Building & Zoning Department
John Hemmelgarn
Director/Administrator
jpbp.jhemmel@gmail.com
118 S. Meridian Street Suite E
Phone: 260-726-6904
Pati McLaughlin
Assistant Director
@
118 S. Meridian Street Suite E
260-726-6904
Department Services
- Issue city & county building and zoning permits
- Administer city & county zoning ordinance
- 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
The City of Portland has the authority within the city limits and two (2) miles beyond the city limits.
Floodway Areas
Floodways and floodplain 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 floodplain areas are available by clicking here.Opens a New Window
Portland eGisOpens a New Window is provided by 39 Degrees North
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 and Lean-to- Yes
- Deck- Yes
- Fence- Yes
- Accessory Buildings (100 Sq. Ft & Larger)- yes
- Pool, Above or In-Ground- Yes
- Pond- Yes
- Signage- Yes
- Awning- Yes
- Commercial Buildings & Structures- Yes
- Agricultural Buildings & 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 & Fees
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.
The department will assist you in meeting the building and zoning requirements applicable to your project.
Permit Application (Printable)
Click here to downloadOpens a New Window
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.
| Member | Appointed By | Term of Membership |
| Jerry Leonhard | Portland Board of Works & Safety | 01/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 |
| Mike Aker | Portland City Council | 01/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 |
| Duane Monroe | Jay County Commissioners | 01/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 |
| Faron Parr | Jay County Council | 01/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 |
| Ron Laux | Inter-Local Joint Board | 01/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 |
