FAQs

If you are unsure if your project needs a CDR you can click on Forms and scroll down the list to find CDR exemptions to verify if you need one. If you do need a CDR you can find that also under forms. You can also visit the State website here to find out if you need a CDR or you can submit your application.

Per IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) only clean wood and paper are allowed to be burned. For more information on rules and regulations check out IDEMs home page.

• Residences
• Farmers
• Businesses

IDEM is the only entity that would be allowed to give you permission to burn anything that is not allowed. Per IDEM only very limited situations are exempt from the open burning rule and are clearly outlined in the rules.

For paying property taxes you can do this on the Treasurer's site or if you just want to make a payment you can pay online, pay by phone, or by mail (see below for options). Any questions please call (765) 668-6556.

• Mail
  • 401 S. Adams St., Suite 229
    Marion, IN 46953
• Dropbox (24/7)
  • located at the Adams St. entrance on the west side of the County Complex.
  • This will be checked daily.
• Local Banks
  • Mutual Bank
  • First Farmers Bank & Trust
  • VIA
  • Grant County State Bank
  • Fairmount State Bank
  • Star
• Online
  • Treasurer's page there will be a link to pay your taxes.
• Phone
  • (877) 690-3729

Grant County Jurisdiction Code: 2411

Visit the Clerks website for more information.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you do need a permit:

• Is it a new structure (principal or accessory building)?
• Is it an addition?
• Is the work on heating, ventilation, or air conditioning?
• Is the work a remodel, alteration, or repair?
• Is the work considered repair or alteration to a load-bearing wall?
• Is the work any type of swimming pool (above or in-ground)?
• Is the work a deck or enclosing an existing porch?
• Is the work replacing or repairing a roof?

However, you will need to contact the town hall or the county building inspector if the work is within the town limits:

• Fairmount
• Jonesboro
• Matthews
• Sweetser
• Van Buren
• Upland

On December 26th, 2019, Indiana adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), which can be found as the 2020 Indiana Residential Code (IRC), or by clicking on this link to the IABO site. There you can check out the Indiana Amendments that were added or taken out. You also have access to the 2018 IRC, but it will not have the Indiana Amendments, you will need to buy it if you would like to have your own copy. If you have any questions or need help navigating the site, Area Plan is here to help answer your questions.

Typically the next day, but we require an advanced notice of 24 hours.

No, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Assessor's Office at (765) 668-6562.

Please contact the Drainage Board through the County Surveyor's Office at (765) 651-2407.

No, but you may want to check with the Grant County Recorder's Office or the State of Indiana.

Specific information on residential setbacks can be found in the Grant County Code of Ordinance on pages 224 through 226. For most properties, the following is accurate:

• Front yard setback - 30' in agricultural or suburban areas; 15' to 25' in town settings (depending on zoning)
• Side yard setbacks - 10% of front yard width with a minimum of 5' and a maximum of 25'
• The side yard fronting on the street (corner lot) same as the front yard
• Rear yard - 20 feet for house and 5 feet for accessory structures for most properties.

For more detailed questions or commercial properties, please contact the Area Plan office at (765) 668-4765.

According to Indiana code, in Grant County ice protection is NOT required; unless the shingle material's manufacturing instructions calls for it (which supersedes Indiana code).

Yes, drip edge is required on roofs. Drip edge should be installed in such a manner so as to prevent moisture entering the wall and roof through joints in copings, through moisture permeable materials, and at intersections with parapet walls and other penetrations through the roof plane.

A Variance is when a property owner seeks to do a property improvement that will differ from established development standards (such as setbacks, dwelling size, number of homes on one tract of ground, etc.) Variances are granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals following the filing of a petition and a public hearing process. A variance "runs with the land" as long as the request does not change, and if the variance is granted it is in place forever.

Each zone district lists special exceptions that, because of their special impact or unique characteristics, can have a substantial adverse impact upon or incompatible with other uses of land. They typically are uses that are not directly related to the original intent of the use of the land by zoning code. Special Exceptions may be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals following a petition and a public hearing process. If granted the Special Exception, "it runs with the owner of the property". If the property changes owners, the Special Exception is no longer valid. A new Special Exception would have to be applied for by the new owner and approved again.

Please call our office at (765) 668-4765 and ask for a permit clerk. If no one is available immediately, please leave a message with your name, address, and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can get permits for roofs and electrical hookups over the phone. You can also call in to register as a contractor. Please email areaplan@grantcounty.net or fax a copy (765) 651-0892 of the registration form and we will contact you when we receive the form. At this time, we are only accepting credit or debit cards for over-the-phone requests. Also, if it is a contractor trying to get a permit, we will need a copy of the contract, or a letter from the owner, approving the contractor to pull the permit before we issue the permit.

You will need to call (765) 662-9931 then ask for their building department. For Building questions ask for Jerry Foustnight the Building Commissioner, for Complaints ask for Jared Florence, for planning ask for Lisa Todd.

