If you live in unincorporated Hancock County — including communities along the Mt. Comfort corridor, areas near Fortville and McCordsville, or the rural stretches between Greenfield and the Hamilton County line — your deck permit goes through the Hancock County Planning & Building Department at the county annex in Greenfield.
Hancock County Planning & Building Department — Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Department | Hancock County Planning & Building Department |
| Address | 111 American Legion Place, Suite 146, Greenfield, IN 46140 |
| Building Dept. Phone | (317) 477-1133 |
| Planning Dept. Phone | (317) 477-1134 |
| Fax | (317) 477-1184 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Jurisdiction | Unincorporated Hancock County + Towns of Spring Lake and Shirley |
Important: This department does not handle permits for Greenfield, McCordsville, Cumberland, New Palestine, or Wilkinson — those municipalities have their own permit authority.
Two Departments, Two Permits
- Planning Department — Issues Improvement Location Permits (ILPs), enforces zoning code. For most deck projects, decks are exempt from the ILP requirement (see below).
- Building Department — Issues building permits, electrical permits, and performs all inspections. You will likely need a Residential Accessory or Alteration building permit for your deck.
Are Decks Exempt from the Improvement Location Permit?
Yes — with conditions. Under Hancock County Zoning Ordinance §156.106(C)(3), decks are specifically listed as exempt from the ILP requirement. The exemption covers “lot and yard improvements such as fences, drives, sidewalks, patios, decks, retaining walls, play equipment” and similar improvements.
However, this exemption only applies to the zoning/land use permit. You still must:
- Comply with all setback requirements for your zoning district. The ILP exemption does not exempt you from setback rules.
- Obtain a building permit from the Building Department if the deck is a structural addition (which most attached decks are). File the Residential Accessory or Alteration permit application.
- Meet Indiana Residential Code standards for structural integrity, frost line depth, railings, stairs, and all other applicable requirements.
How to Apply for a Building Permit
- Get the application. The Residential Accessory or Alteration application is available as a PDF on the Hancock County Permit Requirements page or in person at the county annex.
- Prepare your documents. Include a site plan showing your lot, existing structures, property lines, setbacks, easements, and proposed deck location. Also include construction drawings with design, dimensions, materials, and structural details.
- Submit the application. File at 111 American Legion Place, Suite 146. Include the applicable permit fee per the current fee schedule (effective July 1, 2024).
- Plan review. The Building Official reviews for compliance with the Indiana Residential Code.
- Permit issuance. Keep approved plans and permit on-site during construction.
Zoning Districts and Setbacks
Hancock County uses residential zoning districts R1.0 through R5.0 plus RM for multifamily. Setback requirements vary by district. The county provides a Quick Guide to Zoning Descriptions, Lot Standards and Land Uses that summarizes requirements.
Even though decks are exempt from the ILP, they must still comply with setback requirements. Use the Hancock County Beacon/GIS system to look up your parcel’s zoning classification, then confirm setbacks with the Planning Department at (317) 477-1134.
Inspections
- Footing inspection. After footings are excavated/formed but before concrete is poured. Confirms depth (42-inch minimum), size, and placement.
- Final inspection. After deck is fully constructed. Confirms structure matches approved plans and meets Indiana Residential Code.
Contact the Building Department at (317) 477-1133 to schedule inspections.
Building Code and Construction Standards
Hancock County follows the Indiana Residential Code (IRC-based) via Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code. Key requirements:
- Frost line depth: 42 inches minimum.
- Ledger board attachment: Must be properly flashed and through-bolted or lag-screwed. Nails alone are not acceptable.
- Guard rails: Required 30+ inches above grade. Minimum 36 inches high.
- Baluster spacing: Maximum 4-inch gap.
- Stair requirements: Max 7-3/4 inch riser, min 10-inch tread, graspable handrail required.
- Electrical: Separate electrical permit required for any deck electrical work.
Unincorporated Areas Along the East Hamilton County Corridor
- Mt. Comfort Road corridor. Primary north-south route from I-70 to Hamilton County line with a mix of rural residential and newer planned developments.
- Buck Creek and Sugar Creek areas. Unincorporated areas east/southeast of McCordsville with active PUD developments (The Hills Over Sugar Creek, Turner Farms, etc.).
- Between Fortville and McCordsville. Rural and semi-rural Vernon Township properties not annexed into either town.
- North of Greenfield. Unincorporated areas in the growth path between Greenfield and the Geist/McCordsville corridor.
PUD-Specific Rules
Several PUDs in unincorporated Hancock County have their own development standards that may override base zoning. If your property is in a PUD (Mohawk Trails, The Hills Over Sugar Creek, The Overlook, Turner Farms, Winding Oaks, etc.), review your PUD’s provisions before applying. The county maintains a list of PUD ordinances on the Planning & Building page.
Additional Contacts
| Department | Contact | Purpose |
| Health Dept. | (317) 477-1125 | 111 American Legion Pl | Septic system information |
| Highway Dept. | (317) 477-1130 | 921 W. Osage St | Driveway information |
| Surveyor Dept. | (317) 477-1150 | Suite 171 | Drainage and erosion control |
For homeowners in the McCordsville town limits, the permit process is different. Our guide to the McCordsville deck permit process covers that in detail. And for homeowners in Fortville, our Fortville deck permit guide walks through that town’s independent process.
Get Started on Your Deck Project
Platinum Deck and Patio serves the full Hancock County area including unincorporated communities along the Mt. Comfort corridor and east Hamilton County border. We handle the permit process, build to Indiana code, and schedule all required inspections. Call (463) 466-5870 for a free estimate.