Bolthole Index

Cass County, Indiana

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Town of Galveston, Indiana

The Town of Galveston, Indiana requires a building permit from the town's building commissioner before construction starts1. The town also has its own zoning chapter that applies inside town limits2. Septic permits are a separate question: Cass County's health department issues them countywide, and we could not confirm how that works for lots inside Galveston3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required from the town's building commissioner before construction starts1
Zoning
Town of Galveston's own zoning chapter applies inside town limits2
Minimum home size
920 square feet of first-floor living area in the residential district4
Setbacks (residential district)
20 feet from the street line, 10 feet from the rear line, 6 feet from each side line5
Permit fee
$15 up to $5,000 of construction cost, rising to $45 above $25,0006
RV living
Lawful only inside a licensed tourist camp7
Septic
Cass County Health Department issues septic permits countywide; not confirmed for lots inside town3

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Galveston (Town Hall)

Town Hall is the contact point for the town; Chapter 152 puts building permits with the town's building commissioner

(574) 699-6664

306 S. California St., P. O. Box 597, Galveston, Indiana 46932

Septic permits

Cass County Health Department

Onsite septic system applications for Cass County

(574) 753-7760

Cass County Health Department, 1616 Smith Street, Logansport, IN 46947

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Galveston means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Galveston, Indiana have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The Town of Galveston in Cass County has its own Chapter 153 zoning ordinance, and it applies inside town limits, including land annexed later2. Cass County's zoning ordinance covers only unincorporated land and excludes areas under a city or town plan commission, so the county's districts do not govern a Galveston lot8.

The rules we confirmed apply to the town's residential district:

  • Minimum home size: no dwelling may be built or altered to provide less than 920 square feet of living area on the first floor4.
  • Lot width: at least 50 feet for each family, though a single-family home may go on a narrower lot recorded in a plat or deed before the chapter passed9.
  • Setbacks: 20 feet from the street line, 10 feet from the rear line and 6 feet from either side line, with a garage or other out-building allowed within 3 feet of a side or rear line5.
  • Lot coverage: a building and its accessory building may cover no more than 40% of an interior or corner lot10.

We could not confirm a zoning district map, a height limit or an accessory dwelling rule. Ask Town Hall which district a specific parcel sits in before you buy.

Do you need a building permit in Galveston, Indiana, and who issues it?

Yes. Under Chapter 152 of the Galveston code, construction inside town limits is prohibited unless it conforms to a valid building permit obtained from the building commissioner before construction starts1. Applicants submit a complete application with plans and specifications drawn to scale, a plot plan, any state construction design release, and the fee11.

The building commissioner can withhold a permit for unpaid fees or for a structure that does not conform to zoning or other land-use ordinances1. Galveston's permit fee is tiered by construction cost: $15 up to $5,000, $20 above $5,000 and under $10,000, $25 above $10,000 and under $15,000, $30 above $15,000 and under $25,000, and $45 above $25,0006. Each required inspection adds $1012.

Building permits are the town's job inside town limits. The Cass County Planning Department's Improvement Location Permits cover unincorporated land, so a Galveston lot does not go through the county planning counter8.

Who do you call about building permits in Galveston?

Start with Galveston Town Hall at 306 S. California St., phone (574) 699-6664, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET13. Chapter 152 names the building commissioner as the official who administers and enforces the town's building code14. The town's website does not list a separate building office, so ask Town Hall to connect you with the commissioner13.

The town's code does not name the edition of the state building code it uses. Indiana's Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission writes the state codes by adopting model codes and amending them for Indiana15.

How do septic permits work in Galveston, Indiana?

Septic is handled by health authorities, not by the town's building commissioner. Indiana's residential on-site sewage rule is administered by local boards of health, and in Cass County the Cass County Health Department issues or denies septic permits3. The county's septic permit application requires a soil scientist's report and a $100 permit fee3. The Health Department is at 1616 Smith Street in Logansport, phone (574) 753-776016.

