Posey County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Posey County. The county page says the department issues construction permits within the limits of Posey County except the city limits of Mount Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville, and Griffin.

Department

Posey County Building Commission / Building Department

Address

126 East Third St., Room 132, Mt. Vernon, IN 47620

Phone

812-838-1324

Email

alicia.denning@poseycountyin.gov , ed.batteiger@poseycountyin.gov

Website

https://www.poseycountyin.gov/county-offices/building-commissioner/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with the Area Plan Commission if a land use permit or Improvement Location Permit is needed.
2. Prepare the building permit application, site plan, and construction plans.
3. Submit the application through the office or the online portal.
4. Provide any required state release documents if applicable.
5. Schedule inspections through the Building Commission once work is underway.

Source: Posey County Building Commission / Building Department

General Requirements

The county page states permits are required for residential and commercial structures built or remodeled in Posey County, except the excluded city limits. The office also expects land use review first in many cases.

Required Documents

• Application form, exact site plan showing property lines and existing structures, construction plans with cross section details, and state release if applicable. The APC land use permit process asks for a legal description and a plot plan showing proposed placement and setbacks.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 general minimum fee

Permit fee formula

Mostly square-foot and valuation based. Examples from the schedule include single family dwellings at $0.08 per square foot with a $150 minimum, remodel and addition minimums, trade permit flat fees, and larger commercial categories at $6.00 per $1,000 with caps.

Reinspection fee

$25 for an inspection called when the work is not ready, and the fee doubles if not paid in 30 days. Failure to obtain a required permit may result in a fine of $100 to $500.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on farms of at least 50 acres are exempt from fees, but permits are still required
• Churches are exempt from fees, but permits are still required

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Phone 812-838-1324 (phone)

Inspection hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and inspections should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance if possible

Typical inspection sequence: Soil and footings, foundation wall, underground electrical, underground plumbing, concrete slab, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough mechanical, rough framing, insulation and caulking, final inspection

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Posey County Building Permit FAQ

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

The county page states permits are required for residential and commercial structures built or remodeled in Posey County, except the excluded city limits. The office also expects land use review first in many cases.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100 general minimum fee. Fees are calculated as: Mostly square-foot and valuation based. Examples from the schedule include single family dwellings at $0.08 per square foot with a $150 minimum, remodel and addition minimums, trade permit flat fees, and larger commercial categories at $6.00 per $1,000 with caps..

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

1. Start with the Area Plan Commission if a land use permit or Improvement Location Permit is needed. 2. Prepare the building permit application, site plan, and construction plans. 3. Submit the application through the office or the online portal. 4. Provide any required state release documents if applicable. 5. Schedule inspections through the Building Commission once work is underway.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farms of at least 50 acres are exempt from fees, but permits are still required; Churches are exempt from fees, but permits are still required.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Phone 812-838-1324.