Steuben County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County plan commission jurisdiction and unincorporated county area; the county fee schedule and ordinances govern Improvement Location Permits and related zoning actions in the county jurisdiction

Department

Steuben County Plan Commission / Plan Director / Plan and Building Office

Address

317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2-H, Angola, IN 46703

Phone

(260) 668-1000 ext. 1224

Email

countycommissioners@co.steuben.in.us

Website

https://www.co.steuben.in.us/

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction.
2. Prepare the appropriate improvement location permit or zoning application materials.
3. Submit to the Plan Commission or Plan Director for review.
4. Staff reviews zoning and related ordinance compliance, including any drainage, subdivision, or building-related approvals required by ordinance.
5. Pay the applicable fee after review and before issuance.
6. Receive the permit and proceed with inspections and final approval as required.

General Requirements

The storm drainage ordinance states no Improvement Location Permit may be issued for construction, extension, remodeling, alteration, or repair until plans are approved in writing by the Steuben County Surveyor

Permit validity

Each listed permit is valid for 12 months from issue under Ordinance 879

Owner-builder

County meeting minutes state a property owner may build a house for immediate family without a building permit under the referenced "log cabin rule"; if one person is hired, that exception no longer applies

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Improvement Location Permits under 199 square feet, $25

Plan check fee

Not separately identified in the reviewed fee schedule

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat fee and size-based schedule

Reinspection fee

Work without a permit, triple fee; occupancy before final inspection, $100; failure to comply, $100 per day; inspection fee schedule includes first trip $30, second trip $40, third and subsequent trips $60 each; renewals $50 for stick built and $25 for all others; mobile home inspections required by zoning ordinance $50 each

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• County minutes indicate an owner building a house for immediate family may fall within a local exception if no hired labor is used

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: County ordinance and fee schedule refer to inspections tied to permit issuance and completion

Triple fee for work without permit; inspection fee schedule prices repeat trips separately

Additional Resources

• 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

Steuben County Building Permit FAQ

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

The storm drainage ordinance states no Improvement Location Permit may be issued for construction, extension, remodeling, alteration, or repair until plans are approved in writing by the Steuben County Surveyor

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

The minimum permit fee is Improvement Location Permits under 199 square feet, $25. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat fee and size-based schedule. Plan check fee: Not separately identified in the reviewed fee schedule.

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

1. Confirm the parcel is in Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction. 2. Prepare the appropriate improvement location permit or zoning application materials. 3. Submit to the Plan Commission or Plan Director for review. 4. Staff reviews zoning and related ordinance compliance, including any drainage, subdivision, or building-related approvals required by ordinance. 5. Pay the applicable fee after review and before issuance. 6. Receive the permit and proceed with inspections and final approval as required.

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

The following work is generally exempt: County minutes indicate an owner building a house for immediate family may fall within a local exception if no hired labor is used.