Submit a Complete Madison County Permit, Pass Every Inspection and Avoid the Double-Fee Stop-Work Rule
Madison County uses an iWorQ portal for building applications, permit searches and inspection requests. The county will not accept a partial application package, so the site plan, building plans, elevations, driveway approval and septic or sewer documents must be prepared before submission.
This guide explains the exact county jurisdiction, published local fees, 7–10-business-day review benchmark, inspection stages, rural driveway rules, zoning hearings, state design-release issues and permit closeout steps.
Start With the Action You Need
Madison County Planning and Building Contact Information
Confirm Whether the County or a Municipality Issues the Permit
County jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Madison County
- Town of Orestes building jurisdiction
- County Planning Commission land-use review
- County or private road driveway permits
Verify separately
- Anderson
- Alexandria
- Elwood
- Pendleton
- Other incorporated towns or cities
An incorporated municipality may operate its own building or zoning office.
Fast parcel check
- Search the property in the Assessor system.
- Save the parcel ID and township.
- Confirm incorporated status.
- Call Planning before starting an application when uncertain.
Which Madison County Permit Path Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Prepare |
Local dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
New one- or two-family home |
Building + driveway + sewer/septic |
Plans, scaled site plan, elevations, wall section, parcel ID and project cost |
Health approval or sewer tap proof and driveway permit |
Addition, attached garage, deck, porch or patio |
Building permit |
Building plans, scaled site plan, elevations and property-line distances |
Setbacks, septic location, easements and drainage |
Detached garage, shed or accessory building |
Accessory structure permit |
Plans, site plan, dimensions, use and elevations |
Published fee category covers detached structures over 121 sq. ft.; confirm smaller structures and zoning |
Pole barn |
Building permit |
Plans, scaled site plan, elevations and structural information |
Living quarters require engineer-stamped plans plus sewer/septic and driveway documents |
Interior or exterior remodel |
Remodel permit |
Current and proposed plans, square footage, use and project scope |
Electrical panel, HVAC, plumbing or structural inspections |
Manufactured or modular home |
Building + state/mobile documentation |
Unit information, foundation, site plan, utilities, septic/sewer and driveway |
Indiana mobile-structure rules and local placement approval |
Above-ground or in-ground pool |
Pool permit |
Scaled site plan and pool image or sketch |
Setbacks, electrical work, barriers and septic field location |
Solar panels, generator, HVAC or meter base |
Listed permit category |
Equipment, location, electrical scope, contractor and project cost |
Utility release, structural roof information or separate inspection |
Commercial or multifamily construction |
County + state design review |
Professional plans, site development, state release and local permit package |
Indiana DHS Class 1 design release and July 2026 state review policy |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Owner, structure, foundation, contractor and demolition-cost information |
Surveyor approval for drainage tiles and final inspection |
Submit the County Application in the Order It Is Reviewed
Find the parcel ID before opening the form
The online application requires a parcel ID and says it must be supplied with the building-permit request.
Select the correct township and improvement type
The portal asks for the project township and a specific improvement category, such as new home, addition, pole barn, remodel, pool, solar, generator, driveway, demolition or meter-base replacement.
Complete the project and utility questions
Enter construction type, foundation, roof framing, height, heat, water heater, electric service, provider, wastewater connection, bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and project cost.
Upload every required document at one time
The county states that partial required documents are not accepted. Submit the complete plan, site-plan and elevation package.
Wait for county review and contact
After a complete submission, the county portal lists a normal review benchmark of seven to ten business days.
Pay when the permit is ready for issuance
The office contacts the applicant by email or phone with the permit status and cost.
Use the issued permit number for inspections
Keep the approved plans and permit information available and complete every required inspection before requesting final approval.
