Building Permits & Inspections

BUILDING PERMIT REMINDER

 If you are planning a home improvement project you may be wondering, “Do I need a permit?”

The Town of Thorntown has adopted the Indiana State Building Code. This code was revised in 2020.  Under that Code, building permits are required to construct, add onto, alter, remove, demolish or repair a structure.  Examples of projects that require a permit are; basement finishes, re-roofing, re-siding, some electrical replacement or upgrades, windows, garages, sheds, decks, fences, furnaces, gas fireplaces, air conditioners, etc.

A permit ensures that proper services are provided to safeguard life, health, general public welfare and property values.  Through the permit process, Town staff will review permitted construction work and installations to ensure that they are done safely and in accordance with current requirements.  Regular inspections during construction not only can reveal minor problems that could avert costly repairs, but may also identify life-safety concerns.

In advance of when you wish to begin work, submitting all the required information about your project along with the permit application form will help to ensure a timely review and permit issuance.  We have provided an online, fillable form document to make the permit process as easy as posibble. Click Here to access the Building Permit Application Fillable PDF form. 

Some projects may not require a building permit; however, they may require a zoning permit.  Examples of these projects are; fences, sheds over a specified square footage  and unattached decks less than 30 inches in height.

If you are unsure if your project requires a permit or if you have other questions, please contact Building Inspector Drew Guenther at (765) 535-3877 to leave a message or email bldginspections@thorntown.in.gov. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thank you again to our residents for taking pride in your properties and making these investments in improvements.  Our Building Services staff is here is help make it an easy and safe process. 

You must have a building permit for the following:

• new homes
• Garages and Barns
• Decks
• Fences
• Room Additions
• Electrical Service Upgrades
• Main Plumbing Service Upgrades
• HVAC Replacements and New Installations
• Major Renovations
• Sidewalks
• Demolition

Building Inspection Schedule and Contact Procedure: Please contact Building Deparmtment Operator Drew Guenther at (765) 535-3877

If in doubt whether you need a permit, please contact Building Services or the Planning Advisory Commission before you start any work!