Before planning a septic system, check whether town sewer reaches your lot. Where a sanitary sewer is available within a reasonable distance, Indiana prohibits an onsite system and requires a sewer connection17. Galveston's own code does not say who permits a home septic system inside town limits, so confirm with the Health Department and Town Hall which applies to your address. Drywells and cesspools are not allowed anywhere in Indiana18.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Galveston, Indiana?

Not on your own lot. Galveston's trailer chapter makes it unlawful to occupy and maintain a trailer or house car within town limits except in a duly licensed tourist camp7. Outside a camp, one unoccupied trailer may be kept in an accessory private garage or a rear yard, with no living quarters and no business run from it7. Residents of a tourist camp may not stay more than 90 days continuously19.

Privately owned tents are limited to an overnight stay or 24 hours19. Galveston's code does not address tiny homes. The 920-square-foot first-floor minimum in the residential district may rule out very small homes, so ask Town Hall before buying with a tiny home in mind4.

Building a home in Galveston, Indiana: the steps, in order

  1. Call Galveston Town Hall at (574) 699-6664 to confirm your parcel's zoning district and whether town sewer is available13.
  2. Check your plans against the residential district rules: 920 square feet on the first floor, setbacks, and 40% lot coverage410.
  3. If no sewer is available, contact the Cass County Health Department about a septic application and soil report3.
  4. Apply to the building commissioner with scaled plans, a plot plan and the fee, and wait for the permit before starting11.
  5. Expect inspections during and after construction12.
  6. Do not move in until the building commissioner issues a full, partial or temporary certificate of occupancy20.

What stays with Cass County, and what should you check before you buy in Galveston?

Septic permits come from the Cass County Health Department, and Indiana's rule keeps local health departments under state review21. Whether a private well needs a permit also depends on the local health department; Indiana says several require one but does not say which22. Ask the Cass County Health Department about wells.

For land outside town limits, the county's rules differ; see the Cass County page. Cass County's effective property tax rate is 0.7%, with a median bill of $824 a year2324. Farmland there averages about $8,138 per acre25.

We could not confirm Galveston's rules on floodplain construction, driveway access, manufactured homes, subdivision or owner-builder work. Ask Town Hall about each before you close.

Watch-outs

  • Do not use Cass County's unincorporated-area rules for a Galveston lot: the county zoning ordinance excludes land under a town plan commission8.
  • The zoning figures we confirmed come from the town's residential district; we could not confirm a district map, so ask Town Hall which district your parcel is in2.
  • Building permits can be withheld for unpaid fees or for a structure that does not conform to zoning1.
  • We could not confirm who permits septic systems inside town limits or whether town sewer reaches a given lot; ask the Cass County Health Department and Town Hall16.

Sources

  1. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  2. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 153 Zoning (sections 153.01 to 153.99) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  3. Cass County Health Department Homeowner’s OSS Check List, quoted and re-checked
  4. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 153 Zoning (sections 153.01 to 153.99) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  5. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 153 Zoning (sections 153.01 to 153.99) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  6. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  7. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 151 Camps; Trailers (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  8. Cass County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 153 Zoning (sections 153.01 to 153.99) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  10. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 153 Zoning (sections 153.01 to 153.99) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  11. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  12. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Galveston (Town Hall) (in.gov)
  14. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  15. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Cass County Health Department (secure.in.gov)
  17. Environmental Public Health: Onsite Sewage Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  18. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 151 Camps; Trailers (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  20. Galveston, Indiana Code of Ordinances, Chapter 152 Building Code (sections 152.05 to 152.52) (Town of Galveston), quoted and re-checked
  21. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Galveston

Town of Galveston’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction inside Galveston town limits

    • Construction may proceed only after a valid building permit is obtained from the building commissioner before construction starts.
    • Section 152.50 lets the building commissioner withhold permits for unpaid fees or for structures not in conformity with zoning or other land-use ordinances.
    “construction is prohibited unless in conformity with a valid building permit obtained from the building commissioner prior to commencement of construction.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Galveston town limits under the town's Chapter 152 Building Code, administered by the building commissioner

