McCordsville is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Indianapolis metro area. Sitting in Vernon Township in western Hancock County — directly adjacent to Fishers and the Geist Reservoir area in Hamilton County — the town has grown from roughly 1,100 residents in 2000 to an estimated 11,000+ today, with enough approved housing to reach 20,000 in the next decade.
McCordsville operates its own Planning & Building Department with its own Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Architectural Review Committee. The town broke away from the Hancock County Area Plan Commission and adopted its own zoning ordinance — so all permits go through the town, not the county.
McCordsville Planning & Building Department — Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Department | Town of McCordsville — Planning & Building |
| Address | 6280 W 800 N, McCordsville, IN 46055 |
| Phone | (317) 335-3604 (Planning & Building direct) |
| Town Hall Phone | (317) 335-3151 |
| building@mccordsville.in.gov | |
| Fax | (317) 335-3495 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Permit Portal | SDL online portal (electronic filings only) |
Do You Need a Permit for a Deck in McCordsville?
Yes. McCordsville requires a building permit for new deck construction, deck replacements, and structural alterations. The town follows the Articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code, meaning residential construction must comply with the Indiana Residential Code (IRC-based).
How to Apply for a Deck Permit
McCordsville has moved to a fully electronic permit system. The department only accepts electronic filings through its SDL portal for construction permits:
- Access the SDL permit portal. Go to the McCordsville SDL portal linked from the Planning & Building page. Create an account if needed.
- Complete the Accessory Structure Application. For a residential deck, file the “Town of McCordsville Accessory Structure Application” through the portal.
- Upload required documents. Include a plot plan showing the deck location relative to existing structures, property lines, and setbacks. Also upload construction drawings with design, dimensions, materials, and structural details.
- Plan review. Staff reviews for compliance with zoning and building codes. Review times vary. Check status by logging into the portal.
- Pay fees and receive permit. Fees are payable before the permit is issued. A permit placard must be printed and posted on-site during construction.
McCordsville Zoning — Key Points for Deck Projects
- Most residential areas are PUD-governed. Many subdivisions have their own development standards that may differ from the base zoning districts. Check your subdivision’s PUD ordinance for specific setbacks and material requirements.
- Architectural Review Committee. McCordsville has an ARC that reviews development in certain areas. If your subdivision requires ARC approval, this is a separate step from your building permit.
- HOA approval. Most McCordsville subdivisions have HOAs with covenants regulating outdoor structures. Written HOA approval may be required before the town issues your permit.
- Setbacks vary by district and PUD. Contact the department to confirm the specific setback requirements for your lot.
Inspections
All inspection requests are submitted through the SDL permitting software — not by phone. Submit your request a minimum of 1 business day before you’d like the inspection.
- Footing inspection. After footings are dug/formed but before concrete is poured. Verifies depth (42-inch minimum), diameter, and placement.
- Framing/rough-in inspection. After structural frame is complete but before decking boards are installed. Confirms connections, joist spacing, and ledger attachment.
- Final inspection. After the deck is fully complete. Confirms everything matches approved plans and meets Indiana Residential Code.
Building Code and Construction Standards
McCordsville follows the Articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code (current codes at IABO.com/current-code). Key requirements:
- Frost line depth: 42 inches minimum for all footings.
- Ledger board attachment: Must be properly flashed and through-bolted or lag-screwed per IRC standards.
- Guard rails: Required on any surface 30+ inches above grade. Minimum 36 inches high.
- Baluster spacing: Maximum 4-inch gap.
- Stair requirements: Maximum 7-3/4 inch riser, minimum 10-inch tread, graspable handrail required.
- Electrical: Any deck lighting or outlets requires a separate electrical permit filed through the SDL portal.
The Hamilton/Hancock County Border — What It Means
- Permit jurisdiction is clear. If your property is within McCordsville town limits, your permit goes through McCordsville regardless of which county your parcel touches.
- Neighboring communities. Fishers (Hamilton County) is directly north and west. Lawrence and Geist are to the west. Check tax records if unsure about jurisdiction.
- School district. McCordsville is served by Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation.
About McCordsville
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Western Hancock County, adjacent to Fishers / Geist (Hamilton Co.) |
| Population | ~11,000+ (est. 2024); up from ~1,100 in 2000 — 894% growth |
| Projected Growth | Approved housing to reach 20,000 within the next decade |
| Median Household Income | ~$110,000–$113,000 |
| County | Hancock County (Vernon Township) |
| School District | Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation |
| Key Corridors | US-36, Mt. Comfort Road (connects to I-69 and I-70) |
McCordsville’s rapid growth is driven by its position on the Hamilton/Hancock county border — close to Fishers, Geist, and northeast Indianapolis employment centers, but with lower housing costs and more available land. Developers see it as the next growth corridor as Fishers and Carmel fill in.
For homeowners in Fortville just east of McCordsville, our guide on the Fortville deck permit process covers that adjacent community. For a broader look at HOA rules for outdoor projects, see our guide to navigating HOA regulations for deck and patio builds.
Get Started on Your McCordsville Deck Project
Platinum Deck and Patio serves McCordsville and the surrounding Hancock and Hamilton County communities. We handle the electronic permit filing, build to code, and manage all required inspections through the SDL system. Call (463) 466-5870 for a free estimate.