Bolthole Index

Floyd County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in New Albany, Indiana

New Albany, Indiana requires building permits before construction, alteration or repair, with exemptions for minor nonstructural and listed cosmetic work.1 New Albany sets city zoning, while Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage permits in Floyd County.23 An RV on a residential lot in New Albany may not be occupied as a temporary or permanent residence.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction, alteration and repair; limited repair exemptions1
Zoning
City zoning applies inside New Albany2
Septic permits
Floyd County Health Department; written approval before work35
RV living
No temporary or permanent residential occupancy on residential lots4
Minimum home size
LDR: 960 sq ft ground floor for a single-story dwelling; 750 sq ft for a dwelling with more than one story6
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants may work without a residential contractor license; building permits still apply71
Floodplain development
Floodplain development permit required in special flood hazard areas8

Who to call

Building permits

New Albany Building Department

City building permits and inspections

(812) 948-5371

[email protected]

142 E Main, Suite 206 New Albany, IN 47150-3586

Online permits →

Zoning

New Albany City Plan Commission

City zoning verification, planning and subdivision questions; flood-map inquiries

(812) 948-5327

[email protected]

142 East Main Street, Suite 200 New Albany, IN 47150-3586

Septic permits

Floyd County Health Department

Onsite sewage permits, inspections and site approvals

812-948-4726, option 2, option 1

[email protected]

1917 Bono Road New Albany, IN 47150

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in New Albany, IN?

New Albany requires a building permit before construction, alteration or repair of a building or structure; minor nonstructural repairs and listed cosmetic work have exemptions.1 New Albany building-permit applications must include a plat or sketch showing lot boundaries, plus plans and specifications, and any applicable state design release must be received before the local building permit is issued.9

New Albany allows an owner who occupies or intends to occupy a single-family residence to perform work without a residential contractor license, but that exception does not remove the building-permit requirement.71 The Building Commissioner or inspector may require qualified-contractor work if the owner or immediate family cannot perform the work adequately.7

Who issues building permits in New Albany, and who handles zoning?

Start with the New Albany Building Department for city building permits and inspections; the department links its City of New Albany, IN Public Portal for residential, commercial and meter inspection permit information.10 Call (812) 948-5371 or visit 142 E Main, Suite 206 New Albany, IN 47150-3586.10

For parcel zoning, contact the New Albany City Plan Commission at (812) 948-5327 or [email protected]; only a letter from Plan Commission staff serves as official zoning verification.11 Septic approval remains with Floyd County Health Department rather than the city building counter.3 For land outside New Albany’s planning jurisdiction, see the Floyd County guide; the county zoning ordinance excludes the city’s planning jurisdiction.12

Does New Albany have zoning, minimum lot sizes and home sizes?

New Albany has city zoning, and the district matters when choosing a lot or house design.2 In New Albany’s Low Density Residential (LDR) district, minimum lot area is 7,200 square feet, minimum width is 60 feet and minimum street frontage is 40 feet.13 LDR lot coverage is limited to 40%, and building height to 35 feet.1415

LDR dwellings require at least 960 square feet of ground-floor area for a single-story home, or 750 square feet for a home with more than one story.6 In Mixed Density Residential (MDR), those minimums are 740 and 600 square feet respectively.16 New Albany subdivision standards separately require at least 10,000 square feet for lots using septic tanks and 6,000 square feet for sewer-connected lots, so ask the Plan Commission how subdivision and district standards apply together to the proposed parcel.1711

How do septic permits work inside New Albany?

Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage systems under Indiana rules and local ordinances, including permitting and inspections.318 New Albany requires a written permit signed by the Health Officer before constructing, installing, replacing, altering, repairing or adding to a private residential sewage disposal system.5 Request the final septic inspection before underground portions are covered.19

The Floyd County fee schedule lists $150 for a new septic system permit, $75 for a repair, $100 for replacement and $250 for mound or subsurface-drip systems.20 The Health Department also handles site approvals for outbuildings, pools, additions and underground utilities, and asks owners adding bedrooms to call for consultation.18 For a New Albany property with onsite sewage, discuss both the sewage system and proposed site work with the Health Department before finalizing the layout.18

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in New Albany?