    • Chapter 152 gives the building commissioner authority to enforce the building code, variances granted under I.C. 22-13-2-11, and orders under I.C. 22-12-7.
    • The opened text does not name the edition of the state building code that the town adopts; section 152.21 refers to rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission.
    “the building commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce the following: (a) all of the provisions of this building code;”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All construction inside Galveston town limits, whether or not a building permit was required

    • Inspections are periodic and may occur before or after completion (section 152.35(b)).
    • Each required inspection carries a $10 fee under section 152.24(b).
    • The fire department also inspects for fire-safety compliance under section 152.36.

    building inspection fee per required inspection: 10 USD

    “all construction shall be subject to periodic inspections by the building commissioner irrespective of whether a building permit has been or is required to be obtained.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of any structure inside Galveston town limits

    • A full, partial, or temporary certificate may be issued; a structure must be built in compliance with the building code before a certificate issues.
    “it shall be unlawful to occupy any structure unless a full, partial, or temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building commissioner.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Galveston town limits (Town of Galveston, Cass County, Indiana), under the town's own Chapter 153 Zoning ordinance

    • Chapter 153 applies to lands annexed into the town later (section 153.08), so it governs inside the town limits only.
    • Zoning text opened covers only the residential district; the opened sections do not contain a district map or a full district schedule.
    “in the residential district, no building or premises shall be used and no building shall be hereafter erected or structurally altered or building moved into said town”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the residential district of Galveston town (the district named in section 153.01); no agricultural or rural-residential district was found in the opened text

    • The 920 square feet is first-floor living area only, as written.
    • No other size limit was found in the opened Chapter 153 sections.

    minimum first-floor living area: >= 920 square feet

    “no dwelling shall hereafter be erected or altered to provide less than 920 square feet of living area on the first floor of such building.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the residential district of Galveston town (the district named in section 153.01); no agricultural or rural-residential district was found in the opened text

    • The rule sets a minimum lot width, not a minimum lot area; no minimum lot area was found in the opened sections.
    • A single-family dwelling may be built on a narrower lot that was recorded in a plat or deed before the chapter was passed.

    minimum lot width for each family: >= 50 feet (single-family dwelling on a lot recorded in a plat or deed before the chapter was passed)

    “no dwelling or group of dwellings shall hereafter be erected or altered to provide less than 50 feet of lot width for each family except that a single-family dwelling may be erected on any lot having a width of less than 50 feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings in the residential district of Galveston town (the district named in section 153.01); no agricultural or rural-residential district was found in the opened text

    • A garage or other out-building may be built within 3 feet of either side line or the rear line (section 153.05).
    • Section 153.06 also bars new buildings from projecting beyond an established setback line where two or more buildings on the same block already set one.
    • The code does not define the street, rear and side lines further in the opened text.

    minimum setback from street line: >= 20 feet · minimum setback from rear line: >= 10 feet (garage or other out-building may be 3 feet) · minimum setback from each side line: >= 6 feet (garage or other out-building may be 3 feet)

    “no building shall hereafter be erected or altered in such district so that any part thereof extends within 20 feet of the street line or within ten feet of the rear line or within six feet of either side line, excepting that a garage or other out-building may be built within three feet of either side line or rear line.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Buildings and accessory buildings on lots in the residential district of Galveston town (the district named in section 153.01); no agricultural or rural-residential district was found in the opened text

    • The 40% limit applies to the building together with its accessory building.
    • The same 40% limit applies to interior lots and to corner lots.

    maximum building and accessory building share of lot area: <= 40 percent (interior and corner lots both 40%)

    “no building with its accessory building shall occupy in excess of 40% of the area of an interior lot and not in excess of 40% of a corner lot.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupying a recreational vehicle, trailer or house car as a residence inside Galveston town limits

