Building Permits in City of Indianapolis
Marion County, Indiana
200 E Washington St, Suite 1160, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-327-8700
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website · Online Permit Portal
Permit Types & Fees
| Permit Type | Category | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Required for new residential construction, additions, and structural modifications. | residential | Varies by project valuation | 10-15 business days |
| Commercial Building Permit Required for commercial new construction, tenant improvements, and major renovations. | commercial | Varies by project valuation | 15-30 business days |
| Deck Permit Required for new deck construction or major modifications to existing decks. | residential | Contact office | 5-10 business days |
| Fence Permit Required for fence installation. Fences over 6 feet or in front yards may require additional review. | residential | Contact office | 5-7 business days |
| Electrical Permit Required for electrical installations, service upgrades, panel replacements, and new circuits. | trade | Varies by scope | 5-10 business days |
| Plumbing Permit Required for plumbing installations, water heater replacements, and sewer line work. | trade | Varies by scope | 5-10 business days |
| HVAC/Mechanical Permit Required for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations or replacements. | trade | Varies by scope | 5-10 business days |
| Demolition Permit Required for full or partial demolition. Asbestos survey required for pre-1980 structures. | demolition | Contact office | 10-15 business days |
Required Documents
Residential Building Permit
- Completed permit application
- Site/plot plan with setbacks
- Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations)
- Proof of contractor registration
- Energy compliance documentation
Commercial Building Permit
- Completed permit application
- Stamped architectural and structural drawings
- Site plan with parking, drainage, and accessibility
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans
- Fire protection plans (if applicable)
Deck Permit
- Permit application
- Site plan showing deck location and setbacks
- Construction drawings with dimensions and footings
- Ledger board attachment details
Fence Permit
- Permit application
- Site plan showing fence location and property lines
- Fence height and material specifications
Demolition Permit
- Demolition permit application
- Asbestos survey report (pre-1980)
- Utility disconnect confirmations
- Site plan
Building Code
Indiana Building Code (based on 2012 ICC codes with state amendments)
Inspection Process
Schedule through the Accela portal or by calling 317-327-8700. Typical inspections include footing, foundation, rough-in, insulation, and final. 24-hour advance notice required.
Additional Notes
Indianapolis and Marion County operate as a consolidated city-county government (Unigov). BNS handles all permits. Excluded cities (Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, Speedway) have their own permit offices.
Permit Expediters Serving City of Indianapolis
Alliance Permitting
Multi-state permit expediting company covering Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and other states. Handles commercial an...
Burnham Nationwide
National permit expediting firm with over 30 years of experience. Specializes in commercial and residential permits acro...
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Verified Data Last verified: February 23, 2026 · Source: indy.gov