Building Department

The Building Department oversees all facets of residential and commercial construction activity in the city. Projects and plans are reviewed for compliance with State and Local Building Codes. Once approved, the Building Department then issues and oversees all construction-related permits within Bluffton's jurisdiction. Conformance with applicable building codes is further verified through inspections at various stages of construction.

Building Permit Process

For new construction or add-ons/expansions of existing buildings:

1. Receive a Land Use/Development permit from the Wells County Area Plan Commission.
2. For Commercial, Class 1 buildings, applicant may be required to obtain a State of Indiana building design release.
3. Acquire appropriate City of Bluffton building permits. Fee payment(s) is due upon application submittal. Applications can be submitted by any of the following methods:
   • Applying online
   • Call the Building Department office at 260-824-6068
   • Visit the Building Department office. Applicants will need to provide documentation indicating completion of Permit Process steps 1 and 2, and provide plans or drawings as requested to be approved by affected City departments.
4. Request inspection of work once complete.
5. Pass all inspections and, if applicable, receive a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

For building work that is interior-only (remodels, mechanicals, etc.):

• Follow steps 3 through 5 above.

Building Permit Fees

View Bluffton's Fees for Bluffton Building Permits(PDF). Remember, all applicable fees must be paid in full prior to work commencing.

Not sure if you need a building permit? Be sure to review Bluffton's Municipal Code 15.10.070 which defines When a Building Permit is Required.

Street Cut Permits

Persons performing work that involves cuts in public rights-of-way (i.e. streets, curbs, sidewalks, trails, access roads, and other hard surfaces) must also apply for a Cut Permit. All Cut Permits are reviewed and approved by the Bluffton Street Department. For more information, view the Street Department's Cut Permit Overview.

Inspections

For permitted work, inspections will be performed by the Building Department to confirm standards are being met. Inspections must be scheduled ahead of time by calling their office at 260-824-6068. Once all inspections have sufficiently passed, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) will be issued.

The order of these inspections is as follows:

1. After all footers are dug, rebar is in place, and before concrete is poured
2. After all underground plumbing installed but before backfill
3. For concrete slabs, after rebar is in place but before concrete is poured
4. After rough framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC installed (can all be inspected at the same time)
5. After project is complete