    • Occupancy is lawful only inside a duly licensed tourist camp.
    • Outside a camp, one unoccupied trailer may be parked in an accessory private garage or in a rear yard in any district, provided no living quarters are kept and no business is run from it (section 151.04(m)(2)).
    • Emergency or temporary parking on a street, alley or highway is allowed for not longer than one hour (section 151.04(m)(1)).
    • The license requirement (section 151.06) and the rule on automobile trailers as permanent residences (section 151.05) were not opened within the budget.
    “it shall be unlawful to occupy and maintain any trailer or house car whether same is resting upon wheels or other foundation within the town except in a duly licensed tourist camp”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Overnight tent camping on private land inside Galveston town limits

    • Tents may not be rented to the public for overnight stays by a tourist camp operator (section 151.03(a)).
    • A tourist camp needs at least 900 square feet around each trailer or tent (section 151.03(b)).
    • No person may remain a resident of a tourist camp for more than 90 days continuously (section 151.04(f)).
    • A tourist camp must provide toilets, lavatories and bath facilities and a 40-foot front yard (sections 151.02 and 151.04).

    privately owned tent overnight stay limit: <= 24 hours (overnight stay or 24 hours)

    “the occupants of any tent privately owned shall be limited to an overnight stay or 24 hours in any tent encamped in the town.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Toilet, bath and lavatory facilities of tourist camps (including camps where house trailers are parked more than 24 hours) inside Galveston town limits; not general residential construction

    • Connection applies only where the town's permanent sewer system is available.
    • Where the sewer is not available, suitable septic tanks or other absorption devices must be built instead (same subsection).
    • Tourist camp facilities must also meet the state tourist camp license law referenced in section 151.04(k).
    “the toilet facilities, hereinabove described, together with the baths and lavatories shall each and all be connected with the permanent sewer system of said incorporated town, in the event said sewer system is available.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit, inspection, rezoning/variance and home occupation fees for construction inside Galveston town limits

    • Schedule adopted by ord. 2023-07, passed 11-13-2023, as shown in section 152.24.
    • Building permit fees are tiered by construction cost; the opened text lists five tiers, with the top tier at more than $25,000 at $45.
    • Inspection fee is $10 for each required inspection; rezoning and variance fee is $25 plus any required publication or advertisement fee; home occupation permit is $25 per permit.

    building permit fee, construction cost not exceeding $5,000: 15 USD · building permit fee, construction cost more than $5,000 and less than $10,000: 20 USD · building permit fee, construction cost more than $10,000 and less than $15,000: 25 USD · building permit fee, construction cost more than $15,000 and less than $25,000: 30 USD · building permit fee, construction cost more than $25,000: 45 USD · building inspection fee per required inspection: 10 USD

    “building permits fees for the town are set as follows: (1) construction costs not exceeding $5,000: $15.00; (2) construction costs more than $5,000 and less than $10,000: $20;”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Obtaining a building permit for construction inside Galveston town limits, through the building commissioner

    • The application must include detailed plans and specifications drawn to scale, a plot plan drawn to scale (not required if all work is inside an existing structure), any construction design release required by state law, and the section 152.24 fee.
    • The building commissioner issues the permit once the application is complete and the work conforms to building and fire safety laws and other ordinances (section 152.22).
    • Permits may be withheld for unpaid fees or non-conforming land use (section 152.50) and revoked for false statements or non-compliance (section 152.51).
    “any person required to have a building permit shall submit a complete application to the building commissioner.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Galveston or Cass County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder construction of a home inside Galveston town limits
  • Zoning districts — Zoning district map or schedule for Galveston town limits
  • Building height — Building height in the residential district of Galveston town
  • Tiny homes — Occupying a tiny home as a residence inside Galveston town limits
  • Manufactured homes — Occupying a manufactured or mobile home as a permanent residence inside Galveston town limits
11 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Galveston publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Cass County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Cass County: county rules, score and offices