Bolthole Index

Crawford County, Indiana

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

79Index Score / 100
#3 of 92 in Indiana

Crawford County, Indiana does not publish a confirmed residential building-permit process for unincorporated land, so ask county government before starting work12. The Crawford County Health Department administers residential septic rules3, and driveway work in a county-road right-of-way needs Highway Director approval and a $40 fee4. Zoning is documented in English and partly documented in Milltown, but countywide zoning remains unconfirmed567.

At a glance

Building permit
County residential process unconfirmed; ask county government before work12
Building inspection
County residential inspection program unconfirmed8
Zoning
Countywide status unconfirmed; English has zoning and Milltown publishes partial zoning materials756
Septic permit
Administered by Crawford County Health Department3
Septic soils
Only 5.3% of soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field9
Agricultural building exemption
Farm buildings used only for agriculture are exempt from state design-release and building-code compliance10
County-road driveway
$40 permit required before right-of-way work begins4
RV or tiny home
Private-parcel occupancy rules remain unconfirmed117

Who to call

Health department

Crawford County Health Department

Septic (onsite sewage) system permits and inspections for Crawford County

(812) 338-2302

306 Oakhill Circle, English, IN 47118

Roads & driveways

Crawford County Highway Department

Road repair, right-of-way clearing, and ditch or culvert requests for Crawford County roads

(812) 338-2162

[email protected]

717 State Road 64, English, Indiana 47118

Online permits →

Also useful

Crawford County Government

General county government contact for the Board of Commissioners and any question not handled by a specific department

(812) 338-2601

715 Judicial Plaza Dr, English, IN 47118

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Crawford County does not publish a confirmed answer on whether a residential building permit or county inspection is required in unincorporated areas18. Indiana has adopted the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, while permit administration and inspections for one- and two-family dwellings depend on the applicable local government128. If no local entity or county provides residential inspections, Indiana guidance treats the issue as a private civil matter, but that rule does not itself prove what Crawford County currently provides8. Ask Crawford County Government for a parcel-specific answer before construction2. Qualifying farm buildings used only for agriculture on the farm are exempt from state design release and building-code conformance, although other local permits may still apply10.

Who handles permits and land-use questions in Crawford County?

Start with Crawford County Government for the current residential building-permit, inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, or owner-builder answer because no confirmed county process was located213. The Crawford County Health Department administers residential onsite sewage rules through its health officer and authorized representatives314. The Crawford County Highway Department handles county-road right-of-way work and provides the county's road, ditch, and culvert request portal415. A connection to an INDOT-controlled highway follows a separate state process through INDOT's Electronic Permit System16. This division matters: the road authority, rather than the building question alone, determines which driveway approval route applies416.

Does Crawford County have zoning?

Countywide zoning in unincorporated Crawford County remains unconfirmed; the absence of a published county ordinance is not proof that a parcel has no land-use controls7. The Town of English has published standard and overlay zoning districts covering the town and its extraterritorial zoning and platting area5. Milltown publishes flood-hazard zoning and manufactured-home regulations and has authorized the Crawford County Advisory Plan Commission to act as its municipal plan commission, but its available materials do not provide a complete district schedule or zoning map6. Therefore, land in or near either town needs a municipal-jurisdiction check before relying on the unincorporated-county answer56. Minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, and tiny-home rules for unincorporated parcels could not be confirmed; ask Crawford County Government about the specific parcel2.

How do septic permits work in Crawford County?

The Crawford County Health Department administers residential onsite sewage rules through its health officer and authorized representatives314. The permittee must notify the health officer when installation is ready for final inspection; where no local inspection procedure is published, notice is due at least 48 hours or two working days before subsurface portions are covered17. Only 5.3% of Crawford County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so resolve soil suitability and system design before fixing a house site9. Drywells and cesspools are prohibited statewide, while a temporary sewage holding tank needs written state approval and is generally limited to one year as the primary disposal method18. Ask the Health Department about the parcel evaluation, application, fees, and inspection sequence14.

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

We could not confirm a Crawford County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV or tiny home on a private, unincorporated parcel7. Indiana's campground rule applies to operations serving at least ten tents, recreational vehicles, park models, or vacation mobile homes, not automatically to one owner-occupied RV on an individually deeded parcel11. A temporary campground may operate no more than 10 consecutive days per event and 30 days per calendar year, under the local health officer's jurisdiction19. Those temporary-campground limits do not answer private-parcel occupancy19. Ask Crawford County Government about land use and the Health Department about sewage before buying for an RV or tiny-home plan214. Inside English or Milltown, municipal zoning materials also require a town-specific check56.

