How to Get a Building Permit in Indianapolis: Complete Guide

Do You Need a Building Permit in Indianapolis?

Most construction projects in Indianapolis require a building permit from the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (BNS). This includes new construction, additions, structural modifications, and many renovation projects.

You likely need a permit for:

New home construction
Room additions or conversions
Structural wall removal or modification
Deck construction
Garage or accessory building construction
Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
Roofing replacement (commercial)
Swimming pool installation

You generally do NOT need a permit for:

Painting (interior or exterior)
Flooring replacement
Cabinet replacement (no plumbing changes)
Minor landscaping
Fencing under 6 feet (check your jurisdiction)

Step 1: Determine Your Permit Type

Indianapolis issues several types of building permits:

Residential Building Permit — For homes, additions, and residential structures
Commercial Building Permit — For commercial properties and tenant improvements
Electrical Permit — For electrical work (new circuits, panel upgrades)
Plumbing Permit — For plumbing installations and modifications
HVAC/Mechanical Permit — For heating and cooling system work
Demolition Permit — For full or partial structure demolition

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

For a residential building permit, you’ll typically need:

Completed permit application — Available online through the Accela portal or at the BNS office
Site plan / plot plan — Shows the property boundaries, existing structures, and proposed construction with setback dimensions
Construction drawings — Floor plans, elevations, and structural details drawn to scale
Proof of contractor registration — Your contractor must be registered with Marion County

For larger or commercial projects, you may also need structural engineering plans, fire protection plans, and energy compliance documentation.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your permit application in two ways:

Online (Recommended): Visit the Indianapolis Accela permit portal to submit your application electronically. Upload your documents as PDF files.

In Person: Visit the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services at 200 E Washington St, Suite 1160, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Step 4: Plan Review

After submission, your application enters plan review. Residential permits typically take 10-15 business days for review. Commercial permits may take 15-30 business days depending on complexity.

During review, the plans examiner may request revisions or additional information. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Permit

Permit fees in Indianapolis are based on the project’s construction valuation. Once your plans are approved, you’ll pay the required fees and receive your building permit.

Important: Post your permit in a visible location at the job site before starting construction.

Step 6: Schedule Inspections

During construction, you’ll need to schedule inspections at key milestones:

Foundation inspection — Before pouring concrete
Rough-in inspection — After framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in
Final inspection — After all work is complete

Schedule inspections through the Accela portal or by calling 317-327-8700.

Tips for a Smooth Permit Process

Start early — Don’t wait until construction is ready to begin. Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
Use a licensed contractor — Contractors must be registered in Marion County. Verify at the BNS office.
Keep documents organized — Have digital copies of all plans and documents ready for upload.
Consider a permit expediter — For complex projects or tight timelines, a local permit expediter can manage the entire process for you.

Contact Information

Department of Business & Neighborhood Services 200 E Washington St, Suite 1160 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-327-8700 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Online Permit Portal