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1. When are building permits required?

Within the Hamilton County Plan Commission Jurisdictional area the only areas of home improvement / construction that do not require a building permit consist of the replacement of windows and doors, interior decorating, exterior painting, and the replacement of shingles on a roof. All other areas of structural improvement, repair, or addition requires that a building permit be obtained. For building permits regarding special use buildings such as schools, churches, etc., applicants should schedule a meeting with a Plan Commission staff member. Call 317-776-8490 during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to schedule an appointment.

2. Where do I download permit applications online?

All permit applications for the Hamilton County Plan Commission jurisdictional area can be found on the

Plan Commission Resources page.

3. Are you required to have a permit to build a fence?

Fences are not required to have a permit within the Hamilton County Plan Commission jurisdictional area. This does not mean that the other planning jurisdictions within the County do not issue fence permits as well.

Even though Hamilton County Plan Commission doesn't require a fence permit, our Zoning Ordinance still has requirements for the type and placement of fences. For more information on placement of fences, please visit our fence requirements page.

4. Do farm structures require permits?

Within the Hamilton County Plan Commission jurisdictional area farm structures do require a permit. The following is taken directly from the Ordinance:

Accessory farm structures constructed in the normal course of agricultural business for the support of individual farms are not subject to requirements for detailed construction plans; however, a special agricultural accessory building permit is required with two inspection fees. If any structure requires plumbing, heating, sewage, electrical installation, or office space such structure will be subject to the accessory permit fees contained in the ordinance.

For additional information, please view the Agricultural Related Permit (PDF).

5. Do signs require permits?

Within the Hamilton County Plan Commission jurisdictional area all signs do require a permit. For exemptions, please visit our Sign Exemptions page.

6. Are permit reports available online?

All monthly Permit Reports for the Hamilton County Plan Commission jurisdictional area are located on the Permit Reports page.