Build, Inspect and Close an Indianapolis–Marion County Permit Without Missing Zoning, Drainage or Historic Review
The current permitting agency is the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services—not a separate Marion County Building Safety Department.
This guide shows how to use Accela, choose the correct residential or commercial permit, check excluded-city jurisdiction, prepare plans, complete drainage and zoning approvals, schedule inspections and file the final completion document required before occupancy or use.
What Do You Need to Do?
Indianapolis–Marion County Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches the property or project.
Indianapolis–Marion County Permit Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Check Indianapolis, Marion County and Excluded-City Jurisdiction
Use Indianapolis DBNS when
- The project is within the consolidated Indianapolis–Marion County jurisdiction.
- The property appears in the Indianapolis Accela and zoning systems.
- The project is not being routed through an excluded city’s local building office.
Contact the local municipality first when
- The property is in Beech Grove.
- The property is in Lawrence.
- The property is in Southport.
- The property is in Speedway.
Complete the Permit Process in This Sequence
Which Indianapolis–Marion County Permit Fits the Project?
Project |
Main permit or review |
Other approvals to check |
|---|---|---|
New one- or two-family home |
Class 2 residential structural permit |
ILP/zoning, drainage, driveway, floodplain, septic or sewer, trades and completion compliance |
Residential addition |
Residential structural permit |
Site plan, setbacks, drainage, floodplain, historic and separate trades |
Interior structural remodel |
Residential structural alteration |
Floor plans, load-bearing details, electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits |
Deck, porch or permanent accessory structure |
Structural permit |
Setbacks, location permit, drainage screening, easements and historic review |
Roof tear-off and replacement |
Structural permit |
Deck repair, structural modification and historic-material restrictions |
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC work |
Separate trade permit |
Licensed contractor, related structural permit and inspection sequence |
Driveway or curb cut |
Driveway or right-of-way permit |
Drainage, street classification, utility conflicts and traffic requirements |
Grading, fill or changed runoff |
Drainage permit |
Floodplain, regulated drain, levee, SWPPP, sewer discharge and driveway |
Commercial building or addition |
Class 1 structural permit |
ILP, drainage, infrastructure, state Construction Design Release, fire and trades |
Commercial tenant improvement or change of use |
Commercial structural review |
Zoning, occupancy classification, accessibility, fire, state release and completion compliance |
Demolition |
Wrecking permit |
Utilities, asbestos, historic review, site fill, drainage and licensed wrecking contractor |
Work in a local historic district |
IHPC Certificate of Appropriateness |
Structural, trade, zoning and site permits after historic approval |
Apply Without Creating an Incomplete or Duplicate Case
Search the property before starting
Use Accela and the Indy Zoning Browser to confirm the address, parcel, municipality, zoning, flood zone and historic overlays.
Identify the entire permit bundle
List structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, ILP, drainage, driveway, sewer, floodplain and historic approvals.
Create or sign into an Accela account
Registration provides application history, invoices, receipts and pending-case status.
Use the current application and checklist
Residential structural work uses the current Class 2 process. Commercial work uses the Class 1 structural and commercial-development process.
Upload readable, coordinated documents
Plans must clearly show existing and proposed work. Room names, dimensions, doors, windows, structural changes and site conditions must agree.
Pay the application and review charges
DBNS uses line-item application, review, issuance, administration, trade and infrastructure fees.
Respond to every review discipline
Building, zoning, drainage, infrastructure, historic, fire or state reviewers may issue separate comments.
Confirm issuance before beginning work
Download the issued permit and approved documents. Keep the permit number and approved plans available at the jobsite.
