Building & Zoning Overview
Before starting any indoor or outdoor construction or remodeling project in Yorktown—whether it’s a new home, addition, porch, fence, shed, pool, sign or commercial build—you should contact the Building & Zoning Department to determine if a permit is required. Obtaining a permit ahead of time prevents stop‑work orders and possible fines. The Town issues permits for one‑ and two‑family dwellings directly; commercial and industrial projects must first be approved by the State of Indiana, after which a permit is still required from the Yorktown Building Commissioner’s office. Even relatively small projects such as detached utility sheds, fences and temporary or permanent signs may require a permit, so check with the department before beginning work. The office is located at 9312 W Smith St and can be reached by phone at 765‑759.8521.
Building Permit Applications
To apply for a building permit:
- Come to the office located at 9312 W Smith St, the application will be completed in person. You can reach out via phone at 765‑759.8521.
- Provide drawings of the proposed structure showing the front, side and rear elevations along with a top‑view site plan to demonstrate compliance with required setbacks and building codes.
- Ensure that any contractor or sub‑contractor you hire holds a current professional license appropriate to their trade and is registered in Delaware County. This protects homeowners from unqualified or uninsured contractors.
- Keep the construction site neat and minimize pollutants; projects that disturb soil may need a sediment and erosion control permit from the Muncie Sanitary District.
- Fees are minimal and are set by a 2009 town ordinance; payment is due before the permit is issued.
Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
After a building permit is issued and work begins, the Building Commissioner performs inspections at key stages. Typically, three inspections are required: a foundation inspection, a rough‑in inspection for water/gas/electrical systems, and a final inspection when work is complete. For large or complex projects the number of inspections may be increased. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued to the contractor once all required inspections have been successfully completed and re‑inspection fees, if any, are paid. Contact the Building Commissioner’s office at 765‑759‑0142 to schedule inspections or ask questions.
Building Permit Fees
Building permit fees are tied to the number of required inspections. For example, a new single‑family or two‑family dwelling typically requires four inspections at $35 per inspection, plus a permit fee of about $140. Accessory structures generally require fewer inspections and a lower permit fee. The minimum permit fee is $35. For unusually large or complex buildings, the Building Commissioner may increase the number of required inspections by up to 50 percent and assess additional inspection fees accordingly. Fees for re‑inspections must be paid before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Code Enforcement
For questions about building codes, zoning regulations or town ordinances, contact Matt Ray, Zoning & Building Commissioner, by email at mray@yorktownindiana.org or by phone at 765‑759.8521. The Code Enforcement office helps ensure that construction and property maintenance comply with local ordinances. Office hours are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Open Burning Standards
Yorktown has adopted the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ open burning regulations. Open burning of trash or other materials is prohibited, and violations carry penalties that increase with repeat offenses. Residents with questions about recreational fires or disposal of yard waste should consult the Fire Department’s Open Burning page for guidelines.