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Bartholomew County, IN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit trigger
Required once cost exceeds $300 (§150.36)
Scope
Unincorporated county only; fences excluded (§150.04)
Application needs
Fee, plans, plot plan for new structures (§150.35)
Permit term
Good 2 years, void after 6 months unused (§150.40)
Renewal fee
50% of original permit fee (§150.20(R))
Unpermitted work penalty
Min $5, doubles permit cost (§150.38)

Summary

A building permit is required in unincorporated Bartholomew County before any construction, alteration or repair whose cost exceeds $300, under section 150.36 of the county Building Code. Section 150.35 requires the application to include the applicable fee, plans and specifications, and a plot plan for new construction. Section 150.04 limits the chapter to the unincorporated area and excludes fences and mobile structures certified under I.C. 22-15-4.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bartholomew County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 150.35 PERMIT APPLICATION. ... (A) All pertinent forms shall be provided by the Department. No permit shall be issued for construction unless the application for the permit is accompanied by: (1) The payment of appropriate fees as described herein; (2) Plans and specifications showing the construction to be accomplished; and (3) In the event of construction of a new structure, or extension to an existing structure, a plot plan showing the location of the new structure or the extension to existing structure, as well as all other existing improvements and lot boundaries. ... § 150.36 PERMIT REQUIRED. A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure, the cost of which exceeds $300, using forms furnished by the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, and all fees required by this Code shall be paid to the office of Department of Code Enforcement.

View official code

Full Breakdown

C. 22-15-4. 36 sets the trigger for a permit: any construction, alteration or repair costing more than $300 requires one before work begins, using forms furnished by the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, with fees paid to the Department of Code Enforcement. C. 22-15-3-1 must also be provided before the permit issues. 21, ranging from a $200 minimum for a one- and two-family dwelling to a $400 minimum, capped at $10,000, for new commercial, industrial or multi-family construction. 20(R).

Violations & Fines

Beginning construction before obtaining the required permit draws the section 150.38 penalty: a minimum $5 fee, and generally double the cost of the permit that should have been obtained. Continuing to build, occupy or use a structure contrary to the Building Code is a violation under section 150.46, punishable under section 150.99 by a fine of $100 to $500, with each day of the violation a separate Class C infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bartholomew County?
Section 150.36 requires a permit before beginning any construction, alteration or repair of a building or structure whose cost exceeds $300. Forms come from the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, and the required fees are paid to the Department of Code Enforcement before work starts.
What has to go with a building permit application?
Section 150.35(A) requires the application to include payment of the fee, plans and specifications for the work, and, for a new structure or an extension, a plot plan showing its location, existing improvements and lot boundaries, though the plot plan can be waived for good cause.
Does the county Building Code cover fences?
No. Section 150.04 states the Building Code applies to construction in the unincorporated county but expressly excludes fences, along with industrialized building systems or mobile structures certified under I.C. 22-15-4, from the permit and fee requirements of Chapter 150.
What happens if I build without a permit first?
Section 150.38 imposes a minimum $5 fee and generally doubles the permit cost for work started before a permit issues, and section 150.99 adds a fine of $100 to $500 per day of continued violation, charged as a Class C infraction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bartholomew County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Bartholomew County rules

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