County Building Permits
Newton County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Newton County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
The county page says the Building Department handles enforcement in the unincorporated area of Newton County. The Commissioners page states county ordinances primarily affect unincorporated areas.
- Department
- Newton County Building Department
- Address
- 4117 S 240 W, Morocco, IN 47963
- Phone
- (219) 285-6080
Application Process
General Requirements
County page says permits are not required for structures 160 square feet or smaller, or for repair/maintenance such as roofing or siding when cost does not exceed $10,000.
Required Documents
- Completed application; driveway permit if applicable; septic and well permits if applicable; property address or legal description; site plan/plat information; and plans as required by the form.
- Building code
- The application cites the Building and Zoning Ordinances of Newton County and the State Building Code of the State of Indiana. The exact edition is not clearly posted on the public pages reviewed.
- Owner-builder
- County page says any work not performed by the homeowner must be done by a contractor registered yearly in Newton County.
- Contractor requirements
- County contractor registration is required yearly; registration fee is $50; required materials include application, insurance, workers compensation, and a $5,000 bond.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential minimums start at $50 for accessory work and $100 for some permit types; single-family dwelling minimum is $200.
- Permit fee formula
- Residential permits are figured at $0.20 per square foot; commercial permits at $0.40 per square foot.
- Reinspection fee
- $30 reinspection fee for incomplete or not-ready inspections. Multi-family and commercial permits also require a $30 per inspection fee payable at final inspection.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Structures 160 square feet or smaller.
- Repair and maintenance work such as roofing and siding when cost does not exceed $10,000.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Call the Building Department during working hours and give at least 24 hours notice. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- County office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Footing pre-pour, foundation, rough-in, insulation, final.
Work found incomplete or not ready is subject to a $30 reinspection fee.
Additional Resources
- Building code: The application cites the Building and Zoning Ordinances of Newton County and the State Building Code of the State of Indiana. The exact edition is not clearly posted on the public pages reviewed.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County GIS/Beacon
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Permit forms
- Road cut and driveway forms
- License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Newton County Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Newton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Newton County, IN?
- County page says permits are not required for structures 160 square feet or smaller, or for repair/maintenance such as roofing or siding when cost does not exceed $10,000.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Newton County, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential minimums start at $50 for accessory work and $100 for some permit types; single-family dwelling minimum is $200.. Fees are calculated as: Residential permits are figured at $0.20 per square foot; commercial permits at $0.40 per square foot..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Newton County, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Structures 160 square feet or smaller.; Repair and maintenance work such as roofing and siding when cost does not exceed $10,000..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Newton County, IN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the Building Department during working hours and give at least 24 hours notice..
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