County Building Permits
Putnam County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
County unincorporated areas; also issues permits for Cloverdale, Bainbridge, Roachdale, and Russellville. The department also serves as zoning administrator for Bainbridge and Roachdale.
- Department
- Putnam County Planning and Building Department
- Address
- 1 W Washington St., 4th Floor, Room 46, Greencastle, IN
- Phone
- 765-301-9108
- planning@co.putnam.in.us
Application Process
- Confirm whether the project needs an ILP or building permit and gather the correct application packet.
- Submit a complete application to the Building Commissioner with plans, plot plan, and any required attachments.
- For commercial work, obtain the Indiana Department of Homeland Security certificate of design release first.
- County review checks code compliance, flood safety, and any needed changes to plans.
- Permit is issued once the application is complete and fees are paid.
General Requirements
County ordinance says construction is prohibited without a valid building permit before commencement. The county page also says anyone starting before an ILP or other required permits must pay twice the current permit fee.
Required Documents
- Complete application form, detailed scaled plans and specifications, plot plan, design release for regulated commercial work, and any other information the Building Commissioner finds necessary.
- Permit validity
- County ordinance states permits are valid for 1 year from issuance, work must start and receive approved foundation inspection within 3 months, extensions can be granted up to 30 days for good cause, and permits may be renewed once.
- Building code
- County ordinance incorporates Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules and references the Indiana Residential Code 2020 prescriptive energy compliance materials on the county site.
- Owner-builder
- A person building a dwelling or structure for personal use or occupancy may file a Contractor Listing Exemption and accepts responsibility for construction, permits, fines, and penalties.
- Contractor requirements
- Any person or entity engaging in construction activity requiring a building permit must be a listed contractor unless exempt as owner-builder.
Fees
- Reinspection fee
- County ordinance says an additional $60 reinspection fee applies when inspection is requested or made and work is not in compliance. Building without first obtaining the permit triggers twice the current permit fee.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Putnam County Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Call 765-301-9108 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: The county page says to check the permit for required inspections; ordinances require foundation inspection timing and periodic inspections as needed.
24 hours notice required; same-day inspections are not accommodated; additional reinspection fee applies if work is not in compliance.
Additional Resources
- Building code: County ordinance incorporates Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules and references the Indiana Residential Code 2020 prescriptive energy compliance materials on the county site.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- GIS zoning layer
- 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 Putnam County Planning and Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, IN?
- County ordinance says construction is prohibited without a valid building permit before commencement. The county page also says anyone starting before an ILP or other required permits must pay twice the current permit fee.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, IN?
- 1. Confirm whether the project needs an ILP or building permit and gather the correct application packet. 2. Submit a complete application to the Building Commissioner with plans, plot plan, and any required attachments. 3. For commercial work, obtain the Indiana Department of Homeland Security certificate of design release first. 4. County review checks code compliance, flood safety, and any needed changes to plans. 5. Permit is issued once the application is complete and fees are paid.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, IN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 765-301-9108.
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