Please contact the County Health Department at (765) 651-2401 ext. 3155.

The Grant County Highway Department at (765) 667-6044, or the State Highway Department at (260) 484-9541.

In 1974 Grant County Commissioners adopted the Area-wide Zoning Ordinance. The county ordinance specifies that structures over 120 square feet, have to get an accessory building permit from the Grant County Area Plan Commission prior to installation. Within the ordinance, it addresses building rules to use for construction that are based on the International Residential Code book with Indiana Amendments. The IRC states that any detached garage, carport or accessory structure over two hundred (200) square feet must be placed on a permanent foundation and/or footer. With the recent construction and purchase of yard barns larger than 200 square feet (10x20) several counties in Indiana are allowing for options for permanent foundations. Other methods may be approved by the Building Inspector to meet the anchoring and base requirements. Please contact the Area Plan office for more information on this subject.

Per the Grant County code, you can have only one single-family or two-family residential building on any tract/parcel of land UNLESS your tract is at least 40 acres in size (allowing 20 acres for each residential structure). You can also request a variance from the general development code or you could have a tract of property smaller than 40 acres split into two parcels.

Depending on what zoning your property is you may be able to place an accessory building on a vacant piece of property. Call Area Plan (765) 668-4765 to confirm your zoning.

When you convert your home or part of your home into a bed and breakfast your structure becomes a Class 1 residence as defined by the Indiana Building Code with amendments. Simply put, that means you will need to either get a design release or approval from the Building Plan Review section of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. This is to ensure that your structure, with or without additions or alterations you make, meets minimum design standards as established by the state's building code. For more information contact Area Plan (765) 668-4765 or the Department of Homeland Security Plan Review section.

Generally, all open burning is prohibited in the state of Indiana with a few exceptions. Indiana Code 13-17-9-1 and Open Burning Rule 326 IAC 4-1 allows for the burning of vegetation from agricultural land for maintenance purposes. Private residences may open burn clean wood products and paper in a noncombustible, well-ventilated container that is enclosed on the bottom and sides. Specific exemptions for open burning activities can be found at 326 IAC 4-1-3(c)(1) which states that recreational or ceremonial fires, some disposal burning, and burning of clean wood, etc. are exempt. In all cases, adequate firefighting equipment should be available. Under 326 IAC 4-1-3(a) undesirable wood structures on real property or wood remnants of the demolition of a predominantly wood structure in an incorporated area can be burned. However, houses or commercial structures are typically not considered predominantly wood structures. In all cases, it is recommended people contact their local fire officials or Grant County Area Plan before any open burning activity.

If you are building a swimming pool in Grant County, you need a permit from Area Plan. Your pool will need to be inspected and have a certificate of occupancy allowing you to use it before you use it. This is important for your safety and we will assess fines for use without a COO. Above-ground pools need fences (or the walls of the pool with a self-locking ladder) that are 48" high. You don't need permits for temporary pools that are taken down in the fall. We have drowning deaths almost every season so please check with us before you build or install your pool. Get a permit, and get inspected! Call (765) 668-4765 with questions.

If you want to tear down a building on private property you do not need a permit from the county.  However, there are several things you should be aware of.  First, contact all utility companies and make sure that utilities are disconnected.  Make sure you call any utility companies that may have lines on the property before you initiate digging, excavation, or demolition.  If you are going to burn something, please contact our office Area Plan - (765) 668-4765 or the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to make sure you understand the regulations regarding open burning.  Also, you can only bury solid fill (think, concrete, rock, stone, etc.) or unpainted wood.  You can't bury shingles, siding or other building materials.  Anything buried must be buried below three feet (36").  Also, if there is a foundation it should be broken up and removed (or buried below three feet) and clean dirt put in as fill.

You need a permit for a fence 6 feet or over.

You do not need a permit for a fence under six feet. As a rule, fences need to be no closer than two feet from any property line or block visual clearance at an intersection of two or more Rights of Way. In most cases, you can put a fence up to your property line but you have to stay clear and not close off utility or public right-of-way easements. For clarification please contact our office at (765) 668-4765. If you are putting up a fence less than six feet and not getting a permit, please be aware of any visual obstruction of oncoming traffic, particularly if you are putting a fence on a corner lot with streets on both sides.

In the new 2020 Indiana Residential Code (IRC), emergency escape and rescue openings are required in all new homes, whether the basement will have a living space or not. If there is a living space in the basement, you will need an escape window in each individual room. The emergence escape/rescue openings shall be operable from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Openings will also need to open directly into a public way or to a yard or court. The minimum opening shall have not less than 5.7 square feet, (e.g., it is big enough for a firefighter to get through with all of their gear.) The height of the window shall not be less than 24 inches and width shall not be less than 20 inches. The window shall not be more than 44 inches above the ground. If you would like to read more into this, it is in section R310 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings in the 2020 IRC.

