Bolthole Index

Floyd County, Indiana

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

52Index Score / 100
#63 of 92 in Indiana

Floyd County, Indiana requires building permits for new single-family homes, additions, renovations and accessory structures1. County zoning applies outside New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2. The Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage rules under state and local requirements3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new single-family homes, additions, renovations and accessory structures1
Zoning
County zoning applies, with exclusions for New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2
Septic authority
Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage under state and local rules3
Owner-builder
No explicit county exemption was confirmed; ask Building and Development Services4
RV living
A parked or stored RV may not be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping in the county zoning jurisdiction5
Tiny home
No distinct tiny-home rule was confirmed; zoning and building permits still apply21
Agricultural building
A qualifying agricultural building is outside state Class 1 design release, but local rules may still apply6
Septic soils
0% of mapped soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field7

Who to call

Building permits

Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services

Building permits, plan review and inspections

(812) 981-7611

Pine View Government Center 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203 New Albany, IN 47150

Zoning

Floyd County Plan Commission

Zoning administration, development review, appeals and variances

(812) 981-7611

[email protected]

Pine View Government Center 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203 New Albany, IN 47150

Septic permits

Floyd County Health Department

On-site septic system questions and approvals

(812) 948-4726

1917 Bono Road New Albany, IN 47150

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 Floyd County, Indiana?

Yes. Floyd County requires building permits for new single-family homes, additions, renovations or rehabilitation work, and accessory structures1. A new dwelling application must include Health Department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt, and a new single-family home needs a site plan prepared by an Indiana-licensed surveyor or engineer1. The published fee schedule sets a $200 base fee for a single-family or two-family dwelling, plus $0.15 per square foot of floor area excluding garage and attic areas; inspections cost $50 each8. Starting construction before permit issuance triggers a fine equal to twice the permit amount8. A qualifying agricultural building used only for agriculture on the same land and not for retail trade is outside state Class 1 design-release requirements, but local requirements may still apply6. Floyd County has not published an explicit owner-builder exemption in the information reviewed, so an owner acting as contractor should ask Building and Development Services what applications and inspections apply4.

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

The Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services is the first stop for building permits, plan review and inspections9. The office is in the Pine View Government Center at 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203, New Albany, IN 47150, and its phone number is (812) 981-76119. Applications and questions can go to [email protected]10. Posted office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.9. Zoning questions go to the Floyd County Plan Commission, which reviews residential and commercial development and administers the zoning ordinance10. The Board of Zoning Appeals decides appeals and variance requests10. Both county functions use the same phone number and email, so a buyer can begin with one call and ask staff to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, required approvals and current submission process10.

Does Floyd County, Indiana have zoning?

Yes, but the county ordinance is not the controlling zoning authority everywhere inside Floyd County. The Floyd County Zoning Ordinance excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land; a more restrictive rule from another applicable government controls2. For land under county zoning, the Plan Commission administers and enforces the ordinance, reviews proposed residential and commercial development, and the Board of Zoning Appeals hears variance requests and appeals10. Development standards depend on the district rather than one countywide number11. For example, the Multi-Family Residential district requires at least 800 square feet of living area per unit, public water and sanitary sewer connections, and a development plan121314. Its primary-building front setback is 60 feet on an arterial, collector or local street and 40 feet on a subdivision street, with 20-foot side and 25-foot rear setbacks for primary and accessory structures15. Ask the Plan Commission for the parcel's actual district standards before designing or buying.

How do septic permits work in Floyd County, Indiana?

The Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage systems under Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and local ordinances3. For direct questions about an existing or proposed onsite system, call (812) 948-4726 or visit 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, IN 4715016. A new dwelling permit application must include Health Department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt1. Site feasibility deserves attention before purchase because 0% of mapped Floyd County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field7. That countywide soil measure does not decide an individual parcel, but it makes a site evaluation central to budgeting and design. A residence without sewer service generally needs a compliant septic tank and soil absorption system; drywells and cesspools are not allowed, and temporary holding tanks are restricted rather than a general off-grid substitute17. The Multi-Family Residential district requires connection to a sanitary sewer system, so septic is not an alternative there14. The county's treatment of other non-septic sanitation systems was not confirmed; take such a proposal directly to the Health Department before purchase.

