Washington County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Washington County. County code and county building department materials indicate the county building department handles county-level building permit and inspection functions outside incorporated municipal jurisdictions.

Department

Washington County Building Department / Washington County Building Commissioner

Address

601 Anson St, Salem, IN 47167

Phone

812-883-0139

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Washington County and not inside Salem or another incorporated municipality.
2. If the project includes septic work, obtain the septic permit first from the Washington County Health Department.
3. Use the county building department for the building permit and required inspections / evaluations.
4. County materials show a required 24-hour notice for evaluations.
5. For manufactured home, framed home, and modular home projects, county checklists require homeowner or general contractor participation at each stage.

General Requirements

County code and county forms indicate permits are required for new dwelling construction, temporary site improvements, manufactured homes, and related building work subject to county inspection.

Required Documents

• County materials reference the building application, septic permit where applicable, deed or proof of ownership, site plan, and project-specific plans or checklist items.

Building code

The county temporary site improvement application states the current International Residential Code is on file with the Washington County Building Department. County code also references the county building code and inspection authority.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 for 0 up to 500 square feet.

Permit fee formula

County ordinance fee schedule is square-foot based:

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• County code and forms reviewed focus on regulated building work, temporary site improvements, manufactured homes, and inspection-controlled construction stages.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact the Washington County Building Department by phone. The public checklist materials require 24-hour notice. (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: County checklists show:

County materials state the homeowner or general contractor should be present for each phase, and a $250 per day fine may apply for failure to call for required evaluations.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county temporary site improvement application states the current International Residential Code is on file with the Washington County Building Department. County code also references the county building code and inspection authority.
• Washington County code of ordinances
• Washington County land use code
• Washington County Health Department septic systems
• Washington County comprehensive plan
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington County Building Permit FAQ

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

County code and county forms indicate permits are required for new dwelling construction, temporary site improvements, manufactured homes, and related building work subject to county inspection.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50 for 0 up to 500 square feet.. Fees are calculated as: County ordinance fee schedule is square-foot based:.

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

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Washington County and not inside Salem or another incorporated municipality. 2. If the project includes septic work, obtain the septic permit first from the Washington County Health Department. 3. Use the county building department for the building permit and required inspections / evaluations. 4. County materials show a required 24-hour notice for evaluations. 5. For manufactured home, framed home, and modular home projects, county checklists require homeowner or general contractor participation at each stage.

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

The following work is generally exempt: County code and forms reviewed focus on regulated building work, temporary site improvements, manufactured homes, and inspection-controlled construction stages..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact the Washington County Building Department by phone. The public checklist materials require 24-hour notice..