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

Section 150.15 prohibits construction that is not in conformity with a valid building permit obtained from the Building Commissioner before work begins. A permit is required before any new construction or structural improvement not otherwise exempted where the cost exceeds $2,500 or the work exceeds 120 square feet, and before any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical improvement costing more than $750, including installing a furnace, water heater, new meter base, meter base relocation, or panel upgrade. A person whose project would otherwise be exempt by cost or size may still apply voluntarily and pay the fee to secure inspections.

Section 150.16 requires a complete application to the Building Commissioner with contact information, detailed scaled plans and specifications, and a scaled plot plan showing the structure's location relative to property lines, streets, curbs, and sidewalks; a state Design Release may be required under I.C. 22-15-3. Fees are paid to the County Building Commission Fund in person or online, with the vendor's processing fees added for card payments (Section 150.17). The Building Commissioner issues the permit under Section 150.21 once the application is complete and the work will not violate other applicable laws.

Under Section 150.23, a permit expires if work has not started within six months of issuance, or if it has not been substantially completed within two years, with written notice given in either case. Section 150.18 exempts small identification signs, certain agricultural structures on 20 or more acres, and government structures funded at least 75% by county taxes from permit fees.