Building

Building Permit applications for properties under 3-acres in size:

  • When a building permit application is submitted for any type of structure (shed, deck, pool, garage, pole barn, home, etc.) AND the property size is less than 3-acres, a primary and/or secondary On-site Sewage System (OSS) sites must be tested by a certified soil scientist and noted on a legal survey. The survey must show the size of the area and the distances to the closest property lines. Once the primary and/or secondary OSS sites have been provided on the survey, the normal review process will begin for the building permit application.
  • The requirement to locate primary and/or secondary OSS sites before any building permits are issued (if under 3-acres) will prevent potential replacement sites from being damaged or eliminated since an OSS cannot be replaced in the same location as one that has failed. A new location on virgin, non-compacted soil is required for a replacement OSS. Please contact the Health Department at 260-358-4831 for questions pertaining to On-site Sewage Systems.
  • Platted Subdivisions that have been approved through Plan Commission and recorded are exempt.

Pond Permit applications for properties of any size:

  • When a pond permit application is submitted, primary and/or secondary On-site Sewage System (OSS) sites must be tested by a certified soil scientist and noted on a legal survey. The survey must show the size of the area and the distances to the closest property lines. Once the primary and/or secondary OSS sites have been provided on the survey, the normal review process will begin for the building permit application.

DCD oversees all building services for Huntington County (unincorporated areas only) and the towns of Andrews, Markle, Mount Etna, Roanoke, and Warren. Building services include:

  • Issuing building, electrical, and plumbing permits
  • Conducting building, electrical, and plumbing inspections
  • Addressing unsafe building complaints

DCD's certified code professionals are here to serve you. Please feel free to contact us for information regarding construction standards and requirements or with general questions about our building or permit processes. If you aren't sure if your project will require a permit, please contact us, or review the list below.

What Requires a Permit?

Building Permits

  • New homes (single-, two-, and multi-family)
  • Manufactured & mobile homes (additional approval needed for single-wide)
  • Commercial structures
  • Interior renovations and additions to commercial structures
  • Garages – attached or detached
  • Pole barns, sheds, carports, pergolas
  • Additions to existing homes, garages, pole barns, decks, porches, accessory structures
  • Decks – attached or detached
  • Porches – new, reconstruction of, or enclosing existing
  • Swimming pools (in-ground and above-ground)
  • Roof (Structural changes only - no permit needed for placement of new shingles. Maximum of 2 layers of shingles allowed on any roof)

Electrical Permits

  • Upgrades
  • New service
  • Relocation of service
  • Alteration to service
  • Branch circuits
  • Connection of service to a manufactured home or mobile home

Plumbing Permits

  • New homes
  • Additions
  • Accessory structures with plumbing
  • Additional plumbing in a structure

Other Permits

  • Fence
  • Sign
  • Pond
  • Floodplain development

Nonresidential projects may require a Construction Design Release from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security before DCD can issue a local permit. Please click here for more information on the state release process.