What to Prepare Before Opening the Application
Property and zoning
- Exact property address
- Parcel number
- Owner’s legal name
- Zoning district
- Existing legal use
- Historic-district status
Residential plans
- Floor plan for affected floors
- Room labels and dimensions
- Door and window locations
- Structural changes
- Elevations and sections
- Foundation or framing details
Site plan
- Property lines
- Existing and proposed structures
- Setbacks and easements
- Driveways and access
- Utilities and septic
- Drainage direction
Commercial package
- Code analysis
- Occupancy and construction type
- Accessibility information
- State design release
- Fire-protection plans
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans
Drainage and hazards
- Existing and proposed grades
- Stormwater calculations
- Flood-zone information
- SWPPP when required
- Detention or retention summary
- Operations and maintenance manual
Contractor and completion
- Correct contractor license
- Insurance and bond
- Owner authorization
- Trade contractors
- Inspection responsibility
- Completion-card plan
Check Zoning, Historic, Drainage, Floodplain and Infrastructure Before Building
Improvement Location Permit
An ILP or zoning review may control where a structure, addition, driveway, sign or use can be located.
Historic Preservation
Exterior work inside a locally designated historic district can require an Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness.
Drainage Permit
Land alteration, changed runoff, new development and other site work may require drainage review before work begins.
Floodplain Permit
Work in a mapped Floodway or Floodway Fringe can require a Floodplain Development Permit and, for some floodway work, Indiana DNR approval.
Driveway and Right-of-Way
A new curb cut, driveway, sidewalk, street or public right-of-way impact may need a separate infrastructure permit.
Septic or Sewer
Septic work needs Marion County Public Health approval. Combined-sewer discharge and sewer connections can require Citizens Energy or City review.
When a Drainage Permit Becomes a Major Project Dependency
Site condition |
Likely added requirement |
What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
New building, addition or changed impervious area |
Drainage screening or permit |
Site plan, runoff information and proposed grades |
Project in the 100-year flood zone |
Floodplain application |
Elevation, flood-zone data and required state or federal approvals |
Work near a regulated drain easement |
DPW regulated-drain review |
Drain location, easement, proposed impact and plan exhibits |
Work on or near a levee or dam |
Levee-impact review |
Engineering plans and approval from the responsible authority |
Discharge into a combined sewer area |
Citizens Energy approval |
Discharge location, flow information and utility authorization |
Septic installation or alteration |
Health Department approval |
Septic plans, soil information and health permit |
New access point or curb cut |
Driveway permit |
Driveway location, width, street details and drainage impact |
Larger land disturbance |
SWPPP and stormwater controls |
Erosion-control plan, calculations and maintenance responsibility |
Some Minor Work May Be Exempt From a Drainage Permit—But Not From Other Permits
Small landscaping
Common landscaping that alters 1,000 square feet or less may fall within the ordinance exemption when it does not create another regulated condition.
Small accessory structure
An accessory structure of 200 square feet or less serving a one- or two-family dwelling may qualify when it is not on a permanent foundation.
Small exterior enlargement
An enlargement or exterior change of 200 square feet or less may qualify when the site is not in an impacted drainage area.
Open-flow deck
A deck may qualify when water flows freely and directly through it to the ground or it extends at least eight feet above open ground.
In-kind driveway repair
An in-kind repair may be exempt from drainage permitting when the required driveway permit is obtained.
Septic or sewer installation
The drainage exemption depends on obtaining the correct septic or building-sewer permit.
What the Residential Plans Need to Explain
New home or accessory structure
- Floor plans for all affected levels
- Room names and dimensions
- Doors and windows
- Foundation and framing
- Exterior elevations
- Site location and setbacks
Remodel
- Existing and proposed layout
- Legend showing all proposed work
- Load-bearing wall changes
- New headers, beams or supports
- New or removed fixtures
- Egress and life-safety changes
Addition
- Connection to existing house
- New foundation
- Roof and wall framing
- Energy-code details
- Site and drainage impact
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC scope
Use the Correct Inspection Method and Permit Number
Before requesting
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct permit number available
- Correct inspection stage selected
- Work complete for that stage
- Approved plans on site
- Work remains exposed
Provide safe access
- Visible jobsite address
- Unlocked access
- Safe ladder or platform
- Clear work area
- Animals secured
- Site contact reachable
Do Not Cover Work Before the Required Stage Passes
Stage |
What may be inspected |
Do not continue until |
|---|---|---|
Site and foundation |
Location, footing, foundation, underground utilities and drainage work |
The required site and structural approvals are documented |
Rough trades |
Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling installations |
Each trade passes before walls or ceilings are closed |
Framing |
Structural framing, connectors, beams, headers and fire blocking |
Approved plans and required trade rough approvals are available |
Insulation and energy |
Insulation, air sealing and energy-code components |
All required work is visible |
Final trades |
Electrical, plumbing and HVAC completion |
Systems operate safely and corrections are complete |
Final building |
Completed scope, exits, guards, safety features and permit compliance |
The City’s final and completion process is satisfied |
File a Certificate of Completion and Compliance Before Occupancy or Use
No traditional Certificate of Occupancy
Indianapolis–Marion County currently uses the Certificate of Completion and Compliance process instead of issuing a standard Certificate of Occupancy.