Building a home in Crawford County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Crawford County Government whether the parcel and project require a residential building permit, inspection, or occupancy approval28.
  2. Check whether the parcel falls within English's zoning jurisdiction or Milltown's municipal controls56.
  3. Resolve soil suitability and the septic design with the Crawford County Health Department39.
  4. For a new entrance in a county-road right-of-way, obtain Highway Director approval and pay the non-refundable $40 application fee before work begins4.
  5. For access to an INDOT-controlled road, apply through the Electronic Permit System; a private driveway fee is $55 and estimated review is 20 working days on non-limited-access right-of-way2016.
  6. Check floodway status and obtain Indiana DNR approval where required21.
  7. Arrange the final septic inspection before covering subsurface work17.

What to check before you buy land in Crawford County

Septic feasibility deserves an early check because only 5.3% of Crawford County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field9. Terrain and clearing can also affect layout: 64% of county land is at 15% slope or less, and forest covers 73%2223. Confirm whether the entrance meets a county road or an INDOT-controlled road because the permit, fee, and application route differ416. Indiana DNR regulates most development in mapped floodways, while flood-fringe projects may still face local and federal requirements21. Private-well permit requirements and public-water or sewer connection rules could not be confirmed countywide, so ask the Health Department and the relevant utility before closing14. Crawford County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual bill is $8512425.

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat the lack of a published county building or zoning process as permission: ask Crawford County Government for the current parcel-specific answer172.
  • English has published zoning beyond its corporate limits, and Milltown publishes partial municipal zoning materials56.
  • A county-road driveway permit costs $40, while an INDOT private-driveway permit costs $55; confirm which road authority controls the frontage420.

Sources

  1. Crawford County, Indiana official county site (2026 county census)
  2. Crawford County Government (in.gov)
  3. Crawford County Health Department: Home, quoted and re-checked
  4. Crawford County Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Town of English Title 10: Comprehensive Plan, Zoning, and Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  6. Town of Milltown Title 10: Land Use Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  7. Crawford County, Indiana official county site (2026 county census)
  8. DHS: Code Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  9. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  10. Class 1 Structure Agricultural Purpose Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  11. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-7.1 Campgrounds, quoted and re-checked
  12. DHS: Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  13. (2026 county census)
  14. Crawford County Health Department (in.gov)
  15. Crawford County Highway Department (in.gov)
  16. INDOT: Doing Business with INDOT: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  17. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential Onsite Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  18. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-7.1 Campgrounds, quoted and re-checked
  20. INDOT: Doing Business with INDOT: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  21. Water: Community Assistance & Information, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Crawford County in Indiana

79
County map
Crawford County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Crawford County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness7190% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$173kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$4,347Land / acre
50.1"Annual rain
3% of yrsSevere drought
6.7 / yr (+6.3)Mid-century 100°F days
13.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.09" (+10.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,531Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.91%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
16,524People within 30 min
2,976,437People within 2 hr
31,480Radius comparison (15 mi)
34.2People / sq mi
13%Federal land
64%Land at 15% slope or less
5.3%Septic soil without severe limits
9,899 acWorkable land screen
73%Wooded land
56.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

Scout Crawford County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Crawford County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Crawford County

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

Crawford County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Administration of residential onsite sewage rules in Crawford County by the Crawford County Health Department through its health officer and authorized representatives.

    • Indiana's statewide rule is administered by local boards of health.
    • The Indiana Department of Health may review local permit programs and installations.
    “This rule shall be administered by the local boards of health through their health officer and the health officer’s authorized representatives.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction of a new private driveway or entrance that involves work within the right-of-way of a Crawford County road in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • A permit application must be approved by the Crawford County Highway Director before work begins in the right-of-way.
    • A non-refundable $40.00 fee is required with the permit application.
    • Unless the County Highway Director determines that the application covers an entire project, a separate permit is required for each road.
    • The Crawford County Highway Department rule concerns county-road rights-of-way; state highways and incorporated-town roads may be administered by different authorities.
    • The ordinance states that it was passed and adopted by the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on September 10, 2024, and that it is in full force and effect upon passage.
    • A person or entity that has violated the ordinance is not entitled to receive a permit until the violation is resolved to the satisfaction of the County Highway Director.
    • Failure to repair notified damage within 30 days may result in a $100.00 per calendar day fine, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.