Project-Specific Document Checklist
Every building application
- One plan or blueprint set
- Scaled site plan
- Building elevations
- Project address
- Parcel ID
- Township
- Square footage or dimensions
- Estimated project cost
New home
- Building plans
- Scaled site plan
- All building elevations
- Wall section
- Septic approval letter or sewer tap proof
- Driveway permit
- Bedroom and bathroom count
- Utility-provider details
Pole barn or accessory structure
- Building plans
- Scaled site plan
- All elevations
- Building height
- Foundation type
- Intended use
- Electric or HVAC scope
- Engineer stamp for living quarters
Swimming pool
- Scaled site plan
- Distance to all four property lines
- Road label
- North arrow
- Pool image or sketch
- Barrier details
- Electrical scope
- Septic-location check
What the Scaled Site Plan Should Show
- Complete parcel boundaries
- North arrow
- Road name
- Drawing scale
- Existing buildings
- Proposed building footprint
- Distance to front property line
- Distance to rear property line
- Distance to both side property lines
- Driveway location
- Septic or sewer information
- Utility and drainage conflicts
Madison County Building Permit Fees and Calculator
Permit category |
Published formula |
Example or note |
|---|---|---|
New one- or two-family dwelling |
$650 + $0.10 per sq. ft. over 1,200 |
1,800 sq. ft. = $710 published base fee |
New multifamily or hotel/motel |
$650 + $50 per unit |
Enter total unit count |
New nonresidential |
$1,100 + $0.10 per sq. ft. over 3,000 |
5,000 sq. ft. = $1,300 published base fee |
One- or two-family addition |
$650 + $0.10 per sq. ft. over 1,200 |
Published schedule uses the new-home formula |
Residential remodel |
$100 + $0.10 per sq. ft. |
1,000 sq. ft. = $200 |
Nonresidential remodel |
$350 + $0.10 per sq. ft. |
2,000 sq. ft. = $550 |
Detached accessory structure over 121 sq. ft. |
$150 + $0.10 per sq. ft. |
Confirm requirements for smaller structures |
Nonstructural permit |
$100 |
Earthmoving, pond or change of use without a structure |
Pool |
$275 in-ground; $150 above-ground |
Electrical or other work may require additional review |
Driveway or curb cut |
$125 |
State-road access uses INDOT |
Published County Fee Estimator
Select a fee category and enter square footage, units or number of structures as requested.
Other published charges
- Individual building inspection: $55
- Reinspection: $55
- Work started without a permit: double permit fee
- Demolition: $20 + $50 per additional structure
- Non-illuminated sign: $175
- Illuminated sign: $250
- Meter base: $125
- Engineering review: actual direct county cost
- Zoning verification or file research: $125 per hour
- Copies: $1 per page
Starting Early Can Double the Permit Fee
Early-bird stop-work charge
The published fee schedule doubles the applicable permit fee when work starts without the required permit.
Reinspection charge
A failed or unready inspection can result in a $55 reinspection fee under the linked schedule.
Zoning penalties
The linked schedule includes escalating zoning penalties and allows further daily fines at the Director’s discretion after unresolved citations.
Schedule the Correct Inspection and Keep Work Visible
How to request an inspection
- Open the county permit-search page.
- Enter the permit number.
- Open the matching record.
- Use the contractor or permit access code when requested.
- Choose the inspection type.
- Select a date from available calendar openings.
Information requested
- Requester name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Requested date
- Requested time preference
- Inspection type
- Permit access code
- Comments or access details
Portal inspection |
What should be ready |
Do not do this first |
|---|---|---|
Footings |
Excavation, location, width, depth, reinforcement and forms |
Pour concrete before approval |
Foundation |
Foundation walls, reinforcement, anchorage and required waterproofing |
Backfill or conceal required work |
Underslab |
Piping, conduit, vapor barrier and slab preparation visible |
Pour the slab before inspection |
Rough-in |
Framing and applicable systems installed and exposed |
Install drywall or insulation too early |
Meter base or panel |
Approved equipment, grounding, service and utility coordination |
Request utility connection before required approval |
Pool, pole barn or steel building |
Correct listed construction stage, plans and site access |
Choose a generic inspection without explaining the stage |
Final |
Project complete, corrections resolved and all required systems operational |
Occupy or use work before required final approval |
What Common iWorQ Statuses Mean
New Homes and New Road Cuts Need Driveway Approval
Which office handles the driveway?
- State road: Obtain the access permit through INDOT.
- County or private road: Use Madison County Planning.
- The portal currently lists 765-641-9544 for county/private driveway questions.
- A driveway application is required for new homes and new cuts from the road.
Prepare before inspection
- Describe the exact driveway location.
- Use lot number or distance from the nearest intersection.
- State which side of the road.
- Mark or flag the proposed location.
- Confirm whether a drainage pipe is required.
- Do not relocate the approved drive without written permission.
Drainage pipe
The currently linked guideline uses a minimum 12-inch pipe and permits the Engineer Inspector to require a larger size for drainage.
Roadside drainage
The approach cannot block street or highway drainage. The permit holder remains responsible for approach maintenance.
Hard surface and turnaround
The linked standards require a hard-surfaced approach in the right-of-way and show a turnaround requirement on county roads and subdivisions.
Obtain Sewer or Septic Approval Before County Review
Public sanitary sewer
Upload a signed sewer agreement or proof that the tap fee has been paid.
Confirm the utility provider and service availability before finalizing the site plan.
Private septic system
Upload the Madison County Health Department approval letter. The portal describes it as a one-page letter carrying approval and date information.
Keep the proposed building, driveway and accessory structures clear of the approved septic area.
Residential Space Changes the Permit Package
- Engineer-stamped building plans
- Scaled site plan
- Building elevations
- Wall section
- Septic letter or sewer tap proof
- Driveway permit
- Bedroom and bathroom count
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC scope
- Foundation information
- Certificate of Occupancy contact
Complete Drainage Review and Final Inspection
Describe every structure being removed
List the project address, foundation type, number of structures and estimated demolition cost.
