On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Indianapolis
Permits are commonly required for Improvement Location, Structural, Drainage, Driveway, Electrical, Wrecking, Plumbing, HVAC, and Flood work. Remodeling requires a permit unless specifically 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
- 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
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Limited siding replacement under the exemptions summarized in the homeowner guide
- Exempt Small accessory sheds 120 square feet or less, under 15 feet high, without permanent foundation or utility connection
Required documents
- Residential plan checklist
- Site or plot plan
- Foundation plan
- Floor plan
- Framing plan
- Elevations
- Sections
- Details
- Project-specific engineering or agency approvals
- Building code
- 2020 International Residential Code, Indiana Residential Code, and Indianapolis building standards procedures
- Permit validity
- Application is abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Unissued building permit applications are abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit through Accela Citizen Access or in person with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
- 04 Staff reviews the application for code and zoning compliance. Comments are made available online in the Accela portal.
- 05 Pay the application, permit, and plan review fees.
- 06 Receive approvals from each required division, then obtain the issued permit.
- 07 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Indianapolis building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$32.00 application fee in addition to permit fees
02
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
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed flat and square-foot based fees depending on permit type
04
Reinspection fee
Additional fee for scheduled specific time or same-day inspections
Online fee payment is available through Accela Citizen Access shopping cart functions.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Indianapolis permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Indianapolis, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in Indianapolis, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Indianapolis, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Indianapolis, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Indianapolis, IN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Indianapolis, IN typically run Unissued building permit applications are abandoned if the permit is not issued within 6 months from submission.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Indianapolis, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Indianapolis, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Indianapolis, IN 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..
last verified April 2026
source Department of Business and Neighborhood Services ↗
entry id permits/indiana/marion/indianapolis
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Business and Neighborhood Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.