Indiana roofing: permits, codes and approvals

Indiana's 2020 Residential Code, no state roofing license, the Home Improvement Contracts Act's insurance-claim rules and 3-day cancel right, and mechanic's lien notices and deadlines.

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1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

Indiana has no state roofing product approval or listing system. Local officials rely on the Indiana Residential Code's labeling and installation requirements, manufacturer instructions and recognized evaluation reports.

Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

There is no statewide re-roof permit rule. Cities and counties issue building permits and decide whether a residential re-roof needs one, so check the local building department before you start.

EvansvilleRe-roofing requires a building permit obtained before work starts; the fee is tripled if work starts first.South BendResidential roofing is permitted under the City and County Renovation Permit (which covers roofing, siding, windows and more).

3 · Code rules

Code rules

The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (675 IAC 14-4.4, based on the 2018 IRC) has been in effect since December 26, 2019. Official adoption page ↗

4 · Wind, fire and storm programs

Wind, fire and storm programs

No Indiana FORTIFIED grant program or required roof insurance discount was found. Indiana's storm-related rules are in the Home Improvement Contracts Act, which bans deductible rebates and bars contractors from acting as public adjusters.

No deductible rebates or adjusting (IC 24-5-11-10.5)A home improvement supplier may not advertise, offer or promise to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible, or give gifts or referral fees to land the job. A roofing contractor may not act as a public adjuster.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Indiana has no state roofing or general contractor license; the state Professional Licensing Agency's list of licensed trades includes plumbing but not roofing. Any contractor licensing or registration is handled locally.

No state roofing license (Indiana PLA)Roofing and general contracting are not on the PLA's list of state-licensed professions. Ask each city or county building department about local registration before pulling permits.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

Indiana home improvement contracts over $150 must be in writing and include a 3-day cancel right. Lien notices for homes are due within 60 days on one- and two-family (Class 2) work and 90 days on other work.

Home improvement contract rules (IC 24-5-11-4 and -10)The Home Improvement Contracts Act covers residential contracts over $150; the law's definition of exterior improvement expressly includes a residential roof system. Give the homeowner the completed contract before signing, with the work description, start and finish dates, and price.3-day cancel right (IC 24-5-11-10.6)A homeowner may cancel before midnight of the third business day after the later of signing or receiving the insurer's final coverage decision. Include a detachable cancel form and refund within 10 days; reasonable emergency work can still be paid.Sub and supplier notice on owner-occupied homes (IC 32-28-3-1(h))Anyone who supplies labor or materials on credit to someone other than the occupying owner, such as a sub or supplier, must give the owner written notice within 30 days of first delivery or labor, or they lose lien rights.Lien filing: 60 or 90 days (IC 32-28-3-3)File a sworn statement and notice of intention to hold a lien with the county recorder within 60 days after your last work on Class 2 structures (one- and two-family homes), or 90 days for other work.Enforce within 1 year, or 30 days on demand (IC 32-28-3-6 and -10)Sue to foreclose within 1 year after recording. If the owner sends written notice to sue, you must file within 30 days or the lien is void.No advance lien waivers (IC 32-28-3-16)A contract clause that requires waiving lien rights before you are paid, or agreeing not to file a lien notice, is void. No statutory waiver form was found.

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Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.