Obtain Surveyor approval for drainage tiles
The county demolition application specifically instructs the applicant to obtain Surveyor’s Office approval for drainage tiles.
Identify the responsible contractor
State whether the property owner is acting as general contractor or provide contractor information.
Start within the permit period
The linked demolition application says demolition must begin within six months of the permit date.
Complete the final inspection
The application says a copy of the final inspection is delivered to the Assessor so removed structures can be taken off the tax roll.
Use the Correct Public-Hearing Route
Planning Commission
Regular meeting: Second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM.
Location: Commissioner’s Court, Room 110, Madison County Government Center.
Use for subdivision, rezone, site-development and other Planning Commission matters.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Regular meeting: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM.
Location: Commissioner’s Court, Room 110.
Use for variances, special uses and appeals involving zoning policy.
Application |
Published fee |
What the fee does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
Residential special use |
$400 + $70 per additional variance |
Approval, hearing date or a building permit |
Commercial, industrial or other special use |
$700 + $150 per additional variance |
Technical or site-development approval |
Residential variance |
$400 + $70 per additional variance |
That every requested dimensional change will be granted |
Commercial or industrial variance |
$700 + $150 per additional variance |
Building-code or state-design approval |
Rezone |
$700 |
Final legislative action or development approval |
Site-development plan review |
$500 |
Engineering, utility, drainage or building approval |
Appeal |
$350 |
Reversal of the administrative decision |
Use the Correct Office for Each Property Question
Question |
Correct starting point |
Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
Is the parcel in a flood zone? |
Planning Commission and FEMA maps |
The Surveyor’s Office says it does not make flood-zone determinations |
Where are regulated drains? |
County Surveyor and Drainage Board records |
A private connecting tile remains the landowner’s responsibility |
Can the county survey my lot? |
Private Indiana land surveyor |
The County Surveyor does not survey private property |
Does the county have my survey? |
Recorder’s Office or original surveyor |
The Surveyor’s Office does not keep private property surveys |
Where can I screen the parcel? |
County Assessor and Madison County GIS |
GIS does not replace a legal boundary or elevation survey |
Residential and Commercial Projects Follow Different State Paths
One- and two-family residential
The Indiana DHS rules page lists the 2020 Indiana Residential Code as currently effective.
It is based on the 2018 International Residential Code with Indiana amendments.
Class 1 and commercial structures
The state rules page lists the 2014 Indiana Building Code as currently effective.
Ask whether an Indiana construction design release is required before local permit issuance.
July 2026 state-plan policy
Indiana DHS implemented new plan-review directives effective July 1, 2026, including a qualifying design-professional self-certification path.
The state application can still be required even when a release occurs without full review.
Verify Who Is Listed on the iWorQ Record
Contractor record
- The application requires a matching contractor record.
- Contractors with expired licenses cannot submit through the form.
- Contact the county when the contractor cannot be found.
- Verify trade-specific and state requirements.
- Make sure the contractor name matches the signed contract.
Property-owner route
- The applicant can identify as the property owner.
- The application asks who will perform the work.
- Homeowner-performed work remains subject to permits and inspections.
- Hired trades may require their own qualified contractor records.
- Confirm owner-builder limitations directly with Planning.
Find Current Permits, Parcel Data, Deeds and Surveys
Information needed |
Official source |
Search method |
|---|---|---|
Current permit or inspection history |
Permit number, date, parcel address or contractor |
|
Parcel ID and owner |
Owner name or address |
|
County GIS and drainage screening |
Address, parcel and map layers |
|
Deed, legal description or recorded survey |
Public terminals, Laredo or Tapestry |
|
Flood map |
Exact address or map location |
|
Indiana state design release |
State project number or application |
Old Madison County Permit Not Final?
Give the county
- Permit number
- Property address
- Parcel ID
- Original work scope
- Applicant or contractor name
- Available plans and photos
Ask the county
- Which inspection is missing?
- Is the permit active?
- Are revised plans required?
- Does current code apply?
- Is a reinspection fee due?
- What proves final closure?