Submit within 14 days
The completion certificate must be submitted within 14 days after construction is complete and before the building or new use is occupied.
Submit through the current route
Completion documents can be submitted through Accela or sent to completioncards@indy.gov under the City’s current instructions.
Before filing the completion certificate
- General building final complete
- Electrical final complete
- Heating and cooling final complete
- Plumbing final complete
- Required fire approvals complete
- Drainage and infrastructure work complete
- Approved scope matches construction
- All open corrections resolved
- Final documents available
- Occupancy or use has not begun early
How Indianapolis–Marion County Permit Fees Are Built
Fee category |
What can affect it |
What to verify |
|---|---|---|
Application fee |
Permit type and project class |
Fee due when the case is opened |
Plan-review fee |
Square footage, project type, review time or complexity |
Base review and additional review charges |
Permit-issuance fee |
Structural category, area and scope |
Invoice due before permit issuance |
Administrative fee |
Current DBNS schedule and case type |
Separate line item on the official invoice |
Trade permits |
Electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling scope |
Each trade permit and inspection charge |
Drainage and infrastructure |
Review hours, land alteration, driveways and right-of-way work |
Application, review, issuance and hourly charges |
Reinspection or additional review |
Failed inspections, repeated corrections or extra review time |
Payment required before the next action |
Contractor licensing |
License classification, bond and insurance |
Current annual or application charges |
Verify Licensing Before the Contractor Starts or Pulls Permits
Indianapolis contractor license
General, electrical, HVACR and wrecking work is subject to Indianapolis contractor-licensing rules.
License search
Use the City’s contractor search and confirm the company, classification and current status before signing a contract.
Private provider option
Beginning January 1, 2026, the City must allow qualifying Class 2 residential applicants to use the current private-provider permit option.
Search the Correct Accela Module
Permits and contractors
Search structural, trade, infrastructure and contractor records.
Planning and historic cases
Search variances, rezonings, approvals, plats and historic-preservation cases.
Enforcement and violations
Search building, zoning, infrastructure, right-of-way, unsafe-building and vacancy cases.
Search by case or permit number
This is usually the most accurate way to find the exact case.
Search by base property address
Remove apartment, suite or directional variations when the first search returns nothing.
Run the case-research reports
Accela provides Case Research and Case Summary reports with additional historical information for some older cases.
Open every related permit
Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drainage, driveway and enforcement records may be separate.
Verify completion—not only issuance
Confirm final inspections and the Certificate of Completion and Compliance process.
What Common Accela Statuses Mean
Fix Common Indianapolis–Marion County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Accela cannot find the address |
Address formatting or excluded-city jurisdiction |
Check the Zoning Browser and contact the local municipality when applicable. |
Permit review has not started |
Application, fee or required document is incomplete |
Compare the case with the current residential or commercial checklist. |
Zoning review was added |
New structure, use, setback, parking or location issue |
Confirm whether an ILP, approval, variance or other zoning process is required. |
Drainage permit was requested |
The project changes land, runoff, footprint, access or a regulated area |
Submit grades, stormwater information and all related outside-agency approvals. |
Historic approval is missing |
The property is in a locally designated historic area |
Contact IHPC before changing visible exterior work. |
Inspection line rejects the permit |
The wrong number, inactive case or final inspection was selected |
Use the full 10-digit number and contact DBNS for final-inspection routing. |
Inspection failed |
Work is incomplete, inaccessible, concealed or different from approved plans |
Correct every item and obtain revised-plan approval when the design changed. |
Contractor cannot pull the permit |
License, insurance, bond or Accela account issue |
Contact contractor licensing at 317-327-1291 or contractors@indy.gov. |
Project is complete but cannot be occupied |
Finals or completion certificate remain incomplete |
Complete all trade finals and submit the Certificate of Completion and Compliance. |
Old permit appears open |
Final inspection or completion documentation was never recorded |
Request a written list of missing inspections, fees and completion records. |
What to Say When You Contact DBNS
“The project is at [address] and involves [exact work]. Which structural, trade, ILP, drainage, driveway, floodplain, septic and historic permits are required?”