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

Floyd County's zoning ordinance prohibits anyone from occupying or using a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping or housekeeping within the county zoning jurisdiction5. That jurisdiction excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land, where the relevant authority must answer instead18. The separate rules for temporary camping were not fully confirmed, so ask the Plan Commission before relying on any short stay. Floyd County has not published a distinct tiny-home occupancy path in the information reviewed. A tiny home proposed as a residence still faces the county's building-permit requirement and the standards of its zoning district12. The only confirmed minimum dwelling size here is district-specific: a unit in the Multi-Family Residential district must contain at least 800 square feet of living area12. Ask Building and Development Services whether a proposed unit will be treated as a dwelling, manufactured home, recreational vehicle or accessory structure, and ask the Health Department how wastewater service must be approved916.

What are the steps to build a home in Floyd County, Indiana?

  1. Confirm which planning jurisdiction controls the parcel, because county zoning excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2.
  1. Ask the controlling planning office for the zoning district, allowed residential use, setbacks and applicable development standards; the county Plan Commission reviews development and administers its zoning ordinance10.
  1. Start wastewater planning early: a new dwelling application needs Health Department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt1.
  1. Have an Indiana-licensed surveyor or engineer prepare the site plan required for a new single-family home, then submit the building-permit application to Building and Development Services19.
  1. Budget from the published fee schedule, including the dwelling base fee, floor-area charge and per-inspection fees8.
  1. If the driveway connects to an Indiana state highway, obtain INDOT approval for the connection and work in the state right-of-way19. For a county road, ask the county whether separate access approval is required because that local rule was not confirmed.
  1. Complete the inspections required by Building and Development Services before occupancy9.

What should you check before buying land in Floyd County, Indiana?

Check jurisdiction and septic feasibility before treating a parcel as buildable. County zoning excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land, so the correct planning office depends on location20. Conventional septic conditions are difficult: 0% of mapped county soils are rated free of severe drain-field limits7. Terrain and clearing also affect cost because 69% of the county is at a 15% slope or less and 61.1% is wooded2122. Development in an Indiana floodway usually needs state DNR approval, while floodplain-fringe work may avoid a state permit but remain subject to local floodplain rules2324. Floyd County's private-well permit rule was not confirmed; Indiana notes that some local health departments require permits, so ask the Health Department before drilling or installing a pump25. Typical figures are a 0.7% effective property-tax rate and a $1,656 median annual bill, but verify the parcel's actual assessment and taxing district2627.

Watch-outs

  • Floyd County zoning does not cover New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, or state or federal land; identify the correct authority before relying on county standards20.
  • No explicit owner-builder exemption was confirmed for Floyd County, so ask Building and Development Services before assuming owner-performed work avoids permits or inspections4.
  • Living, sleeping or keeping house in a parked or stored RV is prohibited within Floyd County's zoning jurisdiction5.
  • The published schedule penalizes construction begun before permit issuance at twice the permit amount8.

Sources

  1. Floyd County: Building Permit Processes, quoted and re-checked
  2. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Floyd County Health Department: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. (2026 county census)
  5. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  8. Floyd County: Fees, quoted and re-checked
  9. Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services (in.gov)
  10. Floyd County Plan Commission (in.gov)
  11. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  13. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  14. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  15. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  16. Floyd County Health Department (in.gov)
  17. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, 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. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. 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.

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County locator

Floyd County in Indiana

52
County map
Floyd County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Floyd County scores

Seclusion20100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% 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 →

$292kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$9,135Land / acre
49.5"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
8.5 / yr (+8)Mid-century 100°F days
13.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.1" (+10.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,570Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.27%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
548,444People within 30 min
5,263,578People within 2 hr
681,842Radius comparison (15 mi)
544.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
69%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
61.1%Wooded land
57.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Floyd County

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

Floyd County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family dwellings, additions, renovations/rehabilitations, and accessory structures in Floyd County.

    • Applications require the listed documents and attachments; new dwellings require health-department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt; new single-family dwellings require a site plan from an Indiana licensed surveyor or engineer.
    “Start of construction prior to permit issuance”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning ordinance within Floyd County, excluding the City of New Albany planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land.

    • The ordinance applies to all county land except the stated exclusions.
    • More restrictive applicable state, federal, or other governmental regulations control.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Floyd County zoning within the county planning jurisdiction.
      “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County, Indiana except”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in Floyd County's planning jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance excludes land within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany and the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville.
    • The ordinance also excludes land owned by the State of Indiana or United States.
    • Where other applicable regulations impose greater restrictions, the more restrictive provision controls.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County, Indiana except that which lies within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany, the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville or which is owned by the State of Indiana or United States.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwelling units in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.

