Building Permits in Indianapolis

Indianapolis/Marion County provides Accela Citizen Access for permit applications and related services. Confirm jurisdiction for the project address because incorporated/excluded municipalities can have different procedures.

Current Code Framework

Indiana's Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission adopts model codes with Indiana amendments. The Commission currently lists the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, based on the 2018 International Residential Code, as in effect. Other disciplines have their own Indiana code rules and edition dates, so do not assume the residential edition applies to commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fire work.

Permit Process

1. Confirm the responsible Indianapolis/Marion County jurisdiction and zoning.
2. Identify structural, improvement-location, and trade permits required for the scope.
3. Prepare the required plans and supporting documents.
4. Submit through the current Accela Citizen Access process.
5. Complete plan review and corrections.
6. Pay current assessed fees and obtain the permit.
7. Schedule required inspections.
8. Complete final approval/occupancy requirements when applicable.

Fees and Review Time

The Accela portal directs users to the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services fee information. Fees can change and depend on permit type. No generic review-time estimate is stated here.

Inspections and Professionals

Inspection and professional-design requirements depend on project scope and applicable Indiana/local rules. Verify them for the specific application instead of applying a universal inspection sequence or seal requirement.

Official Sources

Use Indianapolis/Marion County Accela for current permit services and Indiana DHS for the currently effective state code rules.