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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Montgomery County
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
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
- Exempt Routine maintenance, repair, or remodeling of existing structures not involving change of use or additional lot coverage
- Exempt Essential services
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Anything constructed within the Agricultural District
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Identify the permit type from the county building permits links and applicable ordinances.
- 02 Prepare the application packet, including the required plot plan and supporting documents.
- 03 Submit the application to the Building/Zoning Department for review.
- 04 If septic approval is required, obtain the Montgomery County Health Department septic permit before issuance.
- 05 Pay the applicable fee and receive the issued permit once the zoning and building review is complete.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Montgomery County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Improvement Location Permit fee is $50.00
02
Permit fee formula
public materials indicate fee is set by permit type; detailed worksheet/formula is not clearly published on the public landing page
03
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Inspection hours
- county office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Montgomery County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Montgomery County, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/indiana/montgomery/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.