The Grant County Area Plan Commission is a 13-member board established in accordance with Indiana Code (I.C.) 36-7-4-200, 36-7-4-300, and 36-7-4-400. The APC has the authority to adopt and amend zoning and subdivision regulations, specifically including, but not limited to, regulations regarding planned unit development, subdivision plats and services plans for special districts, and animal feeding operations. The Area Plan Commission generally meets on the first Monday of the month. Filing deadlines are in the middle of the prior month. Please contact the Area Plan office at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is a 7-member body established under Indiana Code (I.C.) 36-7-4-900 responsible for hearing appeals, from individuals who are requesting special exceptions or variances from County Ordinances in regard to land use, building requirements, or from individuals who are questioning the appropriateness of orders made by County officials. It is the Board’s goal to treat all individuals fairly and courteously. Each appeal is heard and decided on its own merit.  Board meetings are generally the first Monday of the month and the filing deadline for a meeting is in the middle of the prior month.  Please contact the Area Plan office at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

A certificate of occupancy (or COO) is issued at the completion of a project following a final inspection by the Area Plan staff that shows that work has been completed and meets state and local codes.

The State of Indiana, through its Department of Homeland Security, requires a commercial design release (CDR) for the construction or remodeling of buildings for business use, which will involve either: entrance into and/or use of the building by the public, employees on the site, or three or more tenants. The release should be obtained before construction begins. For more information, contact Area Plan at (765) 668-4765 or the Department of Homeland Security at www.in.gov/dhs.

A comprehensive plan is necessary for communities who wish to create and enforce zoning ordinances (I.C. 36-7-4-603). A comprehensive plan in the State of Indiana must have at least the following elements:

1. A statement of objectives for the future development of the jurisdiction.
2. A statement of policy for the land use development of the jurisdiction.
3. A statement of policy for the development of public ways, public places, public lands, public structures, and public utilities.

Often the plans include more detail and consider a variety of community characteristics which can include, but are not limited to: land use, transportation; utilities, economic development, education, parks and recreation, trails, etc. Preparing a comprehensive plan is usually done through the planning department with the oversight of the Area Plan Commission.

The zoning ordinance is the land use guide for the County and can be accessed through this website. The land use table, which is a separate link on the website, lists what types of uses are permitted or not permitted in individual zoning districts. An X on the land use table means it is permitted; an S means it is permitted through a special exception obtained through the Board of Zoning Appeals, and a blank box means a particular use is not permitted. For clarification and to make sure the information on the website is current, please contact the Area Plan office at (765) 668-4765.

The International Code Council (ICC) is an organization dedicated to creating a set of codes that can be used for constructing safe and habitable buildings for use internationally. The ICC and IBC are used by most states, including Indiana, as the basis for their building laws, which are in turn referenced by counties like Grant County in their local building laws. The IRC and the IBC represent the foundation of the code requirements used by Grant County in conducting building inspections on projects for which permits are issued.

GFCI refers to an outlet that has a safety release in the event a circuit is overloaded or shorted.

In Grant County, all permits are issued as ILPs or improvement location permits. These include the "building permits," which in other places are issued as separate permits because, in part, the building department is separate from the planning department. In short, ILPs refer to the way a site is improved or used; a building permit refers specifically to the structure being built or altered. For clarification, please contact Area Plan at (765) 668-4765.

Setbacks, sometimes known as building lines, are the distances on a property a structure must be away from the front, side, or rear property lines. Front setbacks in Grant County depend on the zoning district while the side setbacks are 10% of the width of the front yard. Rear setbacks depend on whether the building is a principal residence or an accessory building. If you want to build closer to the property line than the setback line, you will need to get a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Contact Area Plan at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

Special exceptions are land uses that may be considered in certain zoning districts that differ from the specific uses identified for that zone. To get a special exception, a property owner needs to petition the Board of Zoning Appeals. Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

A variance is a request for deviation from an established developed standard identified in the zoning code. Common variance requests include building structures closer to the property line than allowed, building a second residence on one piece of property, or building a structure on a parcel of land without a principal residence when the zoning district requires it. Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

A property split entails splitting a single parcel into two or more parcels. Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

If you know of a term(s) that should be referenced in this list please contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 or send an email to areaplan@grantcounty.net.

GIS is the mapping system used by the various county departments in daily activities. The GIS is done through a program called Elevate, which is provided by a company called 39 Degrees. The GIS can be used by anybody and accessed through the County website. Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

A floodplain is land or an area along a river, stream or coast subject to flooding during what is known as a 100-year flood, or 1% chance flood. Floodways are the channel of a river or watercourse that must be reserved to efficiently discharge the base flood during a flood event. Construction today is generally prohibited in floodways. Construction in floodplains is discouraged and needs to be built to specific standards for a property owner to get federally backed flood insurance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Floodways and floodplains are identified on the Grant County GIS. Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.

A manufactured home or office unit is generally a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a "recreational vehicle". Contact the Area Plan department at (765) 668-4765 for more detailed information.