Monroe County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide building code enforcement and permitting for Monroe County, including unincorporated areas.

Department

Monroe County Building Department

Address

Showers Building North, 501 N Morton St, Suite 220, Bloomington, IN 47404

Phone

(812) 349-2580

Website

https://www.co.monroe.in.us/department/?structureid=65

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

Source: Monroe County Building Department

General Requirements

County code requires a building permit for regulated construction activity. The application must include plans and specifications, deed or contract, driveway permit, septic permit or sewer hook-on letter, site sketch, zoning and setback materials, and a valid Improvement Location Permit or waiver from the Monroe County Plan Commission Administrator.

Required Documents

• Plans and specifications, deed or contract, driveway permit, septic permit or sewer hook-on letter, sketch of proposed location and distances, and any other documents needed for zoning and setback review. For class one structures, a state design release is also required.

Permit validity

County documents indicate permit renewal is 50 percent of original fee, and expiration handling depends on the permit type. Thin data for a general countywide expiration rule from the pages reviewed.

Building code

Monroe County Building Code MC_Code_430, which adopts Indiana building codes by reference. The county building department page says it enforces adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.

Contractor requirements

County building department also maintains electrician and plumber licensing and registration. Specific contractor license rules were not fully captured in the reviewed pages. Thin data.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential new construction minimum is $125.00 in the county residential fee schedule.

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction is 14 cents per square foot with a $125.00 minimum. The county residential fee schedule also shows multiple fixed-fee permit types.

Reinspection fee

Residential re-inspection is $50.00. Permit renewal is 50 percent of original fee. Extension of unexpired permit is $50.00 per inspection.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• The county code and applications reviewed suggest that exempt work still may need zoning, septic, driveway, or utility approvals even when a building permit is not required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call the Building Department at (812) 349-2580. (phone)

Inspection hours

Inspections are assigned on a first in first out basis. The inspection schedule PDF says to call a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing as applicable, and final inspections. The county schedule lists inspections by stage.

Reinspection is $50.00 in the residential fee schedule. The inspection schedule also says the orange permit card must be visible from the road or no inspections will be performed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Monroe County Building Code MC_Code_430, which adopts Indiana building codes by reference. The county building department page says it enforces adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.
• County building code document center
• County building department page
• County planning department contact page
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Monroe County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Monroe County, IN?

County code requires a building permit for regulated construction activity. The application must include plans and specifications, deed or contract, driveway permit, septic permit or sewer hook-on letter, site sketch, zoning and setback materials, and a valid Improvement Location Permit or waiver from the Monroe County Plan Commission Administrator.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Monroe County, IN?

The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction minimum is $125.00 in the county residential fee schedule.. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction is 14 cents per square foot with a $125.00 minimum. The county residential fee schedule also shows multiple fixed-fee permit types..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Monroe County, IN?

The following work is generally exempt: The county code and applications reviewed suggest that exempt work still may need zoning, septic, driveway, or utility approvals even when a building permit is not required..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Monroe County, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the Building Department at (812) 349-2580..