    permit fee: 40 USD (non-refundable) · permit timing: before commencement of work · permit frequency: one permit per road (unless the County Highway Director determines the application is for an entire project) · damage repair deadline: 30 days (after notification) · daily violation fine: 100 USD per calendar day (maximum total fine of $1,000.00)

    “Prior to the commencement of any work in the right-of-way, a permit application shall be approved by the Crawford County Highway Director. A non-refundable $40.00 fee must be submitted with the permit application.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county zoning office is listed among county departments and adopted zoning codes exist only for the towns of English and Milltown, indicating no county-wide zoning of unincorporated land.

    Crawford County, Indiana official county site ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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's statewide residential building-code framework for one- and two-family dwellings, including property in Crawford County.
      “675 IAC 14-4.4 2020 Indiana Residential Code Free access (model code with incorporated amendments) 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection responsibility for Indiana Class II structures, meaning buildings containing only one or two dwelling units unless part is regularly used as a Class I structure.
      “Who inspects Class II structures (one- and two-family dwellings)? Local units of government.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupancy and regulation of mobile homes and manufactured homes as dwelling units in Indiana, including Crawford County.

    • Indiana recognizes mobile homes and manufactured homes as suitable and necessary dwelling units.
    • The Indiana Department of Health may require health, sanitation, and safety standards for persons dwelling in them and for mobile-home-community operators.
    • A mobile home community is generally one or more parcels with at least five mobile homes or manufactured homes occupied as principal residences, subject to the statutory definition and listed inclusions.
    • A mobile home community may not be operated without a license from the Indiana Department of Health.
    • County and municipal authorities retain jurisdiction over zoning, building codes, and ordinances pertaining to mobile home communities.
    • Local boards may regulate construction and operation of groups totaling not more than four mobile homes and manufactured homes under compatible standards.
    • A governmental body may not restrict use, occupancy, movement, or relocation based on the home's age.

    mobile/manufactured homes for statutory mobile home community threshold: >= 5 homes (the statute includes additional qualifying parcel and service arrangements) · mobile home community license duration: 4 years (expires at midnight on December 31) · maximum local group size subject to local-board regulation: <= 4 homes (combined total of mobile homes and manufactured homes)

    “This chapter recognizes mobile homes and manufactured homes as suitable and necessary dwelling units in Indiana.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Residential onsite sewage system installations subject to 410 IAC 6-8.3.

    • The permittee must notify the health officer or designee when work is ready for final inspection.
    • If the local health board has not published inspection procedures, notice must be given at least forty-eight hours or two working days before subsurface portions are covered.
    • Permit requirements are not fulfilled until installation is completed to the satisfaction of the health officer or authorized representative.

    advance notice before covering subsurface portions: >= 48 hours (or two working days)

    “The permittee shall notify the health officer or the health officer’s designee when the work is ready for final inspection:”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitation in Indiana where a dwelling is not connected, or cannot be connected, to a sanitary sewerage system.

    • The dwelling must be provided with a compliant residential on-site sewage system including a septic tank and a soil absorption system that has not failed.
    • A temporary sewage holding tank is subject to written Indiana Department of Health approval, with specified exceptions for failed systems, soil conditions after a construction permit, and certain district, utility, or municipal sewage plans.
    • A holding tank operated as a primary residential disposal method for a sewer connection plan is limited to not more than one year unless the period is extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation.
    • Drywells and cesspools are not allowed for construction or use as on-site sewage treatment in Indiana.

    holding-tank sewer-connection period: <= 1 year (may be extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation)

    “septic tank and a soil absorption system”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    A building or structure used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where the agricultural operation is located, including qualifying integral agricultural-operation structures, subject to Indiana's agricultural-purpose exemption criteria.

