What's Required in Indianapolis
- No structural permit for a one-story structure of 200 sq ft or less with no permanent foundation and no electrical, heating or cooling equipment (Sec. 536-201(b)(17), G.O. 38, 2025)
- No Improvement Location Permit for a shed of 200 sq ft or less that is not on a permanent foundation (Zoning Ord. 740-801.A.3.g)
- Over 200 sq ft or on a permanent foundation: ILP ($32 + $108) and Class 2 structural permit ($40 + $150 review + $300 issuance)
- Any circuit to the shed needs a separate electrical permit ($169 up to 1,000 sq ft) pulled by a licensed electrical contractor or an approved owner-occupant
- Minor residential structures must be at least 5 ft from the rear lot line and meet the district's front and side setbacks independently of the house
- Accessory building must cover less ground and be lower than the primary building, and total coverage must meet the district's open space requirement
- Site plan at 1 in = 30 ft or larger showing property lines, easements, all structures and setback distances; plans need a floor plan, wall section and foundation plan
- No local drainage permit unless the project disturbs one acre or more (state CSGP threshold, since May 1, 2025)
- Certificate of appropriateness required in IHPC historic districts even when no building permit is needed
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Indianapolis?
Not for a typical backyard shed. Since January 1, 2026, the Building Standards and Procedures (Sec. 536-201(b)(17), as amended by G.O. 38, 2025) exempt a structure that spans 200 square feet or less of base area, is one story, is not placed on or attached to a permanent foundation and contains no electrical, heating or cooling equipment. The zoning ordinance has a matching exemption: mini-barns or sheds of 200 square feet or less that are not on a permanent foundation need no Improvement Location Permit (ILP). A 10x12 or 12x16 shed on skids or a gravel pad, with no power, files nothing with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS). The city's 2021 Homeowner's Guide still prints the older 120 square foot rule; the ordinance controls.
The exemption ends the moment you pour a permanent foundation, run a circuit to the shed, or go over 200 square feet. Then you need an ILP (zoning) and a Class 2 structural permit, and any wiring needs its own electrical permit.
Indianapolis Shed Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Shed of 200 sq ft or less on skids or a gravel pad, one story, no power | None | Sec. 536-201(b)(17); Zoning Ord. 740-801.A.3.g |
| Same shed with an outlet, light or heater | Structural permit + electrical permit ($169) | Exemption excludes structures with an electrical power distribution system |
| Shed of 200 sq ft or less on a permanent foundation (slab, footings) | ILP ($140) + structural permit | Both exemptions require no permanent foundation |
| Shed over 200 sq ft, for example 12x20 | ILP ($140) + structural permit ($490) = $630 | 2026 fee schedule: accessory Class 2 structure 200-1,000 sq ft |
| Shed closer than 5 ft to the rear lot line, or inside the side or front setback | Not allowed without a variance ($550 + $29) | Zoning Ord. 743-306.A.4; DMD fee schedule |
| Shed taller than the house or with a larger footprint than the house | Not allowed | Zoning Ord. 743-306.A.2.b and c |
| Shed in an IHPC historic district | Certificate of appropriateness ($0.70 per sq ft) | Sec. 536-201(d); IHPC fee schedule |
How Much Does a Shed Permit Cost in Indianapolis?
The DBNS fee schedule of January 5, 2026 is flat, not valuation-based. A shed that needs permits pays two filings. The Improvement Location Permit for single-family accessory buildings is a $32 application fee plus $108, so $140. The structural permit for construction of an accessory Class 2 structure is a $40 application fee, a $150 plan review fee (structures up to 1,000 square feet) and a $300 issuance fee (200 to 1,000 square feet), so $490. A 12x20 shed (240 square feet) therefore costs $630 in city fees. Add a lighting or outlet circuit and the electrical permit is $169 for a home up to 1,000 square feet (plus $23 per additional 500 square feet), for about $799. Application and review fees are non-refundable and due at submittal.
There is no drainage permit for a backyard shed any more: since May 1, 2025 the city issues a local drainage permit only when the project needs state CSGP coverage, which starts at one acre of disturbance. The schedule also has no line for an accessory structure under 200 square feet, so if a small shed loses its exemption because of a foundation or wiring, DBNS assigns the subtype at intake; budget the $490 accessory fee and treat the $290 miscellaneous residential permit as the best case.
Where Can You Put a Shed on Your Lot?
Permit or not, zoning applies. In the D-A, D-S, D-1 through D-5II and D-8 districts a minor residential structure may not sit closer than 5 feet to the rear lot line, must meet the district's front and side setbacks independently of the house, and may not sit in a platted easement. Every accessory building must cover less ground than the house, be lower than the house, and leave the district's required open space.
How to Apply for a Shed Permit in Indianapolis
Everything goes through the Accela Citizens Access portal, and each permit type is a separate application. The ILP needs a site plan at 1 inch = 30 feet or larger showing property lines, easements, every structure and the distances from the shed to each lot line. The structural permit needs a floor plan, a complete wall section from roof to foundation, a foundation plan and framing details; the city's example plans show footings 30 inches deep. Owners doing the work file a Statement of Intent; a hired builder must be a listed contractor and pull the permit itself. Inspections (footing, framing, final) are requested through the portal, and the permit closes when you return the Completion Card.
How to Get a Shed Permit in Indianapolis
Measure and check the foundation
200 sq ft or less, one story, on skids or a pad, no power: nothing to file. Larger, on a slab, or wired: ILP plus structural permit.
Check placement on MapIndy
Find your dwelling district, then keep the shed 5 ft off the rear line, out of the side and front setbacks and off easements.
Draw the site plan and shed plans
Site plan at 1 in = 30 ft with distances to every lot line; floor plan, wall section and foundation plan per the Residential Plan Submittal Checklist.
Apply in Accela Citizens Access
File the ILP and the structural permit as separate applications, upload PDFs, add a Statement of Intent if you are building it yourself, and pay the $32 and $40 application fees plus plan review.
Build, inspect, close
Request footing, framing and final inspections through the portal; work must stay open 48 hours for each. Return the Completion Card to close the permit.