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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Putnam County
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm whether the project needs an ILP or building permit and gather the correct application packet.
- 02 Submit a complete application to the Building Commissioner with plans, plot plan, and any required attachments.
- 03 For commercial work, obtain the Indiana Department of Homeland Security certificate of design release first.
- 04 County review checks code compliance, flood safety, and any needed changes to plans.
- 05 Permit is issued once the application is complete and fees are paid.
Fee schedule
Putnam County building permit fees
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Call 765-301-9108 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Putnam County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, IN? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, IN? ▸
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, IN? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Putnam County Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.