    • The structure must be used for an agricultural purpose.
    • The structure must not be used for any other purpose, including a restaurant or event center.
    • The structure must be located on the land where the agricultural operation is located; this is the “farm rule.”
    • If located on the farm and used only for an agricultural purpose, the structure must not be used for retail trade and must not be a stand used for retail sales of farm produce for more than 8 consecutive months in a calendar year.
    • If the exemption applies, the structure is not a Class 1 structure, is not required to obtain a design release, and is not required to be constructed in conformance with the building code.
    • Indiana DHS separately states that all work, including work exempted from filing with the state, may require local permits.

    retail farm-produce stand operation: <= 8 consecutive months in a calendar year (A retail structure that is not a stand is disqualifying regardless of duration.)

    “If no, the agricultural exemption applies, and the building or structure is not a Class 1 structure, is not required to obtain a design release, and is not required to be constructed in conformance with the building code. If yes, then the agricultural exemption does not apply.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where they are located and not used for retail trade, for purposes of Indiana state Class 1 construction-design-release requirements.
      “Buildings used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where they are located and not used for retail trade are not Class 1 structures.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development activities in floodways in Crawford County, Indiana.
      “The DNR Division of Water has jurisdiction in Indiana's floodways for most development activities. Typical examples of floodway projects subject to DNR review and approval are fills, excavations, bridges, utilities, and non-residential structures. [...] There is no State review of or permit issued for development activities within the fringe portion of the floodplain.”
    • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Driveway connections from private property to INDOT-controlled roadways, including roads in Crawford County under INDOT control.
      “Major Commercial Driveway & Major Public Road Approach | $600 Minor and Sub-Minor Commercial Driveways & Minor Public Road Approach | $150 Private Driveway, Private Field Access, Temporary Driveway, & Driveway Removal | $55”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — INDOT driveway permits for connections to state-controlled roadways in Crawford County.
      “INDOT only accepts permits through the Electronic Permit System (EPS). An account with a username and password is necessary to access EPS. [...] The following review timeframes are estimates and may vary based on permit volume, the need for further customer feedback, and technical review by non-permit staff or external agencies.”
  • 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”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational vehicle occupancy at campgrounds regulated under 410 IAC 6-7.1, including campgrounds in Crawford County, Indiana.
      “No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or one (1) vacation mobile home shall be allowed on a designated campsite at the same time.”
    • Limited — Temporary campgrounds and temporary camping operations in Indiana, including Crawford County.
      “"Temporary campground" means a campground operated not more than ten (10) consecutive days per event and not more than thirty (30) days a calendar year.”
    • Limited — Temporary campgrounds operated in Indiana.
      “not more than ten (10) consecutive days per event”

Inside cities and towns in Crawford County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The incorporated Town of English and its extraterritorial zoning and platting jurisdiction area.

    • The ordinance applies to all territory within the corporate limits of the Town of English and its extraterritorial zoning and platting jurisdiction area.
    • Standard and overlay zoning districts are shown on the Official Zoning Map of the Town of English, which is made part of the ordinance.
    • Land annexed to the Town is automatically classified in the A-Agricultural District until later rezoned as provided by law, unless the owner petitions for another classification consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
    • The ordinance states that it becomes effective upon passage and posting according to law.
    • The ordinance text is identified as Ordinance 98-05, dated May 14, 1998; no newer effective date was stated in the opened source.

    standard districts: REC, A, R-1, R-2, R-3, MH, B-1, B-2, I · overlay district: FP - Floodplain District

    “The Town of English and its extraterritorial jurisdiction area are hereby divided into the following standard zoning districts which primarily regulate the use of land”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — The incorporated Town of Milltown in Crawford County, including municipal planning and flood-hazard zoning materials published in the Town of Milltown Title 10 codebook.
      “Chapters: 10.03 Building regulation and inspection 10.05 Advisory Plan Commission 10.20 Flood Hazard Zoning Ordinance 10.25 Manufactured Homes”

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 exemptions from residential permitting, inspection, or contractor requirements in Crawford County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential buildings in Crawford County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning controls within Crawford County, including incorporated towns and unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in unincorporated Crawford County, Indiana.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in unincorporated Crawford County, Indiana.
7 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • 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.

Living off-grid in Crawford County, Indiana

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

Crawford County scores 79/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Crawford County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Crawford County Health Department. 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 Crawford County, Indiana?

Land in Crawford County runs about $4,347 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crawford County?

Crawford County gets about 50.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3% of years.

How remote is Crawford County?

A representative private-land location has about 16,524 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,976,437 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 Crawford County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Crawford compares in Indiana

Compare side-by-side →See all 92 Indiana counties ranked →