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

Fees are calculated as: examples include $0.20 per square foot for new single-family dwellings, $0.15 per square foot for certain alterations/repairs/remodeling, and $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot for garages and accessory structures depending on size.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Roof sheeting and roof replacement with no structural changes; New driveways; Door, storm door, window, or garage door replacement with no change in opening size or structural changes; Painting and decorating inside or outside; Gutter replacement; Siding; Concrete or asphalt flatwork such as sidewalks, patios, or driveways; All types of fences.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: county page says to contact the office and the office is open for permit and inspection availability; exact scheduling s.

County Building Permits

Starke County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Starke County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Indiana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

unincorporated areas of Starke County

Department: Starke County Planning Commission / Plan Commission Office
Address: 53 East Mound Street, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: (574) 772-9133
Email: plancomm75@starke.in.gov
Website: https://starke.in.gov/annex-1/planning-commission/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: county website with an "Online Permit Portal" link on the homepage and plan commission page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Source: Starke County Planning Commission / Plan Commission Office

General Requirements

Required Documents

legal description, property size, map number, cost of construction, year/make/serial or model number for mobile or manufactured homes, height, dimensions, list of existing structures, and owner permission if applicant is not the legal owner

Owner-builder: the public material reviewed does not clearly publish a specific owner-builder exemption or rule; thin data
Contractor requirements: contractor registration is required for persons performing covered construction-related trades; annual renewal applies

Fees

Permit fee formula: examples include $0.20 per square foot for new single-family dwellings, $0.15 per square foot for certain alterations/repairs/remodeling, and $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot for garages and accessory structures depending on size

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Roof sheeting and roof replacement with no structural changes
New driveways
Door, storm door, window, or garage door replacement with no change in opening size or structural changes
Painting and decorating inside or outside
Gutter replacement
Siding
Concrete or asphalt flatwork such as sidewalks, patios, or driveways
All types of fences

Inspections

How to Schedule

county page says to contact the office and the office is open for permit and inspection availability; exact scheduling s (contact)

Typical inspection sequence: permit first, then inspections at the required stages

second and additional reinspection fees apply; failure to request inspections carries a penalty

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
Current permit fees
District restrictions chart
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 Starke County Planning Commission / Plan Commission Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starke County Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Starke County, IN?: Fees are calculated as: examples include $0.20 per square foot for new single-family dwellings, $0.15 per square foot for certain alterations/repairs/remodeling, and $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot for garages and accessory structures depending on size.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Starke County, IN?: The following work is generally exempt: Roof sheeting and roof replacement with no structural changes; New driveways; Door, storm door, window, or garage door replacement with no change in opening size or structural changes; Painting and decorating inside or outside; Gutter replacement; Siding; Concrete or asphalt flatwork such as sidewalks, patios, or driveways; All types of fences.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Starke County, IN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: county page says to contact the office and the office is open for permit and inspection availability; exact scheduling s.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Starke County Unincorporated Area can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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