The Hancock County Area Plan Commission provides land use, permitting, and zoning services for the property owners and residents of Hancock County, Indiana. The Commission's jurisdiction includes all of Hancock County except for the City of Greenfield and the Towns of Cumberland, New Palestine, and Wilkinson. The Plan Commission consists of the Planning and Building Departments as follows.

The Planning Department ensures that development proposals comply with the county's Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Control and Zoning Ordinances. The Department also works to coordinate the efforts of other local and regional land use agencies. Petitions for Special Exceptions and Variances are scheduled for hearing(s) before the Board of Zoning Appeals. Projects involving land Subdivisions and Rezonings are scheduled for hearing(s) before the Plan Commission. Persons interested in learning more about the zoning process are invited to contact the numbers shown below.

The Building Department ensures that new construction proceeds according to local and state building code regulations. Permits for non-residential construction must also obtain approval from the State of Indiana. Through a series of inspections performed by department personnel, the Department works to verify that construction is completed in a manner that protects the public health, safety, and welfare. Persons interested in learning more about the building permit process are invited to contact the numbers shown below.