Town of Spencer, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town of Spencer corporate limits

Department

Town of Spencer Zoning Administrator / Building Department functions through the joint Owen County and Town of Spencer office

Address

86 E Market St, Spencer, IN 47460 for the joint building department office

Phone

812-829-5017

Email

peggy.robertson@owencounty.in.gov is listed on county materials , Spencer zoning administrator email is not clearly published in the public crawl

Website

https://www.spencer.in.gov/Town%20Code.2023.Unlocked%20Version.pdf and https://spencersd.com/vertical/sites/%7B616498E6-27E5-4D9E-A4B0-11065E9A8513%7D/uploads/Final_2015_Revised_Spencer_Zoning_Regulations_Effective_04-15-15_Compiled_Through_3-1-2025.pdf

Application Process

1. Obtain the Application for Building Permit from the Zoning Administrator of the Town of Spencer.
2. Complete the application as the landowner or landowner's representative.
3. Attach required items, including fees, one scaled plan copy, and any additional information requested by the Zoning Administrator.
4. Return the completed application to the Zoning Administrator for review.
5. The Zoning Administrator marks the plans approved or disapproved and keeps a copy for town records.
6. If the proposal does not comply, the applicant must pursue a variance, amendment, or conditional use permit before building permit issuance.

General Requirements

No new development, change of use, moving in or out of structures, demolition, or other regulated action may occur without a building permit.

Required Documents

• Application form, any required town fees, one scaled site plan showing lot dimensions, existing buildings, and proposed building or alteration, plus any additional information requested by the Zoning Administrator.

Owner-builder

The application must be completed by the landowner or landowner's representative.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Some sign-related temporary uses are fee-exempt, including grand opening signs and nonprofit temporary event signs, but they still require permit review.
• The code also notes wastewater treatment facilities are exempt from minimum yard or setback requirements, which is a zoning exemption, not a permit exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Zoning review first, then permit issuance, then inspections as needed by the Zoning Administrator and authorized representatives.

Additional Resources

• Zoning regulations URL
• Town code URL
• Joint building department page
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Spencer Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Spencer, IN?

No new development, change of use, moving in or out of structures, demolition, or other regulated action may occur without a building permit.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Spencer, IN?

1. Obtain the Application for Building Permit from the Zoning Administrator of the Town of Spencer. 2. Complete the application as the landowner or landowner's representative. 3. Attach required items, including fees, one scaled plan copy, and any additional information requested by the Zoning Administrator. 4. Return the completed application to the Zoning Administrator for review. 5. The Zoning Administrator marks the plans approved or disapproved and keeps a copy for town records. 6. If the proposal does not comply, the applicant must pursue a variance, amendment, or conditional use permit before building permit issuance.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Spencer, IN?

The following work is generally exempt: Some sign-related temporary uses are fee-exempt, including grand opening signs and nonprofit temporary event signs, but they still require permit review.; The code also notes wastewater treatment facilities are exempt from minimum yard or setback requirements, which is a zoning exemption, not a permit exemption..

Other cities in Owen County