“Case [number] shows [status]. Which payment, attachment or review discipline is preventing permit issuance?”
“I need the [inspection type] for 10-digit permit [number] at [address]. The work is complete for this stage and the approved plans are available.”
“Construction under permit [number] is complete. Which final inspections and Certificate of Completion and Compliance documents remain before occupancy or use?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Correct municipal jurisdiction confirmed
- Property and parcel verified
- Zoning and ILP requirements complete
- Historic review complete
- Drainage review complete
- Floodplain approval complete
- Driveway or right-of-way approval complete
- Septic or sewer approval complete
- Correct structural permit issued
- Trade permits issued
- Contractors properly licensed
- Approved plans kept on site
- Foundation inspection passed
- Rough trade inspections passed
- Framing inspection passed
- Energy and insulation inspections passed
- Trade finals passed
- Building final passed
- Drainage and infrastructure finals complete
- Completion certificate submitted
- Occupancy or use authorized
- All case records saved
Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Map
Public service hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Open the Correct Indianapolis–Marion County Resource
Indianapolis–Marion County Building Permit FAQs
What is the correct name of the Marion County building permit department?
The current permitting agency is the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, commonly called DBNS. It handles licensing, permitting and inspections for Indianapolis and its Marion County jurisdiction.
Where do I apply for an Indianapolis–Marion County building permit?
Use the official Indianapolis Accela Citizen Access portal. An account is required for applications and account history, while public permit and case research can be completed without registration.
What is the Indianapolis permit office phone number and email?
Call 317-327-8700 or email permitquestions@indy.gov. The DBNS public counter is at 200 E Washington Street, Suite 107, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
Does DBNS issue every building permit in Marion County?
Not automatically. Projects in the excluded cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway may have local permit, zoning or approval requirements. Confirm the correct municipality before applying.
How do I schedule an Indianapolis building inspection?
Eligible inspections can be requested through Accela. For non-final building inspections, the City also publishes an automated line at 317-327-5525 that requires the full 10-digit permit number. Final inspections use a separate process.
Does Indianapolis issue a Certificate of Occupancy?
Indianapolis–Marion County does not currently issue a traditional Certificate of Occupancy. Covered projects use a Certificate of Completion and Compliance that must be submitted within 14 days after construction is complete and before occupancy or use.
Where can I find current Indianapolis permit fees?
Use the official DBNS License and Permit Fees page and the fee schedule effective January 5, 2026. Fees are built from application, review, issuance, administration, trade, drainage and inspection line items.
When does an Indianapolis project need a drainage permit?
A drainage permit may be required when a project alters land, changes runoff, adds impervious area, affects a regulated drain or levee, lies in a flood zone or involves certain driveway, sewer or stormwater work.
Do Indianapolis contractors need a City license?
Covered general, electrical, HVACR and wrecking contractors must satisfy Indianapolis licensing requirements. Verify the license, insurance and bond before work or permit activity begins.
How do I find an old or open Indianapolis permit?
Use Accela’s Permits and Contractors search by permit number or address. Also check the Planning and Historic Preservation module and the Enforcement module when researching zoning cases, certificates, violations or unsafe-building records.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Indianapolis or Marion County. Applications, fees, inspections, interpretations and final approvals must be handled through DBNS or the responsible local agency.
This page was rebuilt using official Indianapolis DBNS, Accela, residential and commercial permit, zoning, drainage, inspection, completion, contractor and January 2026 fee resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, code procedures, staff, inspection methods and municipal jurisdiction can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before submitting, paying or beginning work.
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.