Bolthole Index

Clark County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clark County, Indiana

50Index Score / 100
#70 of 92 in Indiana

Unincorporated Clark County, Indiana requires a building permit for a new home, issued through the county Planning & Zoning Office12. The county's Unified Development Ordinance covers unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden, while the Clark County Health Department handles residential septic permits34. Before buying, confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and whether its soils can support the planned wastewater system5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new home; issued by Clark County Planning & Zoning12
Zoning
County UDO covers unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden3
Septic permits
Clark County Health Department administers residential permits under Indiana rules46
Off-grid sanitation
Limited: an on-site system or privy needs Board of Health approval before operation7
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed for an individual residential lot; ask Planning & Zoning82
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning before planning self-performed work92
Private wells
Clark County's permit requirement remains unconfirmed; ask the Health Department1011

Who to call

Building permits

Clark County Planning & Zoning Office

Building permits, inspections, zoning administration, Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals applications, and county floodplain administration

812.285.6287

300 Corporate Drive Room 208 Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Online permits →

Septic permits

Clark County Health Department, Environmental Health

Residential on-site wastewater permits, septic-system verification and inspections, and soil-testing guidance

812-282-7521

[email protected]

1201 Wall Street Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Indiana?

Yes. Clark County requires a building permit for a new home, and the Planning & Zoning Office issues the county's building permits12. Indiana currently uses the Indiana Residential Code based on the International Residential Code, with the applicable version and amendments identified in the reviewed state code material12. Clark County also performs inspections and asks permit holders to give the office advance notice when scheduling them2.

An agricultural building is not automatically free of every local rule. Indiana excludes a building used only for agriculture on the land where that activity occurs, and not for retail trade, from the state Class 1 design-release category; the reviewed rule expressly does not settle local inspection, zoning, fire, or permit requirements13. Clark County's separate agricultural claim concerns continuation of a nonconforming agricultural use, not a blanket building-permit exemption14.

Who issues Clark County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

The Clark County Planning & Zoning Office is the county building-permit contact at 300 Corporate Drive Room 208 in Jeffersonville; call 812.285.62872. The office accepts residential improvement and contractor trade applications online, issues permits, reviews applications, and performs inspections2. The same department supports the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and administers the county zoning ordinance2.

Use the office page's online application link for the permit workflow, then contact the office about the inspections that apply to the job2. The office page says inspections require advance notice, so put inspection scheduling into the construction timeline rather than waiting until work is ready to cover2. The Planning & Zoning Office also supplies the county floodplain contact because its executive director serves as Floodplain Administrator2.

Does Clark County, Indiana have zoning?

Yes, but the jurisdiction matters. Clark County's Unified Development Ordinance applies to unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden, and it divides that jurisdiction into zoning districts with district-specific use and development standards315. Do not describe that as zoning by the county inside every incorporated community.

For a rural parcel, start by confirming that the parcel is in the county ordinance's jurisdiction and identifying its zoning district with Planning & Zoning2. The reviewed material does not confirm a countywide minimum house size, a general owner-builder exemption, or a simple permission for residential RV or tiny-home occupancy9. Those are parcel-level questions for Planning & Zoning before purchase, especially because a tiny home may be treated under ordinary dwelling, manufactured-home, or accessory-use standards rather than under the phrase “tiny home”15.

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

The Clark County Health Department administers residential on-site sewage permits under Indiana's statewide rule, while the state reviews local permit programs46. A new home without a functional septic system, or a repair or replacement of an existing system, requires a permit through Environmental Health11. The department also requires soil testing for repairs and new installations11.

Only about 16% of Clark County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will fit5. Clark County requires Board of Health approval and final approval before an on-site sewage system or privy is operated7. If an on-site system fails and a public or private sewer is available within 150 feet of a property line, direct connection is required subject to the reviewed exceptions16.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on Clark County land?

The reviewed county material does not confirm a simple yes-or-no rule for living in an RV or tiny home on an individually owned residential lot in Clark County. Ask the Planning & Zoning Office about the exact parcel, zoning district, proposed unit, duration of occupancy, and whether a principal dwelling must already exist215.

Indiana's reviewed campground rule is not an answer for a private lot. That rule applies to a regulated campground and expressly differs from residential occupancy on individually deeded land8. The separate temporary-campground limits likewise govern temporary campgrounds under local health-officer jurisdiction, not ordinary living on a single residential parcel17. A tiny home intended as a dwelling still must be evaluated against Clark County's zoning districts, building-permit process, residential code, and approved wastewater arrangements1517.

