Frankfort, IN Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
Frankfort, IN building permit timeline: Review times vary by project scope and complexity. Expedited review is not currently offered.
Frankfort, IN requires building permits for most construction, renovation, and tenant improvement projects. The city does not currently offer expedited plan review. Here is what you need to know about permit timelines, costs, and the review process in Frankfort.
Frankfort Plan Review Timeline
- The specific time frames for reviewing first and subsequent submittals in Frankfort, IN, are not detailed on the provided website.
- However, general guidelines for building plan reviews in Indiana suggest a 10-business-day initial review period, followed by additional time if corrections are needed, as per the state's Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) guidelines.
Other Time-Related Details:
- No specific local details are available from the provided website, but typically, plan reviews can be expedited with additional fees, similar to state-level processes.
Conclusion:
The specific time frames for the plan check process in Frankfort, IN, are not explicitly stated on the provided webpage.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Frankfort Building Department
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What Building Permits Do You Need in Frankfort?
Frankfort requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Frankfort Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Frankfort building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Frankfort Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Frankfort vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Frankfort building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Frankfort Building Department
Frankfort Building Department
- Website: frankfort-in.gov/department/index.php?structureid=18
- City Website: frankfort-in.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Frankfort Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Frankfort?
Plan review in Frankfort, IN takes varies by project type for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
Does Frankfort offer expedited permit review?
Frankfort does not currently offer a formal expedited review program. However, submitting complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt is the best way to reduce total review time. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Frankfort?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Frankfort that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Frankfort?
Permit fees in Frankfort are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Frankfort project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Frankfort and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Frankfort, IN?
Most construction in Frankfort requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
Need Help With Frankfort Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Frankfort and across Indiana. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
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