525 (phone)
• Questions at 317-327-8938 (phone)
• BNS.ConstructionServices@indy.gov (email)
• Accela portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspectors will be out within 48 business hours after the request, except footing inspections within 2 business hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation or footing, rough-in inspections by trade, framing, and final inspection; additional drainage, driveway, flood, or other inspections as required by permit type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2020 International Residential Code, Indiana Residential Code, and Indianapolis building standards procedures
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Residential Development Permits
• Zoning Variance and Land Use Petitions
• Licensed Contractors
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Indianapolis, IN?

Permits are commonly required for Improvement Location, Structural, Drainage, Driveway, Electrical, Wrecking, Plumbing, HVAC, and Flood work. Remodeling requires a permit unless specifically exempt.

How much does a building permit cost in Indianapolis, IN?

The minimum permit fee is $32.00 application fee in addition to permit fees. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and square-foot based fees depending on permit type. Plan check fee: Structural plan review fee is $85.00 for 1,000 square feet or less, plus $21.00 per 500 square feet over 1,000 square feet.

How do I apply for a building permit in Indianapolis, IN?

1. Confirm permit type from Indianapolis residential development guidance and identify whether the project needs Improvement Location, Structural, Drainage, Driveway, Flood, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Wrecking approvals. 2. Prepare the required site plan, plans, and supporting documents including residential plan checklist, site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, elevations, sections, details, and engineered truss data when applicable. 3. Submit through Accela Citizen Access or in person with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. 4. Staff reviews the application for code and zoning compliance. Comments are made available online in the Accela portal. 5. Pay the application, permit, and plan review fees. 6. Receive approvals from each required division, then obtain the issued permit. 7. Post the released plans at the site, schedule inspections, complete required inspections, and submit the certificate of completion and compliance where required.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Indianapolis, IN?

Typical processing time is Unissued building permit applications are abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in Indianapolis, IN?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of exterior prime doors and windows on one- and two-family dwellings when done like-for-like without reducing required egress and done by a listed contractor or qualifying owner-occupant; Replacement of an existing roof when the work does not change roof configuration, roofing type load, basic structural support, or involve heat-applied roofing material, subject to the listed-contractor or qualifying owner conditions; Limited siding replacement under the exemptions summarized in the homeowner guide; Small accessory sheds 120 square feet or less, under 15 feet high, without permanent foundation or utility connection.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Indianapolis, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Automated inspection line at 317-327-5525, Questions at 317-327-8938, BNS.ConstructionServices@indy.gov, Accela portal. Inspectors will be out within 48 business hours after the request, except footing inspections within 2 business hours..

Other cities in Marion County