Fix Common Madison County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Portal cannot find the property |
Wrong jurisdiction, address format or parcel information |
Find the parcel ID and confirm unincorporated county jurisdiction |
Application will not submit |
Required file, field, contractor record or parcel match is missing |
Review every required field and upload before trying again |
County rejects the package as incomplete |
Missing site plan, elevations, wall section, septic/sewer or driveway permit |
Use the project-specific checklist and submit one complete package |
Review takes longer than expected |
Incomplete documents, zoning issue, state design release or outside approval |
Ask which reviewer or document is holding the record |
Driveway cannot be approved |
Location is not marked, drainage is blocked or state-road authority applies |
Flag the location and confirm county versus INDOT jurisdiction |
Inspection fails |
Wrong stage, concealed work, missing plans or incomplete corrections |
Correct every cited item before paying for or requesting reinspection |
Permit fee is higher than the calculator |
CPI update, engineering, additional permits, inspection or current county calculation |
Request an itemized county invoice |
Property survey is unavailable |
The county Surveyor does not keep private-property surveys |
Check Recorder records or hire a private licensed surveyor |
What to Say When You Contact Madison County
“The project is at [address and parcel ID] in [township]. Is it inside unincorporated Madison County, and does your office issue both the building and zoning approval?”
“I plan to build [exact project]. Which plans, site-plan details, septic or sewer approval, driveway permit and state design-release documents are required?”
“Permit application [number] was submitted with all listed documents. Which review, correction or outside approval is preventing issuance?”
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number] at [address]. The approved plans are available and the work is exposed and ready.”
“Please confirm the current base permit, inspection, engineering, processing and other charges for this project before I pay.”
“Permit [number] does not appear final. Which inspection, document or Certificate of Occupancy requirement remains outstanding?”
Madison County Permit Completion Checklist
- County jurisdiction confirmed
- Parcel ID found
- Township selected correctly
- Zoning and setbacks checked
- Flood and drainage issues checked
- Septic or sewer approval obtained
- Driveway permit obtained when required
- Complete building plans prepared
- Scaled site plan prepared
- All elevations included
- Engineer-stamped plans added when required
- Contractor record verified
- State design release checked
- Application fully submitted
- County corrections resolved
- Permit issued before construction
- Approved plans kept available
- Work kept visible for inspections
- Every required inspection passed
- Final or occupancy record saved
Madison County Government Center Map
Open the Correct Madison County or Indiana Resource
Madison County Building Department FAQs
Which properties are served by the Madison County Planning Commission?
The Planning Commission’s jurisdiction includes unincorporated Madison County. It also serves as the Building Commission for the Town of Orestes. Properties inside other incorporated municipalities may use a separate permit authority.
What is the Madison County Planning office phone number and address?
Call 765-641-9540. The office is at the Madison County Government Center, 16 East 9th Street, Anderson, Indiana 46016. Published office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on county working days.
Where do I apply for a Madison County building permit?
Use the Madison County iWorQ Citizen Portal. The application asks for a matching property, parcel ID, township, improvement type, construction details, contractor information and the required project documents.
What documents are required for a new home?
Prepare building plans, a scaled site plan, building elevations, a wall section, septic approval or sewer tap proof and a driveway permit. The site plan must show road names, distances to all four property lines, a north arrow, driveway and scale.
How long does Madison County permit review take?
The county permit portal states that review normally takes seven to ten business days after all required documents have been submitted. Incomplete applications, zoning issues, state plan review and outside approvals can extend the process.
How much is a Madison County residential building permit?
The county-linked fee schedule lists $650 plus $0.10 per square foot over 1,200 for new one- or two-family construction and additions. A residential remodel is listed at $100 plus $0.10 per square foot. Confirm the current invoice because the linked schedule allows administrative CPI updates.
What happens if construction starts without a county permit?
The published fee schedule lists an early-bird stop-work charge equal to double the applicable permit fee when required approval was not obtained before work began.
How do I schedule a Madison County inspection?
Search the permit in iWorQ using the permit number, open the record and use the inspection request function. The portal may require the contractor or permit access code. Available types include footing, foundation, underslab, rough-in, final, meter-base, pool, pole-barn, steel-building and demolition inspections.
Does a new home need septic and driveway approval?
Yes, when applicable. A home using a private septic system needs a Madison County Health Department approval letter. A sewer-connected home needs a signed agreement or proof of tap-fee payment. New homes and new road cuts also need the appropriate county or INDOT driveway permit.
Which building code applies in Madison County, Indiana?
The Indiana DHS current-rules page lists the 2020 Indiana Residential Code for one- and two-family structures and the 2014 Indiana Building Code for Class 1 structures as currently effective. Commercial or Class 1 work may also require an Indiana construction design release.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Madison County, Indiana. Applications, payments, inspections, zoning decisions, state design releases and code interpretations must be completed through the responsible government agency.
This page was checked against the official Madison County Planning Commission page, iWorQ permit portal and application, county-linked fee schedule, driveway and demolition forms, Assessor, Surveyor, Recorder, Indiana DHS code rules and Indiana Building Plan Review resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
The county’s fee document was approved in 2022 but remains linked from the current Planning Commission page. Because its notes allow administrative CPI adjustments, confirm all charges before paying. Meeting locations, proposed zoning documents, staff, portals and state-code procedures can also change.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.