Building Plan Review
Hours
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
except state-observed holidays
Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security
Indiana Government Center-South, Room E208
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
Call us: 317-232-6422
Email us: planreview@dhs.in.gov
About the Building Plan Review Section
The Building Plan Review Section reviews Class 1 structure construction plans for compliance with the rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, including the state-adopted building codes.
The work is done by a staff of dedicated building code professionals, who work diligently to protect the health and welfare of the occupants of Indiana’s built environment, while also serving as active partners in the ongoing economic development of the state.
The Indiana State Building Commissioner, appointed by the governor, oversees the Building Plan Review Section and Code Services Section.
News/Updates
Applications for Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems
Effective July 1, 2023, House Enrolled Act 1173 created a statutory framework in Indiana to regulate Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In this legislation, IDHS was charged with enforcement authority and the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission was authorized to adopt rules to implement its requirements.
These facilities now must receive IDHS approval for installation or expansion, and systems installed prior to July 1 must submit registration notice by January 2024. In addition to these and other requirements, the legislation generally requires compliance with NFPA 855. Learn more and apply
Plan Review Information
- Review Process
- 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 plan review 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.
- Application Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
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
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.
- 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
Note: Find the fee schedule listed in Article 12, Rule 3, starting on page 5.
- Building Codes and Code Books
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.
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)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- 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.