On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tippecanoe County
County reviews and issues permits for building construction, fills, demolitions, and electrical work. All in-ground pools require a permit; above-ground pools require one if 42 inches or taller. Most signs require a permit.
Fences do not require a building permit, although zoning rules still apply
Above-ground pools below 42 inches do not require a permit
- Exempt Fences do not require a building permit, although zoning rules still apply
- Exempt Above-ground pools below 42 inches do not require a permit
Required documents
- Application and ASC form
- Subcontractor list
- Owner signature or letter of consent
- Detailed plans
- Site plan
- Project-specific approvals (septic permit, floodplain permit, driveway permit where applicable)
- Building code
- Compliance with local ordinances and state adopted codes. Inspections are for compliance with local ordinances and state adopted codes. The 2012 Indiana Energy Code is referenced.
- Permit validity
- Permit is valid for 2 years but must be started within the first year.
- Owner-builder
- County forms require owner authorization and allow homeowner sign-off through the application or letter of consent.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors hired to work on a permitted job must have a current License and Permit Bond on file. $15,000 for a general contractor and $10,000 per trade for a subcontractor.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 10 days for plan review; up to 10 working days after a full submittal.
- 01 Confirm zoning and site constraints. Plan review requires building and site plans, and APC zoning review may be needed depending on the project.
- 02 Download the applicable permit application and supporting forms from the county online permit page.
- 03 Assemble the required packet: application and ASC form, subcontractor list, owner letter of consent if needed, construction plans, site plan, and project-specific items such as septic approval, floodplain permit, or driveway permit.
- 04 Submit the package to the Building Commission by email plan submittal, or in person at the county office.
- 05 Pay fees by check or exact cash only until 3:30 PM daily.
- 06 Wait for review and issuance. County states the Building Commissioner is allowed up to 10 days to review plans.
- 07 Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice and complete the required sequence through final approval.
Typical processing time: Up to 10 days for plan review; up to 10 working days after a full submittal.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Tippecanoe County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$75.00 plus $20.00 filing fee
02
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Residential and remodel work: $0.25 per square foot; agricultural and several accessory categories: $0.20 per square foot; commercial: $0.35 per square foot; electrical and demolition fees are flat-fee categories.
03
Reinspection fee
$75.00; third reinspection for same inspection type requires $50.00 fee before another inspection
04
Penalty (no permit)
Actual permit fee plus 50% of permit fee plus $70.00 filing fee for building without permit
Payment by check or exact cash only until 3:30 PM daily.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 765-423-9225 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours notice required for all inspections
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Foundation footer or slab; temporary pole; rough-in and temporary main; permanent service; final; certificate of occupancy as applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Tippecanoe County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
County reviews and issues permits for building construction, fills, demolitions, and electrical work. All in-ground pools require a permit; above-ground pools require one if 42 inches or taller. Most signs require a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $75.00 plus $20.00 filing fee. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential and remodel work: $0.25 per square foot; agricultural and several accessory categories: $0.20 per square foot; commercial: $0.35 per square foot; electrical and demolition fees are flat-fee categories..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and site constraints. Plan review requires building and site plans, and APC zoning review may be needed depending on the project. 2. Download the applicable permit application and supporting forms from the county online permit page. 3. Assemble the required packet: application and ASC form, subcontractor list, owner letter of consent if needed, construction plans, site plan, and project-specific items such as septic approval, floodplain permit, or driveway permit. 4. Submit the package to the Building Commission by email plan submittal, or in person at the county office. 5. Pay fees by check or exact cash only until 3:30 PM daily. 6. Wait for review and issuance. County states the Building Commissioner is allowed up to 10 days to review plans. 7. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice and complete the required sequence through final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN typically run Up to 10 days for plan review; up to 10 working days after a full submittal.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN. The following work is generally exempt: Fences do not require a building permit, although zoning rules still apply; Above-ground pools below 42 inches do not require a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Tippecanoe County, IN via: 765-423-9225. At least 24 hours notice required for all inspections.
last verified April 2026
source Tippecanoe County Building Commission ↗
entry id permits/indiana/tippecanoe/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Tippecanoe County Building Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.