Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Indianapolis?
It depends on the project. Indianapolis exempts some roof replacements from a building permit and requires one for the rest1.
On this page
Depends on size or scope
Indianapolis's rule“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…”1
City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, Sec. 536-201(b)(2), p. 22
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | Conditional | 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…1 |
| Building permit | Tear-off and reroof not covered by the Sec. 536-201(b)(2) exemption: structural permit (non-review) | A structural permit is required for a tear-off and reroof.2 |
Limits and conditions in Indianapolis's rule
Each limit sits next to the sentence it comes from; the conditions in that sentence are part of the rule.
| Rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement exempt? | Listed-contractor roof replacement exempt (Sec. 536-201(b)(2)); owner-occupant may overlay one layer of shingles over a single existing layer without a permit | Additionally, a person who owns or is purchasing a Class 2 structure on contract with the intention to utilize the property for his or her own occupancy may affix without permit a layer of replacement shingles to a single layer of existing shingles provided…1 |
| Roof area that can be replaced without a permit | 128 feet | The replacement of basic structural members that support the roof (e.g., replacement of a rafter or more than one hundred twenty- eight (128) feet of decking)…1 |
What to submit
- No plans if no structural change3
Who can apply
- Licensed/listed contractor or owner-occupant (no permit for roof replacement; notification form no longer required since 2026)2
Review time
10-15 business days (typical first review)4. This is the department's published figure, not a guarantee.
Special areas and extra reviews
- Historic districts may need a certificate of appropriateness even when no permit is required1
Who to ask
City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS)5
Building permits
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com6
- Phone
- (317) 327-87007
- [email protected]7
- Address
- 200 E. Washington St., Suite 107, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (City-County Building)5
- Hours
- 9 AM-4 PM Monday-Friday5
- Inspections
- By automated phone line 317-327-5525 using the permit number3
Roof permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare Indianapolis with 19 other cities on the national roof replacement permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
Sources
- 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
- New Building ConstructionCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Homeowner's Building Permit GuideCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesLast updated March 2021Checked November 7, 2026
- Permit Issuance Process (flowchart)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Accela Citizens Access Portal (ACA)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- License and Permit FeesCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026