Building Inspector

The Shelby County Building Inspector Department is established to protect the public health and safety of the citizens of Shelby County by ensuring that all new buildings comply with the Indiana State Building Code.  The department keeps record of all approved permits and inspections, which can provide pertinent information to current and future property owners regarding the quality and safety of buildings on their property.  Day-to-day functions of the department include, but are not limited to, permitting, inspections, reviewing site plans for code compliance, and record keeping. 

The Shelby County Building Inspector serves the unincorporated area of Shelby County and the Town of Fairland. Owners of property within the other municipal limits should contact the applicable jurisdiction for questions about permits.

City of Shelbyville Planning & Building – (317) 392-5102 Website

Town of Fairland (consultant GRW Engineering) – (859) 940-7274 Website

Town of Morristown Planning & Building – (765) 763-6748 Website

Town of Edinburgh Building & Zoning – (812) 526-3514 Website

Town of Saint Paul (regulated by Decatur County Area Plan Commission) – (812) 663-8451 Website

Contractor Registration

General Contractors (unless the property owner is acting as general contractor) and Plumbing Contractors (unless property owner is installing plumbing in a structure they will reside in) must be registered with the County. If the property owner is acting as general contractor, a homeowner affidavit must be submitted with the permit application. Either the property owner or contractor may apply for permits.  See Building Contractor & Plumbing Contractor Application

Permit Applications

Permit applications may be submitted in-person by visiting the office, however electronic submission is encouraged. See Improvement Location Permit Application.

Permit Application Process – Electronic

1. Prepare a site plan showing:
   • General layout of property (include lot size)
   • Location of existing home on the site
   • Location of proposed structure including setbacks from all property lines and distance from septic system and well.
2. Email the following documents to the department Administrative Assistant, Jessie Elsrod: jelsrod@co.shelby.in.us
   • Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application.
   • Homeowner Affidavit (if homeowner is applying for the ILP permit)
   • The prepared Site Plan
3. The Administrative Assistant will send the application to the Health Department. After review, the Administrative Assistant will contact the applicant for payment and issue the permit(s) via email.  Permits are generally processed and issued in one business day.

Permit Application Process – In-person

1. Prepare a site plan showing:
   • General layout of property (include lot size)
   • Location of existing home on the site
   • Location of proposed structure including setbacks from all property lines and distance from septic system and well.
2. Visit the Shelby County Health Department (1600 E. St. Rd. 44, Shelbyville) to receive their approval.
3. Visit the Shelby County Courthouse Annex (25 W. Polk St., Room 201) to fill out an application, submit the prepared site plan, and to obtain permit(s). The department generally issues permits on the same day as receipt of application.

*Projects that only require an electric permit should submit the Electrical Permit Application.  A site plan and Health Department Approval is not required.