Warrick County, IN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Warrick County, IN, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Over 120 sq ft or over $2,500
- Small shed fee
- No charge under 200 sq ft
- Larger shed fee
- $.05/sq ft or $50 minimum
- Commercial fee
- $.10/sq ft or $150 minimum
- Ag exemption
- 20+ acre ag structures exempt from fees
- Issuing office
- Warrick County Building Commissioner
Summary
A shed, pole barn, or other accessory storage structure on a permanent foundation in unincorporated Warrick County, Indiana needs a Building Commissioner permit once it exceeds 120 square feet or costs more than $2,500 under Section 150.15, with fees set by the Section 150.17 schedule.
A permit shall be required before beginning any new construction of any building or structure or before beginning any structural improvement to any building or structure not hereinafter exempted, the cost of which construction or improvements exceeds $2,500; or is more than 120 square feet ... Accessory Uses: Garages, Pole Barns, Less than 200 square feet: $.05 per square foot or Storage Structures on a no charge minimum of $50 permanent foundation ... (1) All structures located on 20+ acres that are used for agricultural purposes are exempt from permit fees.
Full Breakdown
Section 150.15 requires a building permit before constructing any new building or structure, including an accessory structure, where the cost exceeds $2,500 or the structure is more than 120 square feet; demolition of a structure over 120 square feet also triggers the requirement. Section 150.17's residential fee schedule prices 'Garages, Pole Barns, Storage Structures on a permanent foundation' under 200 square feet at no charge, and at $.05 per square foot or a $50 minimum otherwise; the commercial schedule prices a storage or garage accessory structure on a permanent foundation at $.10 per square foot or a $150 minimum.
An application under Section 150.16 must include a scaled plot plan showing the accessory structure's location relative to existing property lines, streets, curbs, and sidewalks, plus scaled plans and specifications. Section 150.18(C) exempts structures on 20 or more acres used for agricultural purposes, and taxpayers who file an Agricultural Section F, from permit fees, though a structure on such land used for personal or residential storage still needs a permit at the residential accessory rate, and any electrical service to an agricultural structure needs a permit at the residential electric rate.
Once built, the Building Commissioner may periodically inspect the accessory structure under Section 150.30 whether or not a permit was required, and a permit for the shed or barn expires if the work is not started within six months or substantially completed within two years under Section 150.23.
Violations & Fines
Erecting an accessory structure without the required permit is enforced under Section 150.99, carrying a fine of up to $2,500. Failing to correct a cited violation within ten days of written notice adds a $250 fine, and $500 more if still uncorrected 20 days after that notice; occupying a structure before any required certificate of occupancy under Section 150.22 is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard shed?
Is a farm building exempt from the permit fee?
What has to be shown on the permit application for a shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Warrick County
How Warrick County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Warrick County to another location·View the Indiana accessory structures overview
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