    • A development plan is required in the MF district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.

    minimum living area per unit: >= 800 square feet

    “Minimum Living Area per unit 800 Square Feet”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary and accessory structures in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.

    • A development plan is required in the MF district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.
    • Front-yard setbacks differ by street type.

    primary structure front-yard setback on arterial, collector, or local street: 60 feet · primary structure front-yard setback on subdivision street: 40 feet · primary and accessory structure side-yard setback: 20 feet · primary and accessory structure rear-yard setback: 25 feet

    “Primary Structure Front Yard Setback 60 Feet – Arterial, Collector or Local Street 40 Feet – Subdivision Street Primary and Accessory Structure Side Yard Setback 20 Feet Primary and Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback 25 Feet”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surfaces in Floyd County's General Commercial (GC) district.

    • A development plan is required in the GC district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.
    • The cap applies to the square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surface.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 70 percent

    “Maximum Lot Coverage (Square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures and impervious surface shall not exceed: ) 70 Percent”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surfaces in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.
      “Maximum Lot Coverage (Square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures and impervious surface shall not exceed: ) 65 Percent”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures in Floyd County zoning districts.

    • Maximum height is set by the applicable zoning district.
    • Church steeples, water towers, public utility transmission towers, and athletic-field lighting standards may exceed the district limit by twofold but may not exceed 70 feet total height.
    • Telecommunication towers and small wind turbines follow separate standards.

    maximum exception height: <= 70 feet (Certain listed structures may exceed the permitted height regulation by twofold)

    “The maximum height permitted shall be as noted”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Occupancy or use of a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes.

    • The rule is in the county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction, which excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, Georgetown, Greenville, and state or federal land.
    “At no time may anyone occupy a recreational vehicle”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage systems in Floyd County.

    • The Floyd County Health Department administers the program; it is governed by Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and local ordinances.
    “governed by Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and local ordinances.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Development in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.

    • A development plan is required in the MF district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.

    sanitary sewer connection: sanitary sewer system

    “Sanitary Sewer Required connection to sanitary sewer system”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Floyd County building, inspection, re-inspection, and related fees.

    • The page states the fee schedule is effective August 1, 2024.
    • The inspection fee is $50 per inspection.
    • Residential re-inspection is $75; commercial/industrial re-inspection is $180.
    • Starting construction before permit issuance incurs a fine twice the permit amount.
    • A variance fine applies where construction did not occur as per the approved site plan.
    • Zoning Code Violations are charged $75 per day per violation.

    single-family or two-family dwelling base fee: 200 USD (plus $0.15 per square foot of floor area; excludes garage and attic areas) · multi-family dwelling fee: 300 USD per unit · inspection fee: 50 USD per inspection · residential re-inspection fee: 75 USD · commercial/industrial re-inspection fee: 180 USD · commercial and industrial structure base fee: 530 USD (plus $0.15 per square foot of floor area)

    “(Effective August 1, 2024) Residential Fees Single Family or Two Family Dwelling (excluding garage, attic areas, etc.) - $200 base fee plus $.15 per square foot of floor area Multi-Family Dwelling - $300 per unit”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 exemptionAvailable (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.

    • The building must be used only for an agricultural purpose.
    • The building must be located on the land where the agricultural purpose occurs.
    • The building must not be used for retail trade.
    • This is an exemption from Class 1/state design-release classification; it does not establish exemption from every local inspection, zoning, building, fire, or other applicable requirement.
    • Indiana's official Code Enforcement FAQ states that local units of government inspect agricultural buildings if they have an ordinance requiring inspection.

    state design-release classification: not Class 1 (Does not resolve local inspection or zoning 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.”
  • 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 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 Floyd County building requirements.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size under Floyd County zoning.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Floyd County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Floyd County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Floyd County.
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Floyd County, Indiana

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

Floyd County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.5″/yr rainfall plus 61.1% wooded land and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 548,444 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Floyd County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Floyd 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Floyd County is prohibited: Occupancy or use of a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes. The rule is in the county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction, which excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, Georgetown, Greenville, and state or federal land. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Floyd County, Indiana?

Land in Floyd County runs about $9,135 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Floyd County?

Floyd County gets about 49.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Floyd County?

A representative private-land location has about 548,444 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,263,578 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 Floyd County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Floyd compares in Indiana

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