What are the steps to build a home in Clark County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Clark County, the Town of Borden, or another municipality, then ask the responsible planning office for the zoning district and applicable development standards32.
  2. Check floodplain constraints with Clark County Planning & Zoning; most Indiana floodway development requires state review, while local rules may still apply in the flood fringe21819.
  3. Have the Clark County Health Department address soil testing and the septic permit before fixing the house location114.
  4. Submit the residential building application through Clark County's online process and confirm the code and required inspections212.
  5. If access connects to an Indiana state highway, use INDOT's electronic system for the required driveway permission20.
  6. Schedule county building inspections with advance notice and obtain final septic approval before operating the on-site system27.

What should you check before buying land in Clark County?

First, verify jurisdiction and zoning rather than assuming every Clark County address follows the county UDO; the reviewed county jurisdiction is unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden3. Next, make septic suitability part of due diligence because only about 16% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field5. Ask Environmental Health whether Clark County requires a private-well permit, because Indiana's statewide guidance says some local departments do but does not identify Clark County1011.

Check the flood map and driveway authority before choosing a homesite220. Clark County has about 77% of its land at a slope of 15% or less and about 48% wooded land, but those countywide figures do not replace a survey, soil evaluation, access review, or flood determination for one tract2122. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual bill near $1,5662324.

Watch-outs

  • Clark County zoning applies to unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden; confirm the jurisdiction before relying on the county UDO3.
  • A failed on-site sewage system can trigger mandatory sewer connection when a sewer is available within 150 feet of a property line, subject to the reviewed exceptions16.
  • Clark County's current permit fees, private-well permit rule, driveway requirements, RV and tiny-home occupancy rules, and owner-builder exemption remain unconfirmed; ask Planning & Zoning or Environmental Health as appropriate2119.

Sources

  1. Clark County Planning & Zoning Office (2026 county census)
  2. Clark County Planning & Zoning Office (co.clark.in.us)
  3. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, Amended July 2025, quoted and re-checked
  4. Clark County Health Department - Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  5. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  6. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Clark County Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  8. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Clark County Health Department, Environmental Health (clarkhealth.net)
  12. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  13. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, Amended July 2025, quoted and re-checked
  15. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, Amended July 2025, quoted and re-checked
  16. Clark County Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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.

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County locator

Clark County in Indiana

50
County map
Clark County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Clark County scores

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability70100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$270kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$6,194Land / acre
49.6"Annual rain
1.9% of yrsSevere drought
8.4 / yr (+7.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.06" (+9.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,460Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
2.25%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
404,897People within 30 min
6,056,587People within 2 hr
191,114Radius comparison (15 mi)
336.5People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
76.9%Land at 15% slope or less
16.1%Septic soil without severe limits
33,520 acWorkable land screen
48.1%Wooded land
48.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clark County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden.

    • The UDO applies to all land within the jurisdiction of the Clark County Advisory Plan Commission, including unincorporated areas and the Town of Borden.
    “This UDO shall apply to all land within the jurisdiction of the Clark County Advisory Plan Commission which includes the unincorporated areas of Clark County and the Town of Bordon.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Clark County UDO jurisdiction.

    • The UDO contains a zoning-district chapter and district-specific use and development standards.
    • The cited jurisdiction includes unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden.
    “The jurisdictional area is hereby classified and divided into the zoning districts outlined below.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site sewage disposal systems and privies in Clark County.

    • Off-grid sanitation requires Board of Health approval and final approval before operation.
    • A sewer connection is required after septic failure when a public or private sewer is available within 150 feet, subject to stated exceptions.
    “Operate an on-site sewage disposal system prior to having obtained a final approval of such installation from the Board of Health, or its authorized representative;”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Properties served by an on-site sewage disposal system or privy when the system fails and a public or private sewer is available.

    • Direct connection is required when a sewer is available within 150 feet of any property line.
    • The requirement does not apply if prohibited by the certificate-of-authority entity or if access requires a force main or other prohibitive connection.
    • For proposed subdivisions, the UDO uses a 300-foot sewer-availability rule subject to provider acceptance.

    sewer availability distance: <= 150 feet (Failure of on-site system and subject to stated exceptions)

    “shall cause a direct connection to be made to any public or private sanitary sewerage system when an on-site sewage disposal system is in failure and a public or private sewer system is available within one hundred and fifty feet (150) of any property line.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural nonconforming uses under the UDO.