An RV on the owner’s residential property in New Albany may not be occupied as a temporary or permanent residence, so storing an RV does not authorize living in it while building a house.4 Outdoor residential RV storage is prohibited in the front yard, including a front-yard driveway, and requires a solid surface at least 10 feet from the dwelling’s front façade.4

We could not confirm a distinct tiny-home occupancy rule for New Albany; ask the City Plan Commission about the proposed dwelling’s classification and district.11 New Albany’s LDR and MDR ground-floor minimums constrain small dwelling designs, with different standards for single-story and taller homes.616 Manufactured and mobile homes have separate city use-table restrictions, and Class A mobile homes in subdivisions not specifically platted for mobile homes may comprise no more than 10% of platted lots.21

Building a home in New Albany: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the New Albany City Plan Commission for official zoning verification and confirm the district standards for the proposed lot and dwelling.112
  2. Resolve sewage disposal with Floyd County Health Department if the property will use onsite sewage, including required septic approval and site approvals for related construction.318
  3. Submit the city building-permit application with the lot sketch or plat, plans and specifications, and applicable state design release.9
  4. Check special flood hazard status with the City Plan Commission; New Albany requires a floodplain development permit for development in those areas.118
  5. Obtain required final inspections and the city certificate of occupancy before moving in, unless occupancy is authorized by a temporary certificate; single-family homes do not require the Fire Department inspection.2223

Watch-outs

  • New Albany’s owner-builder provision concerns residential contractor licensing; building permits still apply.71
  • We could not confirm New Albany private-well requirements, a separate driveway-access permit or a categorical agricultural building-permit exemption; ask the Building Department about access and agricultural work, and Floyd County Health Department about wells.1018
  • New Albany residential occupancy without the required certificate can incur a $100 fine, with each day a separate violation.23

Sources

  1. New Albany Code §150.060, Building Permit Required (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  2. New Albany Code §156.01, Adopted by Reference (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  3. Floyd County Health Department: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  5. New Albany Code §51.022, Permit Required Before Construction Commences (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  6. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  7. New Albany Code §150.047, Temporary Homeowner Contractor (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  8. New Albany Code §157.008, Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  9. New Albany Code §150.060, Building Permit Required (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  10. New Albany Building Department (cityofnewalbany.com)
  11. New Albany City Plan Commission (cityofnewalbany.com)
  12. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  14. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  15. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  16. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  17. New Albany Code §154.06, Development Standards and Requirements (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  18. Floyd County Health Department (in.gov)
  19. New Albany Code §51.022, Permit Required Before Construction Commences (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  20. Floyd County Health Department: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  21. City of New Albany Zoning Ordinance (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  22. New Albany Code §150.076, Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for Buildings (New Albany), quoted and re-checked
  23. New Albany Code §150.076, Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for Buildings (New Albany), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for New Albany

New Albany’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or repair of buildings and structures inside New Albany city.

    • Application must include a plat or sketch showing lot boundaries and plans and specifications.
    • Local permits require the state design release where applicable.
    • Minor nonstructural repairs and listed cosmetic work are exempt under §150.063.
    “A building permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner-occupant or intended owner-occupant performing work on a single-family residence inside New Albany city.

    • The individual need not be a licensed residential contractor.
    • The Building Commissioner or inspector may require qualified-contractor work if the owner or immediate family is incapable or unqualified.
    • A dispute may be appealed to the Building Commission.
    “The individual must be both the owner and occupant (or intended occupant) of the residence.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings requiring a certificate of occupancy inside New Albany city.

    • Final inspections must be approved by the Building Commissioner's Office, Fire Department, and Wastewater Treatment Department.
    • Residential single-family dwellings do not require Fire Department inspection.
    “A certificate of occupancy for buildings will be issued after final inspections have been performed and approved”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New buildings and structures inside New Albany city.

    • No occupancy is allowed except under a temporary certificate until issuance.
    • Certificate is not required for alterations where remodeled area does not exceed 1,000 square feet or for unattached residential garages.
    • A written application is required; issuance is within five working days if code-compliant.

    residential unauthorized-occupancy fine: 100 USD (Each day is a separate violation.) · commercial or industrial unauthorized-occupancy fine: 1000 USD (Each day is a separate violation.)

    “No building or structure shall be occupied other than occupancy under a temporary certificate of occupancy until the certificate is issued.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    All land inside New Albany city; the ordinance also reaches the unincorporated two-mile fringe, but this claim is limited to the city limits.

    • The city code incorporates the replacement zoning ordinance by reference; the ordinance was adopted February 4, 2019.
    “The replacement zoning ordinance and any future amendment is incorporated herein by reference.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Ground-floor area for dwellings in the Low Density Residential (LDR) district inside New Albany city.

