County Building Permits

White County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Indiana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

White County unincorporated areas; the county office also administers county building and floodplain permitting for local projects subject to county rules

Department
White County Building and Planning / Building Inspector's Office
Address
110 N Main Street, 2nd Floor, White Co. Government Center, Monticello, IN 47960
Phone
(574) 583-7355
Website
https://www.in.gov/counties/white/departments/building-and-floodplain/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Accela citizen portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit.
  2. Prepare the application packet and required supporting documents.
  3. Submit through the portal or to White County Building and Planning.
  4. County staff reviews zoning, floodplain, and building requirements.
  5. If commercial, obtain CDR or other upstream releases as required.
  6. Permit is issued after all required approvals are complete.

Source: White County Building and Planning / Building Inspector's Office

General Requirements

new homes, additions, remodels that affect structure or footprint, accessory structures above the stated thresholds, structural changes, many electrical, plumbing, and mechanical upgrades, and other work listed in the county notice

Required Documents

  • completed application, estimated construction value, contractor contact information, property record card, site plan, construction drawings, energy code documentation when applicable, drainage or septic confirmation when applicable, and TLRSD confirmation if within its service area
Building code
The public page lists a Building Codes Enforced document, but the exact code title was not captured in the source material reviewed
Contractor requirements
Contractor name, address, and phone are required on the residential application packet; commercial work may require CDR before local permit issuance

Fees

Permit fee formula
Common residential formula is $0.14 per square foot for conventional new home construction with a $175 minimum; $0.10 per square foot for modular or manufactured homes with a $125 minimum; additions $0.14 per square foot with a $75 minimum; remodels $0.12 per square foot with a $60 minimum

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Change of windows in the same size
  • Roof replacement with no change to roof line or rafters
  • Siding
  • Painting

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Permit review, required inspections during construction, final inspection, then certificate of occupancy

Re-inspection and additional inspections are $35 each

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the White County Building and Planning / Building Inspector's Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

White County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated White County, IN?
new homes, additions, remodels that affect structure or footprint, accessory structures above the stated thresholds, structural changes, many electrical, plumbing, and mechanical upgrades, and other work listed in the county notice
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated White County, IN?
Fees are calculated as: Common residential formula is $0.14 per square foot for conventional new home construction with a $175 minimum; $0.10 per square foot for modular or manufactured homes with a $125 minimum; additions $0.14 per square foot with a $75 minimum; remodels $0.12 per square foot with a $60 minimum.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated White County, IN?
1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit. 2. Prepare the application packet and required supporting documents. 3. Submit through the portal or to White County Building and Planning. 4. County staff reviews zoning, floodplain, and building requirements. 5. If commercial, obtain CDR or other upstream releases as required. 6. Permit is issued after all required approvals are complete.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated White County, IN?
The following work is generally exempt: Change of windows in the same size; Roof replacement with no change to roof line or rafters; Siding; Painting.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated White County 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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