Welcome to the City of Bluffton Building Department Online Permit Applications. To apply for a Building Permit please find the type of permit needed and click on the link to begin your application. To begin the process you will need to create login name and password. If you need assistance, please call the Building Department at 260.824.6068. You will be notified by e-mail when your application has been approved and you will receive instructions on where to pick-up your Permit and pay Fees Due. Thank you for using our Online Permitting Site.
Permit Descriptions:
A Commercial Permit is required for all Class 1 structures. (Click Here)
A Class 1 structure is:
- A building or structure that is intended to be or is occupied or otherwise used in any part by any of the following:
- The public
- Three or more tenants
- One or more persons who act as the employees of another
- A site improvement affecting access by persons with physical disabilities to a building or structure.
- Any class of buildings or structures that the commission determines by rules to affect a building or structure.
A Residential Permit is required for all Class 2 structures. (Click Here)
A Class 2 structure is:
- A building or structure that is intended to contain or contains only one dwelling unit or two dwelling units unless any part of the building or structure is regularly used as a Class 1 structure.
- An outbuilding for a structure such as garage, barn, or family swimming pool, unless any part of the building is regularly used as a Class 1 structure.
An Electrical Permit is required for all new electrical work in both Class 1 and Class 2 buildings. This includes electrical upgrades to existing buildings and structures. (Click Here)
A Demolition Permit is required for all demolition work on both Class 1 and Class 2 buildings and structures. (Click Here)
A Plumbing Permit is required for all Class 1 and Class 2 Buildings and structures. (Click Here)
A Wood Deck and Roof Permit is required for all decks and roofs over decks for all Class 1 and Class 2 buildings and structures. (Click Here)
A Concrete Porch and Roof Permit is required for all concrete porches and roofs over porch, for all Class 1 and Class 2 buildings and structures. (Click Here)
A Swimming Pool Permit is required for all permanent pools, both above and in ground pools. Swimming pools which can be disassembled and stored are exempt from permitting. (Click Here)
An HVAC permit required for all class 1 and class 2 building structures. (Click Here)
A Fire systems permit for fire suppression, fire alarm systems and type 1 hoods. (Click Here)
Residential additions, accessory, remodel and roof alteration require permits.
EXCEPTIONS–No building construction permit is required for the following: patio slabs, portable storage building (200 square feet maximum), exterior and interior painting, siding, gutter, downspout replacement, insulation, replacement of roofing not requiring new rafters, window replacement not requiring new headers or other structural wall changes, storm windows and doors, and other cosmetic improvements as determined by the Building Commissioner.
