Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Union County Building Inspection Ordinance and Area Plan/Unified Zoning Ordinance requirements, together with applicable Indiana building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and occupancy codes. The county's posted building ordinance incorporates older state-code editions with later amendments; a specific current 2026 technical edition was not identified.
Inspection lane
Apply with deed, septic permit, site plan, building plans, bedroom/square-footage information, and current tax receipt. Notify Building Inspector Jeff Mathews at 765-458-5044 when electrical/plumbing or other components are ready for inspection; $10 electrical and $10 plumbing inspection fees are listed. No occupancy until an occupancy release is issued.
Minor-work playbook
The official Area Plan page says permits are not needed for remodeling unless load-bearing walls are moved, new windows and siding, sidewalks and driveways, or demolition. Pools, decks/porches, accessory buildings, room additions, mobile-home upgrades, and electrical/plumbing upgrades generally need permits. A permit is required for structures valued at $1,000 or more.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Apply with deed, septic permit, site plan, building plans, bedroom/square-footage information, and current tax receipt. Notify Building Inspector Jeff Mathews at 765-458-5044 when electrical/plumbing or other components are ready for inspection; $10 electrical and $10 plumbing inspection fees are listed. No occupancy until an occupancy release is issued.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Union County Area Plan Commission / Building Inspector is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact 765-458-5044 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
Apply with deed, septic permit, site plan, building plans, bedroom/square-footage information, and current tax receipt. Notify Building Inspector Jeff Mathews at 765-458-5044 when electrical/plumbing or other components are ready for inspection; $10 electrical and $10 plumbing inspection fees are listed. No occupancy until an occupancy release is issued.
Union County Building Inspection Ordinance and Area Plan/Unified Zoning Ordinance requirements, together with applicable Indiana building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and occupancy codes. The county's posted building ordinance incorporates older state-code editions with later amendments; a specific current 2026 technical edition was not identified. The official Area Plan page says permits are not needed for remodeling unless load-bearing walls are moved, new windows and siding, sidewalks and driveways, or demolition. Pools, decks/porches, accessory buildings, room additions, mobile-home upgrades, and electrical/plumbing upgrades generally need permits. A permit is required for structures valued at $1,000 or more.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.