Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Indianapolis, IN?

No permit to replace a roof if done by a listed contractor (with notice posting) and there is no change in roof shape, no heavier covering, no structural member replacement (or over 128 ft of decking) and no heat-applied roofing.

What changes the answer

• Listed contractor, like-for-like: no permit
• Structural, heavier covering or heat-applied: permit

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the BNS fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf

Where to apply

Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (residential permits)

Permitting authority: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (City of Indianapolis and Marion County). Some separately incorporated cities in Marion County may issue their own permits; confirm locally. Exemptions below apply to one- and two-family dwellings (Class 2) and come from the BNS homeowner permit guide (undated; uses the 2020 Indiana Residential Code).

Official sources

“Replacement of an existing roof, if performed by a listed contractor that complies with the notice and posting requirements of section 536-216; and that construction does not involve:”

Source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf

“The installation of heat-applied roofing material.”

Source: https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/20bb8d3c1a0b4c66b07fbe8813d77f23.pdf

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: high