Construction FAQ
Building Services
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Construction Activities in the City of Lawrence.
The Lawrence Municipal Code, specifically Title 2, Article 1, provides all permit requirements and can be accessed online at the City of Lawrence website.
If you have any questions, please visit the City of Lawrence Department of Public Works at the Lawrence Government Center (9001 E. 59th Street, Suite 205, Lawrence, IN 46216) or call the Department of Public Works at 317-545-8787.
The Lawrence Municipal Code requires any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system — the installation of which is regulated by this code — or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building commissioner and obtain the required permit.
In certain circumstances, the City of Lawrence allows homeowners to obtain permits for work accomplished by themselves. If a contractor is being employed to perform the work, the contractor must be registered within the City of Lawrence to obtain permits for work requiring a permit.
Owner-Builder Information
Contractor Information
The City of Lawrence Department of Public Works maintains a comprehensive listing of all registered contractors. For information on whether your contractor is registered, please visit the City website or call the Department of Public Works at 317-545-8787.
Contractor Information
As a contractor, you are responsible for knowing the jurisdiction in which you are performing work. A map of the City of Lawrence is available on the City website. If you are still unsure whether the property is within the City of Lawrence, please contact the Department of Public Works at 317-545-8787 for guidance.
City GIS Maps
The Lawrence Municipal Code provides that any person, partnership, or corporation that enters into any contractual relationship with another person, partnership, or corporation to engage in any type of construction activity — including demolition work — on any real estate located within the City shall be a Registered Contractor.
Contractor Information
To become a Registered Contractor with the City of Lawrence, the contractor shall provide:
- A completed application form indicating the name, address, and legal business status of the contractor.
- A General Liability Insurance Certificate that:
- Has a minimum of $500,000 for each occurrence of death or bodily injury.
- Has a minimum of $100,000 for each occurrence of property damage, or combined single limit coverage covering both bodily injury and property damage at a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence.
- Includes the policy number.
- Lists the City of Lawrence as a Certificate Holder.
- Identifies the effective and expiration dates of coverage.
- Names the sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation as the insured.
- Lists the name, address, and phone number of the insurance agent.
- Does not limit coverage to a single job.
- Notifies the Building Commissioner in writing at least 15 days prior to cancellation.
- A registration fee of $150.00.
Note: The General Liability Insurance requirement and registration fee shall be waived if the contractor holds an unexpired Marion County or City of Indianapolis license.
Contractor Information
Permit costs are dependent on the type of work undertaken. A comprehensive listing of building permit fees is available on the City website at cityoflawrence.org/public-works.
Permit Fees
The City of Lawrence Department of Public Works is responsible for issuing all building permits. You may apply via the City website or visit the permits window at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th Street, Suite 205, Lawrence, IN 46216.
Permits
Hours of Operation:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
No. However, the Lawrence Municipal Code provides specific regulations regarding structural barriers that homeowners should be aware of:
- Fences may be placed up to the property line.
- Fences are permitted in side and rear yards, provided the height does not exceed six (6) feet above grade.
- Fences are permitted in a required front yard — typically beginning at the front corner of the house — provided the height does not exceed forty-two (42) inches above grade. Efforts should be made to keep fences a minimum of two (2) feet from adjoining sidewalks.
- Corner lot properties have two (2) front yards, and a fence cannot exceed forty-two (42) inches above grade.