    • One-story and multi-story dwellings have different minimum ground-floor areas.

    one-story dwelling ground floor area: >= 960 square feet · dwelling with more than one story ground floor area: >= 750 square feet

    “Ground Floor Area 1 Story Dwelling 960 s.f. min. Dwelling with more than 1 Story 750 s.f. min.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Ground-floor area for dwellings in the Mixed Density Residential (MDR) district inside New Albany city.
      “1 Story Dwelling 740 s.f. min. Dwelling with more than 1 Story 600 s.f. min.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the Low Density Residential (LDR) district inside New Albany city.

    • Lot width must be at least 60 feet and lot/street frontage at least 40 feet.

    minimum lot size: >= 7200 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 60 feet · minimum lot frontage: >= 40 feet

    “Lot Size 7,200 s.f. min. Lot Width 60’ min. Lot Frontage/Street Frontage 40’ min.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in the Low Density Residential (LDR) district inside New Albany city.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 40 percent

    “Building Height 35’ max. Lot Coverage 40% max.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the Low Density Residential (LDR) district inside New Albany city.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet

    “Building Height 35’ max. Lot Coverage 40% max.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles and mobile homes on residential lots inside New Albany city.

    • A recreational vehicle may be permitted on the owner's property but may not be occupied as a temporary or permanent residence.
    • Outdoor RV storage is prohibited in a residential front yard, including a front-yard driveway; it must be on a solid surface and at least 10 feet from the dwelling's front façade.

    minimum distance from dwelling front façade: >= 10 feet (Applies to outdoor residential RV storage.)

    “it may not be occupied as a temporary or permanent residence.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile homes inside New Albany city.

    • Mobile homes and mobile-home parks are permitted only as set forth in the zoning use table.
    • All mobile homes must be used for residential purposes.
    • Class A mobile homes outside a mobile-home-specific subdivision may not exceed 10 percent of the platted lots in the subdivision.
    • Mobile-home parks require at least five acres, 4,000-square-foot lots, 40-foot frontage, 30-foot front setback, 20-foot structure separation, and public sewer and water hookups.

    maximum Class A mobile homes in non-mobile-home subdivision: <= 10 percent of platted lots (Subdivision not specifically platted for mobile homes.) · mobile-home park minimum tract size: >= 5 acres · mobile-home park minimum lot size: >= 4000 square feet

    “All Mobile Homes shall only be used for residential purposes.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, replacement, alteration, repair, or addition to a private residential sewage disposal system inside New Albany city.

    • Written permit must be signed by the Health Officer or authorized representative.
    • Permit and inspection fee is due when filing.
    • Percolation test results must be forwarded to the Health Officer.
    • The city residential code prohibits permanent privies, requires at least a 1,000-gallon septic tank and at least 400 linear feet of soil-absorption pipe, and permits may contain additional conditions.
    “the owner or agent of the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the Health Officer having jurisdiction”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems inside New Albany city.

    • Health Officer may inspect at any construction stage.
    • Applicant must request final inspection before underground portions are covered.
    • Floyd County Health Department also states its onsite sewage program conducts inspections.
    “the applicant for the permit shall notify the Health Officer when the work is ready for final inspection”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land inside New Albany city.

    • Plat application must be filed with the Plan Commission at least ten days before a regular meeting.
    • Application must include proposed land use, deed restrictions, drawings, elevation, sewage disposal, and public-utility information.
    • Tentative approval is followed by public hearing and final-plat requirements.
    • Minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet with septic tanks and 6,000 square feet with sewer.

    minimum subdivision lot area with septic: >= 10000 square feet · minimum subdivision lot area with sewer: >= 6000 square feet

    “A person desiring the approval of the plat for the subdivision of land shall submit in writing application therefor with the Plan Commission”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities in areas of special flood hazard inside New Albany city.

    • No structure or land/stream alteration in the SFHA may proceed without full compliance with the flood-hazard chapter and other applicable regulations.
    • The permit requirement is limited to areas of special flood hazard.
    “A floodplain development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits inside New Albany city.

    • Use Building Commissioner forms.
    • Submit plat or sketch showing lot boundaries plus plans and specifications.
    • Where state design release is required, local permits await receipt of the release.
    “the application for the building permit is accompanied by a plat or sketch of the proposed location showing lot boundaries”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask New Albany or Floyd County directly.

  • Setbacks — Agricultural or rural-residential district setbacks inside New Albany city.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping inside New Albany city.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside New Albany city.
  • Well permit — Private water wells inside New Albany city.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural construction inside New Albany city.
1 more unanswered
  • Driveway access

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

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that New Albany publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Floyd County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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