Pole Barn Permits in Indiana: The Complete Guide

If you’re planning to build a pole barn in Indiana, the first question isn’t usually about materials or cost. It is whether you will need a permit. In most cases, Indiana jurisdictions require permits for pole barns larger than 200 square feet, and the rules can be more specific and sometimes stricter depending on whether the structure is residential, commercial, or agricultural. Beyond the permit itself, you will often need a thorough application packet with site and structural details, including setbacks, foundation specs, and occasionally engineer-stamped plans, plus possible sign-off from a local surveyor or even the health department.

Because requirements can be complex and vary depending on the property location and building and zoning rules, it’s essential to confirm requirements with your local officials. To help you with that, we’ve gathered the requirements for key cities and all of the counties in Indiana. Keep reading to determine whether or not you need a permit, what the requirements are, and who the appropriate contact in your area is.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Pole Barn in Indiana?

Yes, in Indiana, you usually need a permit to build a pole barn. Local zoning offices and building departments typically require permits for most new structures to verify compliance with zoning rules, setback requirements, and structural and safety codes. Permit fees usually range from $200 to $600, and some counties may exempt buildings under 200 square feet.

Permits for Pole Barn Garages

Building a pole barn garage in Indiana typically requires a building permit if the detached accessory structure is 200 square feet or larger, though exact rules can vary by county. In addition, local zoning regulations can determine whether you’re allowed to build the structure at all, such as where it can be placed on the property, required setbacks, height limits, and how the building may be used, so it’s important to confirm zoning compliance before applying for permits. In many cases, you will need to submit key documents, such as a site plan, a foundation plan, and engineered truss specifications, to the local planning or building department before construction begins.

Permits for Commercial Pole Barns

Commercial pole barns in Indiana typically require a building permit, zoning approval, and a state design release for a Class 1 structure. Zoning can also determine whether the project is allowed at all, based on factors like permitted use, setbacks, height limits, parking/access requirements, and where the building can sit on the property, so it’s important to confirm zoning compliance before moving forward. Since requirements vary by county, local codes will determine the exact steps and documentation needed, but most applications require a site plan, foundation plans, and engineered truss details. Skipping the permit process can be costly, with potential fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 per day.

Permits for Barndominiums

Barndominium permits in Indiana require close compliance with county zoning and building codes, and the process typically includes securing an Improvement Location Permit along with a structural building permit. Zoning can also determine whether you’re allowed to build a barndominium at all, depending on the property’s zoning district and rules such as permitted residential use, minimum lot size, setbacks, height limits, and design standards. It’s important to verify zoning compliance early. Although barndominiums are especially common in rural areas, some jurisdictions may limit or add conditions to metal residential structures. Most applications require detailed construction drawings, engineered structural designs that account for local snow and wind loads, and approved septic or sewer plans.

Permits for Equestrian or Agricultural Pole Barns

Permits for equestrian or agricultural pole barns in Indiana are often required when the structure exceeds a minimum size threshold, typically around 120 square feet, or when it sits on a permanent foundation. Even when a building qualifies for an agricultural exemption and may not need a full building permit, many counties still require an Improvement Location Permit or zoning approval to confirm setback compliance and basic safety requirements. Zoning can also determine whether you’re allowed to build the structure at all, so it’s important to verify your property’s zoning rules before moving forward.

What Happens if You Build a Pole Barn Without a Permit in Indiana?

Building a pole barn without a permit in Indiana can trigger serious penalties, including stop work orders, daily fines that may range from $500 to $1,500, and, in extreme cases, requirements to remove or demolish the structure. Many local building departments require permits once a project exceeds a minimum size threshold, often around 120 to 200 square feet. Beyond enforcement actions, skipping permits can create safety hazards and lead to insurance claim denials, title or resale complications, and other legal headaches.

What Cities in Indiana Require a Permit for Building Pole Barns?

Since pole barn permitting rules can vary by city across Indiana, it’s important to verify the requirements where your property is located. Use the table below to find your city, see whether a pole barn permit is required, and understand the steps you may need to take before building. 

All of the cities listed are within CMT’s service area, but CMT does not serve every county in Indiana. Some locations are included for informational purposes to clarify local permitting expectations. For the most accurate, up-to-date coverage details, visit CMT’s Service Area page before planning your pole barn project.

Do I Need a Permit in Bloomington, Indiana?

Yes, you’ll typically need a permit to build a pole barn within Bloomington, Indiana, city limits, because Bloomington requires zoning review for projects that trigger a building permit, including many accessory structures. 

For properties with Class 2 structures (single-family homes, duplexes, most townhouses), Bloomington’s Planning & Transportation Department requires that you obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) through its CivicAccess process before you can apply for the building permit, and this applies to accessory structures on those lots as well. For the most accurate guidance based on your address, zoning district, and pole barn size, contact the City of Bloomington Planning & Transportation Department. 

Do I Need a Permit in Brookville, Indiana?

Yes, you’ll very likely need a permit for a pole barn in Brookville, Indiana, because new accessory structures are generally reviewed for zoning compliance and building safety through the local permitting process. The Town of Brookville maintains a building permit page for projects in town limits, and Franklin County’s Area Plan Commission & Building Department is the local authority that issues building permits, administers zoning regulations, and performs inspections for most construction in the county. 

Do I Need a Permit in Connersville, Indiana?

