Montgomery County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

countywide building and zoning administration for Montgomery County, including the unincorporated area and, by county/town sources, most incorporated towns in the county

Department

Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department

Address

Montgomery County Government Center, 1580 Constitution Row, Crawfordsville, IN 47933

Phone

(765) 364-6490

Website

https://www.montgomerycounty.in.gov/department/board.php

Application Process

1. Identify the permit type from the county building permits links and applicable ordinances.
2. Prepare the application packet, including the required plot plan and supporting documents.
3. Submit the application to the Building/Zoning Department for review.
4. If septic approval is required, obtain the Montgomery County Health Department septic permit before issuance.
5. Pay the applicable fee and receive the issued permit once the zoning and building review is complete.

Source: Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department

General Requirements

county zoning ordinance requires an improvement location permit before regulated construction or land-use activity; the county ordinance also requires a building permit when county building code applies

Required Documents

• application form, plot plan showing the items required by ordinance, and any permit-type specific packet items

Permit validity

improvement location permits commence within one year and are completed within two years unless extended for good cause

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Improvement Location Permit fee is $50.00

Permit fee formula

public materials indicate fee is set by permit type; detailed worksheet/formula is not clearly published on the public landing page

Reinspection fee

failure to obtain a required permit can trigger stop work, civil enforcement, fines, and other lawful remedies; the specific reinspection fee schedule is not clearly published in the public summary materials

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving change of use or additional lot coverage
• Essential services
• Lot and yard improvements such as childrens playhouses, drives, fences, concrete patios, decks, play equipment, retaining walls, sidewalks, and landscaping, unless they are on, over, or within 10 feet of a septic system or utility easement
• Anything constructed within the Agricultural District

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

county office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: zoning application review, septic permit if applicable, permit issuance, then field inspections as required by the project

the public summary does not clearly publish a dedicated reinspection policy

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building permits page
• One and Two Family Dwelling Permit Packet
• Building Permit Fees
• County zoning ordinance update
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery County Building Permit FAQ

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

county zoning ordinance requires an improvement location permit before regulated construction or land-use activity; the county ordinance also requires a building permit when county building code applies

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

The minimum permit fee is Improvement Location Permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: public materials indicate fee is set by permit type; detailed worksheet/formula is not clearly published on the public landing page.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN?

1. Identify the permit type from the county building permits links and applicable ordinances. 2. Prepare the application packet, including the required plot plan and supporting documents. 3. Submit the application to the Building/Zoning Department for review. 4. If septic approval is required, obtain the Montgomery County Health Department septic permit before issuance. 5. Pay the applicable fee and receive the issued permit once the zoning and building review is complete.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving change of use or additional lot coverage; Essential services; Lot and yard improvements such as childrens playhouses, drives, fences, concrete patios, decks, play equipment, retaining walls, sidewalks, and landscaping, unless they are on, over, or within 10 feet of a septic system or utility easement; Anything constructed within the Agricultural District.