Department Functions/Services

• Issue City & County Building and Zoning Permits
• Administer City & County Zoning Ordinances
• Perform Building and Zoning Inspections
• Administer Local Plan Review Process
• Administer Rezoning Process
• Provide City & County Plan Commission Staff Support
• Provide City & County Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Support
• Administer City & County Flood Control Ordinances
• Respond to Citizen Inquiries and Requests

Zoning Regulations:

Area of Coverage

Jay County:
The authority of Jay County is Pennville, Salamonia, and all other unincorporated areas.

Jay County Zoning Ordinance

Zoning Maps & Flood Plain Maps
Jay County eGis is provided by 39 Degrees North:

Flood Areas
Floodways and flood plain areas are regulated by Portland, Jay County, the Indiana
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and FEMA. If you are building near a ditch,
waterway or low area, you need to contact our Department for the requirements and
regulations governing these areas. Floodways and flood plain areas are available on
the eGis site.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I Need A Permit For...

New Home - Yes
Garage or Carport - Yes
New or Enlarged Basement - Yes
Additions & Structural Changes - Yes
Roof Structural Changes - Yes
Porch Roof & Lean-to - Yes
Deck - Yes
Fence - Yes (Pennville only)
Accessory Buildings

(100 Sq Ft & Larger) - Yes

Pool, Above or In Ground - Yes
Pond - Yes
Signage - Yes (Pennville only)
Awning (Non-residential) - Yes (Pennville only)
Commercial Buildings & Structures - Yes
Ag Buildings, Structures & Grain Bins - Yes
Towers - Yes
Merchant & Business Occupancy - Yes
Home Occupation - Yes

Replacement of …
Windows - No
Vinyl Siding - No
Sidewalks - No
Driveways - No

Permit Application Form & Permit Fees:
Permit application form

is available for download.
Permit fees vary depending on the project and are not published online. Please contact the Department to obtain the permit fees applicable to your project.

Jay/Portland Building Department Inter-Local Joint Board

The Jay/Portland Building Department Inter-local Joint Board consists of five (5) members who are appointed in accordance with the “Interlocal Cooperation Agreement” between Jay County and the City of Portland, Indiana. All terms are for one (1) year.