McCordsville is one of the fastest-growing towns on the east side of Indianapolis, straddling the Hancock and Hamilton County line. If your property is inside McCordsville’s town limits, the Town of McCordsville Planning and Building Department handles your deck permit — not Hancock County and not Hamilton County.
This guide covers what triggers a permit, how to apply through the town’s online system, what documents to upload, and how inspections work.
When Does a Deck Need a Permit in McCordsville?
McCordsville classifies decks as accessory structures. According to the town’s 2026 Permit Guide, an accessory structure permit is required for decks, gazebos, patios, pergolas, porches, and similar structures. The only exception: structures under 200 square feet that are not placed on a permanent foundation do not require a permit.
For most residential decks — especially those attached to the house or built on footings — you will need a permit regardless of size. Cosmetic work like staining or painting does not require a permit, but anything involving structural changes does.
Contact Information: McCordsville Planning and Building
| Detail | Information |
| Office | Town of McCordsville Planning and Building Department |
| Address | 6280 W. 800 N, McCordsville, IN 46055 |
| Phone | (317) 335-3604 |
| building@mccordsville.in.gov | |
| Building Commissioner | Erik Pullum |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Permit Portal | SDL Portal — McCordsville |
| Website | mccordsville.in.gov — Planning and Building |
How to Apply: Step by Step
McCordsville only accepts electronic permit applications through their SDL permit portal. No paper applications are accepted. Here is how the process works:
- Create an account on the SDL portal if you don’t already have one.
- Select the Accessory Structure application — this is the correct permit type for decks.
- Upload your supporting documents at the time of submission.
- Wait for review. Accessory structure applications are typically reviewed within 3 to 5 business days.
- Pay fees once the permit is approved. Fees must be paid before the permit is officially issued.
- Print your permit placard and post it on-site throughout construction.
What Documents to Upload
When you submit your deck permit application through the SDL portal, you’ll need to include:
- Plot plan — showing the location and measurements of the proposed deck relative to property lines, the house, and any other structures
- Construction drawings — to-scale plans showing the deck layout, dimensions, framing, beam and joist sizes, and connection details
- Footing details — depth, diameter, and any reinforcement
- Stair and railing specifications — rise/run measurements, guard heights, and baluster spacing
- Material specifications — lumber type, fastener type, and evaluation reports for any composite decking
- Proof of insurance — homeowner’s insurance if doing the work yourself, or contractor’s certificate of liability
Permit Fees
McCordsville publishes a fee schedule that covers all permit types. You can view the current version on the Planning and Building Department page. Fees vary based on the type and scope of the project, and the exact amount will be calculated when your permit is approved. Fees are payable through the portal before the permit is issued.
For specific fee questions, call (317) 335-3604 or email building@mccordsville.in.gov.
Inspections
McCordsville follows the Indiana Administrative Code (Title 675) for all building inspections. All inspection requests are submitted through the SDL portal — you search for your permit and click “Request an Inspection.” Submit your request at least one business day before you’d like the inspection.
For a typical residential deck, expect at least:
- Footing inspection — after holes are dug and before concrete is poured
- Final inspection — after all framing, decking, stairs, guardrails, and railings are in place
Key Building Code Standards
| Requirement | Standard |
| Footing depth | Minimum 30 inches below finished grade (Indiana frost line) |
| Guardrails | Required when deck surface is more than 30″ above grade; minimum 36″ high |
| Stair rise | Maximum 7¾ inches per step |
| Stair tread depth | Minimum 10 inches |
| Baluster spacing | A 4-inch sphere must not pass through |
| Fasteners | Hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or approved coated fasteners |
| Lumber | Pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant (redwood, cedar) |
Call Before You Dig
Indiana law requires you to contact 811 at least 48 hours before digging any footing holes. This free service marks buried utility lines on your property. Call 811 or visit call811.com.
Doing the Work Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
McCordsville allows homeowners to apply for and pull their own permits. If you are doing the work yourself, you’ll need to provide proof of homeowner’s insurance with your application. If you hire a contractor, they should provide a certificate of liability insurance. Either way, the property owner is ultimately responsible for making sure the work complies with the approved plans and passes all inspections.
Confirm Your Property Is Inside McCordsville
McCordsville’s borders are not always obvious, especially in fast-developing areas near Mt. Comfort Road. If your property is actually in unincorporated Hancock County rather than inside town limits, you would go through the county’s building department instead. Our guide covering the Hancock County deck permitting process explains that office’s separate requirements and fee structure.
Easements: Check Before You Build
McCordsville cautions property owners to understand where easements run on their lot before placing any structure. Decks cannot encroach on an easement without additional approval. The town publishes an easement information sheet on their Planning and Building page that explains what easements are and how they may affect your project.
Quick Reference: McCordsville Deck Permit Process
| Step | Details |
| Confirm jurisdiction | Verify your property is inside McCordsville town limits |
| Create an SDL account | Required before submitting any application |
| Submit Accessory Structure application | With plot plan, construction drawings, and insurance documentation |
| Review period | Typically 3–5 business days |
| Pay fees and receive permit | Print the placard and post it on-site |
| Call 811 | At least 48 hours before excavation |
| Request inspections via SDL | Minimum 1 business day advance notice |
If you are comparing how different east-side communities handle outdoor building projects, our article on how local weather conditions impact material choices for decks and patios offers useful context for planning your build.
Planning a Deck in McCordsville?
Platinum Deck and Patio works with homeowners throughout McCordsville and the surrounding communities. We handle the permit application, plan drawings, and inspections so you can skip the paperwork and get straight to enjoying your new outdoor space. Call (463) 466-5870 or visit patiocontractorsindianapolis.com to get started.