Yes, you will almost certainly need a permit for a pole barn in Connersville, Indiana. Local city and county rules typically require permits for new construction, including detached accessory structures like barns or large sheds, so even if very small buildings may be exempt in some cases, most pole barns require approval. To avoid penalties, delays, or even forced removal, contact the Fayette County Area Plan Commission before you build to confirm the exact permitting steps for your property.

Do I Need a Permit in Greenwood, Indiana?

Yes, you need a building permit for a pole barn in Greenwood, Indiana, because the city requires permits for accessory structures. You’ll typically need to submit the residential accessory structure application packet, follow Greenwood’s zoning setback rules, and ensure the building is not placed within restricted easements or other no-build areas.

Do I Need a Permit in Indianapolis, Indiana?

Yes, you generally need a permit for a pole barn in Indianapolis if it is over 120 square feet, taller than 15 feet, or built on a permanent foundation or with utilities. In many cases, you will also need an Improvement Location Permit and a Class 2 Structural Permit before construction can begin.

Do I Need a Permit in Madison, Indiana?

Yes, a building permit is generally required for a pole barn in the City of Madison, Indiana, since the city requires authorization for new construction, additions, and accessory structures. You’ll need to secure the permit before any structural work begins, and if the pole barn is in a historic district, you may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness in addition to the building permit. Contact the Madison City Building & Design Department for more information.

Do I Need a Permit in Muncie, Indiana?

Yes, you’ll likely need an Improvement Location Permit and a building permit for a pole barn in Muncie, Indiana, since most new structures must be reviewed for zoning compliance, site planning, and building safety. Skipping the approval process can lead to enforcement action and penalties, so it’s best to contact the Muncie Building Commissioner’s Office before construction to confirm the exact requirements for your property and pole barn size.

Do I Need a Permit in New Castle, Indiana?

Yes, if you’re building a pole barn in the City of New Castle, you should expect to pull a permit. The city generally requires permits for outbuildings and additions, and projects valued over $500 typically need approval from the Building Commissioner before construction begins.

Do I Need a Permit in Rushville, Indiana?

Yes, you generally need a permit for a pole barn in Rushville, Indiana, since most new construction and additions typically require an Improvement Location Permit and, depending on the project, a building permit as well. While very small detached sheds without utilities may be exempt in some cases, most pole barns over common size thresholds (often around 120 to 200 square feet) still require approval to confirm zoning compliance and basic safety standards before you build.

Do I Need a Permit in Seymour, Indiana?

Yes, a building permit is required for a pole barn in Seymour, Indiana, because the City’s Planning & Zoning Office issues building permits for construction taking place within Seymour city limits and the surrounding two-mile jurisdictional area, and inspections are performed to ensure compliance with state codes. 

Do I Need a Permit in Shelbyville, Indiana?

Yes, you generally need a permit for a pole barn in Shelbyville, Indiana. Accessory structures over 200 square feet typically require both a building permit and an Improvement Location Permit, while structures under 200 square feet often still require a Location Improvement Permit. Building without the required approvals can lead to fines and other enforcement issues.

Do I Need a Permit in Versailles, Indiana?

Yes, you will almost certainly need a permit for a pole barn in Versailles, Indiana. Because Versailles is in Ripley County, pole barns and most accessory structures generally require a building permit to confirm code compliance and basic safety standards, and building without one can lead to penalties and enforcement action.

What Counties in Indiana Require a Permit for Building Pole Barns?

Because pole barn permitting rules can vary from one Indiana county to the next, it’s important to confirm the requirements where you plan to build. Check the table below to find your county and see whether a permit is required and what details you may need before starting construction.

Can You Live in a Pole Barn in Indiana?

Yes, you can absolutely live in a pole barn, often called a barndominium, in Indiana. Many homeowners choose them because they are durable, budget-friendly alternatives to traditional houses and can be finished with fully customized, modern interiors. The key is that the building must comply with local residential zoning and building codes, and it has to be outfitted for full-time living with proper insulation, heating, and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems to stay comfortable year-round.

How Much Do Building Permits Cost in Indiana?

Building permit costs in Indiana vary by municipality and the type of project, but residential fees often fall around $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot, with minimum charges commonly in the $50 to $150 range. In many areas, you might see permit fees of roughly $100 to $200 or more for new home construction, about $50 to $100 for smaller projects like sheds or decks, and around $60 to $100 for roofing work.

Pole Barn Permit Requirements in Indiana

Pole barn permits in Indiana are typically required once a structure exceeds about 120 to 200 square feet, depending on the county, and the project must meet local zoning rules and building code standards. For certain commercial or residential builds, you may also run into additional state-level requirements. Most permit applications require a site plan along with detailed construction drawings and foundation information, including footer specifications that often call for a minimum depth of about 40 inches.

Looking for Pole Barn Kits That Comply with Indiana’s Requirements?

Looking for pole barn kits that comply with Indiana’s requirements? CMT Components makes it easier to start with materials you can build and permit with confidence. Our pole barn kits are customizable for garages, agricultural buildings, equestrian barns, commercial spaces, and even barndominiums, with roof trusses and metal panels manufactured in-house for consistent quality. Whether your county needs a clear site plan, foundation details, or engineered truss specifications, CMT can help you choose a kit package that supports those common submittal needs so you can move from design to build without unnecessary delays.