This guide has been assembled to assist property owners and buyers in buying property, dividing land, getting an address, getting permits and other issues that arise such as floodplain and access easements.  The links go to the same forms available in our office.  If you have further questions, please contact us.

1.  I want to get some information about a property before I make an offer.  Where should I go and what information might I request?

There are a number of County offices that you might visit.  The Auditor, Treasurer and Assessor each have information regarding the buildings, taxes assessed, tax payments, ownership and other information.  The Board of Health can tell you if there is a septic system on file for an existing home.  The Department of Planning Services (DPS) can verify the zoning and uses of the property, see whether the property was approved for a Special Exception, Variance or other Board approved use, and verify the correct address of the property.  We can also tell you if there are any zoning violations on the property and provide the Flood Insurance Rate Map for your parcel.  If the property is vacant and you would like to build, we can tell you what local ordinances require, such as minimum lot requirements and setbacks (where the building can be located on the property).

2.  I want to divide my property.  What are the requirements?  How much road frontage do I need?  What is an easement and how do I get one?

There are a number of rules and regulations regarding the dividing of property in Allen County.  Please click on the link below to get the information sheet on dividing property.  After you have read this information, please call or visit the office if you have further questions.    We will be happy to discuss your plans with you.  Please click here for the  Sell-off Information Sheet and and the corresponding Minimum Lot Area and Building Setback  Requirements Table .

Access Easement Agreementsare required when a parcel does not abut at least 25 feet along a public right-of-way.  Access Easements are reviewed by DPS, routed to the Allen County Highway Department and Allen County Surveyor's Office.  Please read the Access Easement Information Sheet (COMING SOON) carefully and call or visit our office to discuss your plans.

3.  I bought some land and I need an address.  Who assigns addresses and how can I get one?

The Allen County Department of Planning Services issues addresses to all parcels in the County including Huntertown, Grabill, Woodburn and Monroeville.  For address requests in Fort Wayne, Leo-Cedarville and New Haven, you must contact the respective city in order to obtain an address.  In order to assign an address, we need a legal description and survey of the parcel.  You will also need to indicate the location of the driveway.  Please fax your request to 260-449-7682 Attn:  Address Request.

4.  I want to build a new house in the County.  What do I need to get a permit?  What other departments do I contact?

After we assign the address, you will need to contact a few other departments.  Please make sure that all applications to other departments have the correct address assigned by DPS.  You need to obtain a driveway permit from the Allen County Highway Department, 449-7369.  You also need to apply for a septic permit or see if there is an existing system on file from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Board of Health, 449-7530.  You need to contact the Allen County Surveyor regarding legal drains, drainage tile and stormwater management, 449-7625.  If you do not have a copy of your recorded deed, you may obtain one from the Allen County Recorder's Office, 449-7165.  Permits for new homes that are not in a platted subdivision require a copy of the recorded deed before the permit can be issued.

After you have contacted the other departments, you will need to complete an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) Application.  This is available in the Application section of the website or in our office.  When you come, you will need a plot plan showing the location of all existing and proposed structures.  All structure and property dimensions must be labeled.  Clearly mark the distance of all structures from the property lines and centerline of the road.  You will also need to show utility easements and legal drains, if applicable.  Properties that are in/partially in the floodplain may require additional information, such as a certified survey or elevation certificate.  The fee for a new residence is $100.00.  We accept cash, or checks payable to the Allen county Treasurer.  After the ILP is issued, it is not possible to process a refund.  The application fee applies only to the ILP and does not include fees associated with building, septic, driveway or other permits.

5.  How long does it take to get an ILP?

Permits in platted subdivisions may take 2-3 days to process.  Permits for properties on septic can take 3-5 days or longer due to the research that is required and additional review by the Board of Health.  Imcomplete applications, poor plot plans, development in the floodplain and other issues may add to processing time.

6.  How do I get building permits?

Once the ILP has been issued, DPS will deliver it to the Allen County Building Department.  Building permits may be obtained through the Building Department.  Please contact them at 449-7131.

7.  Can I change my plot plan?

An ILP applicant may amend a plot plan without additional cost either before the permit is issued or within 60 days of permit issuance.  The applicant must provide a new or revised plot plan.  After 60 days, any change to a plot plan will require a new permit and fee.

8.  What is a Certificate of Compliance?  How do I get one?  What is a Certificate of Occupancy and how do I get one?

Before a new structure or addition can be occupied, a Certificate of Compliance (C of C) must be obtained from this office.  For a new house in a subdivision, typically two documents are needed to issue a C of C- a copy of the final inspection from the Building Department (Building Department will fax DPS a copy of the final inspection), and a certified survey.  If no certified survey is submitted, DPS staff must inspect the property.  After the Certificate of Compliance is issued, it is sent to the Building Department.  The Building Department then issues the Certificate of Occupancy and the process is complete.  Commercial and Industrial projects, development in the floodplain and other projects may require additional information before the C of C can be issued.

9.  I would like to add on to my existing home.  Is a permit required?  What do I need to get a permit?

A permit is required in most instances.  All room additions, garages, pools, decks, sunrooms, anything with footers or anything that changes the footprint of the building will likely require a permit.  Second story additions also require a permit.  For other projects, please call or email us.

10.  I would like to know the requirements for above ground or inground pools.  Do I need a permit?  Is a fence required?

A private pool is defined as being constructed or portable and used for swimming, wading or bathing with over 24 inches of depth or with a top water surface exceeding 250 square feet.  All pools require a permit.  Above ground pools must have walls at least 4 feet tall from ground level or a fence is required.

Inground pools may have an automatic pool cover  instead of a fence.  The cover must provide a continuous connection between the cover and the deck to prohibit access when it is drawn.  It must be operated by a key or key and switch.  The cover has to support 400 pounds when it is drawn over the pool, and be installed according to specifications and bear an identification tag.

Pool fences, if required, may be no less than 5 feet tall, and can surround either the pool or the rear yard.  The fence may not have openings larger than 4 inches.  All doors and gates must be self latching and self closing.

11.  I would like to put up a fence.  Where can I put it?  Do I need a permit?

For houses that are not at an intersection or a corner lot in a subdivision, you can put up an 8 foot fence behind your house and 2 1/2 feet in front of your house.  Always check your subdivision covenants to see if you are allowed to construct a fence.

If you are unsure whether you need a permit or not, please call our office to discuss your plans, or fax them to 449-7682 Attn: Fence Plans

12.  I think my neighbor is violating the Allen County Zoning Ordinance.  Who do I call if my neighbor is operating a business, has junk cars or is dumping outside?

The Department of Planning Services follows up on all zoning complaints from the public.  We go to the property and take pictures, and if there is evidence or suspicion of a violation, we notify the owner.  The owner has a deadline to respond or clean up the property.  We work with property owners to bring their properties into compliance within a reasonable amount of time.  If the property is in violation at the next inspection, legal counsel gets involved and the owner may be taken to court.

We work with other departments depending on the complaint, and it may be faster to call the respective department.  For unlicensed/inoperable vehicle complaints on private property, please call us at 449-7607.  For drainage complaints, call the Allen County Surveyor, 449-7625.  For structural or building complaints, or if someone is building without a permit, please call the Allen County Building Department at 449-7131.