Building Plan Review

Plan Review Information

• Review Process
  Review Process

  Upon receipt of an application for a construction design release, IDHS will do the following:

  • Review the submission for completeness.
  • If the plans are complete, make a determination whether the plans will be reviewed or released without a plan review within 10 business days.
  • If the plans are selected for a plan review, review the plans, request information or corrections related to the plans if needed, and deny or release the plans (with or without conditions).

  Effective Dec. 2, 2024, some plans qualify for a release without a plan review. The types of plans that qualify are as follows:

  • Plans approved by IDHS or another governmental jurisdiction
  • Plans for a structure that is not traditionally occupied or which is classified as a storage building
  • Plans for an open-air pavilion
  • Plans for a remodel, renovation or repair of a structure that is not undergoing a change of use and which is located in Indianapolis

  However, please be aware that these plans still must be submitted, and they still may be selected for a plan review at the discretion of IDHS. If you believe your project qualifies for a release without a review, complete the Request for Release Without Review form. Then upload it as a separate document along with your construction design release application. Please keep the default filename and choose Other Documents as the plan type when you attach it to your application.
  Note: You must download the form (and save your changes) before including it in your application. 

  Submit an application

  View online filing requirements

  For overviews of the entire process, including the fee schedule and guidance on whether you need to file with the state or not, visit the Building Plan Review Process page. The page also includes application checklists and guidance information for specific types of projects.

  View overviews

• File an Application or Check Project Status
  

  Building Plans

  As of July 1, 2020, Indiana Code requires all applications to be filed electronically, unless it imposes an undue hardship. Before filing, you may want to review application checklists and other guidance. You can also access application forms in the table on the Applications, Forms and Permits page.

  File a construction design release application online

  In general, building plan reviews are handled on a first come, first served basis. The turnaround time for reviewing plans can lengthen if the submitted plans are incomplete or in conflict with design rules.

  Check project status or obtain copy of a release

  Industrialized Buildings and Mobile Structures

  Industrialized building systems are parts of buildings or other structures that are in whole or in substantial part fabricated off-site for installation or assembly at a building site as part of a Class 1 structure, Class 2 structure or another building or structure. Mobile structures are any part of a fabricated unit that is designed to be towed on its own chassis and connected to utilities for year-round occupancy or use as a Class 1 structure, Class 2 structure or another structure.

  File industrialized building or mobile structure application

  Look up releases for industrial buildings and mobile structures projects

  Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems

  Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) must receive IDHS approval for installation or expansion.

  File BESS application or notice online

• Application Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
  

  Application Guidance

  Building plan reviews are required for Class 1 structures, and many details are required as part of the application process. Depending on the nature of your project, you may be required to submit plans for fire suppression hoods, plumbing or electrical features.

  View submittal checklists and guidance by project type

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if your project is exempt from filing with the state, or whom you should contact with questions. See the Frequently Asked Questions page first before reaching out.

  View frequently asked questions

• Project Fees
  

  Project Fees

  Payment for application fees are made online (credit card or e-check) using the Design Release Service. Exception: Industrialized building or mobile structure payments

  Review fee schedule

• Building Codes and Code Books
  

  Building Codes

  The Indiana Building Codes are design- and construction-regulation documents, most of which consist of various model code publications that have been amended by the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission. The model codes themselves are copyrighted publications, owned by their author organizations, and are not available through the state. Visit the Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission page for a listing of the codes currently in effect.

  View current codes

  Code Books

  Code books can be obtained through several sources:

  • A listing of Indiana amendments to all codes is available via the Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission page, and Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code contains the adoptions for the Division of Fire and Building Safety.
  • International Code Council (ICC)
  • Some libraries have code books among their reference materials. Please contact your local library for research on code. The IDHS Building Plan Review Section will continue to answer only those questions about interpretation of the codes.