    • An agricultural nonconforming use may change to another agricultural use without losing status.
    • It is not restricted or required to obtain a variance or special exception only so long as the agricultural nonconforming use has been maintained for three years in a five-year period.

    maintenance period: 3 in 5 years

    “an agricultural nonconforming use shall not be restricted or required to obtain a variance or special exception so long as an agricultural nonconforming use has been maintained for three (3) years in a five (5) year period.”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Building-permit or plan-review requirements for construction in Indiana; the state describes these as administrative provisions local jurisdictions may adopt and enforce.

    • Whether a building permit or plan review is required depends on the applicable local jurisdiction's administrative ordinance or process.
    • The cited IDHS statement says local jurisdictions retain authority to establish departments, create inspection schedules, establish fines, and create an order-review process.
    • IDHS states its summary represents the agency's position and is not binding; initial determinations about enforceability of a specific ordinance are left to the local unit administering it.
    “However, HEA 1575 did not eliminate the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce administrative provisions in building and fire safety ordinances, which include, among other things: (1) the establishment of departments; (2) the requirement to obtain a building permit or plan review; (3) the creation of inspection schedules; (4) the establishment of fines; or (5) the creation of an order review process.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Statewide Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission's adopted building codes, including the Indiana Building Code and Indiana Residential Code.

    • The adopted codes consist of model codes amended for Indiana.
    • The 2014 Indiana Building Code under 675 IAC 13-2.6 is currently in effect and became effective December 1, 2014.
    • The 2020 Indiana Residential Code under 675 IAC 14-4.4 is currently in effect and became effective December 26, 2019.
    • Specific applicability depends on the structure and code category.

    Indiana Building Code effective date: 2014-12-01 · Indiana Residential Code effective date: 2019-12-26

    “The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana residential construction, including Clark County.
      “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code | 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction inspections in Indiana, including Class I structures in jurisdictions without an approved building department and construction subject to a Construction Design Release.

    • In jurisdictions without an approved building department, IDHS Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance.
    • When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, IDHS Code Enforcement conducts construction-process and final inspections.
    • Agricultural buildings and one- and two-family residential structures fall under the local government entity; if no local government entity exists, the county government may provide inspections, and IDHS states that if there is no local government entity the residential issue becomes a private civil matter.
    “In jurisdictions where there is not an approved building department, Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance. When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, Code Enforcement will conduct inspections during the construction process and provide a final inspection. Agricultural buildings and residential structures (one- and two-family dwellings) fall under the jurisdiction of the local government entity.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Indiana residential on-site sewage systems statewide; the Indiana Department of Health establishes and reviews the statewide rule while local boards of health administer it and local health departments issue permits.

    • The rule is administered by local boards of health through their health officers and authorized representatives.
    • Each local health department residential on-site sewage system permit program is subject to review by the Indiana Department of Health.
    “administered by the local boards of health [...] subject to review by the department.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of residential water-supply wells and installation of well pumps in Indiana.

    • Indiana Department of Health standards state that several local health departments require a permit before residential water-supply well construction or well-pump installation.
    • The cited statewide source does not identify which local health departments require permits; local requirements must therefore be checked for the specific property.
    • Water-well drillers must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
    “Several local health departments now require that a permit be obtained before construction of a residential water supply well or installation of a well pump.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of lots or lands outside the corporate boundaries of a municipality in Indiana.

    • A correct plat must be recorded with the county recorder before selling lots.
    • The plat must show public places, public ways, and the length, width, and size of each lot.
    • A registered land surveyor must certify the correctness of the plat.
    • The subdivision plat must be submitted for approval by the board of county commissioners.
    • The county recorder may record the plat only if a certificate showing approval of the county commissioners is attached.
    • Once a subdivision-control ordinance is adopted and filed, the plan commission has exclusive control over approval of plats and replats covered by that ordinance.
    • The cited state summary distinguishes subdivisions outside municipalities; incorporated municipalities may have separate statutory or local procedures.
    “Subdivisions Outside Cities and Towns: A person who lays out a subdivision of lots or lands outside the corporate boundaries of any municipality shall record a correct plat of the subdivision in the office of the recorder of the county before selling any lots in the subdivision. The plat must show public places, public ways, and the length, width, and size of each lot.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway connections and construction inside the right-of-way of Indiana state highways.

    • The governmental unit having jurisdiction over the street or highway must grant permission.
    • INDOT jurisdiction is limited to the Indiana state highway system; other governmental units may use the guide as a guideline.
    • Applications must be made through the INDOT Electronic Permit System.
    “State law requires the public to obtain permission from the governmental unit having jurisdiction over a street or highway”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development activities within the fringe portion of Indiana floodplains.

    • There is no state review or state permit for fringe development.
    • When a community adopts floodplain regulations, the regulations must be approved by the Department and may not be less restrictive than 312 IAC 10.
    • Most Indiana communities participate in the NFIP, which requires certain federal regulations to be adopted and enforced for the entire floodplain.
    • Local permits may still be required.
    “There is no State review of or permit issued for development activities within the fringe portion of the floodplain.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Most development activities in Indiana floodways, including fills, excavations, bridges, utilities, and non-residential structures.
      “The DNR Division of Water has jurisdiction in Indiana's floodways for most development activities.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published fees for specified Indiana DNR Division of Water and INDOT permits statewide.

    • Fees apply to the specified permit types and do not establish a single fee for every Indiana permit.
    • DNR lists fees by statute and permit application type; INDOT fees vary by driveway or road-approach subtype.

    DNR Flood Control Act excavation, fill, or non-residential construction in a floodway application fee: 200 USD · DNR Flood Control Act residential reconstruction in a floodway other than the Ohio River floodway application fee: 50 USD · DNR Flood Control Act residential construction or reconstruction in the Ohio River floodway application fee: 10 USD · INDOT private driveway, private field access, temporary driveway, or driveway removal fee: 55 USD · INDOT minor or sub-minor commercial driveway or minor public road approach fee: 150 USD · INDOT major commercial driveway or major public road approach fee: 600 USD

    “IC 14-28-1 | Flood Control Act - Excavation, fill, or non-residential construction in a floodway | $200”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Indiana state construction design-release review for Class 1 structures; local permits may also be required.

    • The process applies to projects required to file with IDHS for a construction design release.
    • All work, including work exempted from state filing, may require local permits.
    • If additional documents are uploaded before the initial response, the 10-business-day period restarts.
    • A selected plan review may result in corrections before release.

    initial completeness or review determination: 10 business days (The period restarts if additional documents are uploaded before the response.) · selected-plan review response: 20 business days (Measured from delivery of the notice of plan review.) · response after corrected plans: 10 business days (Applies following receipt of corrections and continues until release.)

    “If your project is selected for a review, you will either receive a release or request for corrections to your plans within 20 business days”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational vehicle occupancy at a regulated Indiana campground campsite, rather than residential occupancy on an individually deeded lot or other land outside the rule's campground definition.

    • A campground is an area where campsites are leased or rented and provisions are made for ten or more tents, recreational vehicles, park models, or vacation mobile homes.
    • The campground must be established, operated, and maintained for recreational, health, education, sectarian, business, or tourist activities away from established residences.
    • The rule excludes primitive campgrounds, youth camps, and tracts of land divided into individually deeded lots.
    • No more than one recreational vehicle or one vacation mobile home may be allowed on a designated campsite at the same time.
    • Campground construction, additions, or significant construction changes require plans submitted at least ninety days before construction for department review and approval; the plans must be certified by a registered engineer or architect licensed in Indiana.
    • The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization for long-term residential RV occupancy outside regulated campgrounds.

    minimum campground provisions: >= 10 tents, recreational vehicles, park models, or vacation mobile homes · maximum recreational vehicles per designated campsite: 1 vehicle (one vacation mobile home may be used instead) · advance plan-submission period: >= 90 days (the department may waive plan review for a minor alteration)

    “No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or one (1) vacation mobile home”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from county building permits or inspections.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Clark County.

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.

Living off-grid in Clark County, Indiana

Is Clark County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clark County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 404,897 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Indiana?

Clark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark County Health Department (Environmental Health). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clark County, Indiana?

Land in Clark County runs about $6,194 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 49.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A representative private-land location has about 404,897 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,056,587 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Clark compares in Indiana

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