Bolthole Index

Hendricks County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hendricks County, Indiana

49Index Score / 100
#71 of 92 in Indiana

Hendricks County, Indiana requires a building permit before construction, alteration, repair, or placement of a building or structure under the county code1. County zoning and subdivision rules apply in unincorporated areas2, while the Hendricks County Health Department administers residential septic permits and inspections3.

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

Yes.

Yes. Hendricks County requires a building permit before construction, alteration, repair, or placement of a building or structure covered by the county code1. The Building division reviews plans and issues improvement location and building permits for eligible construction9. Indiana's currently effective codes include the 2014 Indiana Building Code and the 2020 Indiana Residential Code10. An individual building a new dwelling or accessory structure for personal use may claim an exemption from contractor-listing requirements by signing the exemption form, but may receive no more than one new-residence permit per calendar year5. The owner-builder provision does not waive building or improvement-location permits5.

Who is the Hendricks County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Hendricks County Planning & Building Department, at 355 S Washington St #G80 in Danville, handles building permits and planning matters for unincorporated areas.

The Hendricks County Planning & Building Department, at 355 S Washington St #G80 in Danville, handles building permits and planning matters for unincorporated areas9. Call (317) 745-9255 with building-permit questions or use the department's online portal9. The Planning division also handles floodplain management, zoning enforcement, subdivision and development-plan engineering inspections, and addressing9. The published fee schedule lists a $285 application-review fee for a single-family principal building and states that applications are not processed until applicable fees are paid11. Fees vary by project and inspection type, so use the current schedule and ask the department to calculate the full amount11.

Does Hendricks County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. The Hendricks County Area Plan Commission administers the county Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Control Ordinance in unincorporated areas2. The zoning ordinance establishes districts and development standards, while the subdivision ordinance regulates how land is divided for development9. We could not confirm district-specific minimum lot sizes, setbacks, building heights, or rules for RVs and tiny homes, so get the parcel's zoning district and applicable standards from the Planning & Building Department before relying on a listing description. A subdivision outside a municipality requires a recorded plat prepared by a registered land surveyor and approved through the applicable county process before lots are sold12.

How do septic permits work in Hendricks County?

The Hendricks County Health Department's Environmental Health division administers residential onsite-sewage permits; local ordinances may be stricter than the state rule.

The Hendricks County Health Department's Environmental Health division administers residential onsite-sewage permits; local ordinances may be stricter than the state rule3. A written septic construction permit is required before building or placing a residence that will not connect to sanitary sewer, and the application must include a soils evaluation and compliant system plans4. The permittee must arrange a final inspection before subsurface components are covered; if no local procedure is published, notice is due at least 48 hours or two working days beforehand3. Only 0.6% of county soils rate as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so verify a workable design before treating a lot as buildable13. Campgrounds without reasonably available public sewer must use an approved sewage-disposal route, but that campground rule does not establish a general private-land sanitation option14. Ask Environmental Health whether a separate well permit applies15.

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

We could not confirm a Hendricks County rule allowing long-term RV living or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel.

We could not confirm a Hendricks County rule allowing long-term RV living or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel. County zoning applies in unincorporated areas, so ask the Planning & Building Department whether the proposed use and structure are allowed in the parcel's district before buying or moving anything onsite2. Indiana defines a temporary campground as operating no more than 10 consecutive days per event and no more than 30 days per calendar year, under the local health officer, but that rule does not decide whether you may camp on an individual parcel14. Campgrounds without reasonably available public sewer remain subject to specified sewage-disposal rules14.

What are the steps to build a home in Hendricks County, in order?

Ask the Planning & Building Department to confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed use, setbacks, and floodplain status.

  1. Ask the Planning & Building Department to confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed use, setbacks, and floodplain status9.
  2. If land must be divided, have a registered land surveyor prepare the plat and complete the applicable county approval before lots are sold12.
  3. Obtain a soils evaluation and apply to the Hendricks County Health Department for the required septic construction permit before building a residence that will not connect to sewer4.
  4. Ask Environmental Health whether a separate well permit is required before drilling15.
  5. Submit plans and applicable fees to the Planning & Building Department for the required improvement-location and building permits under the applicable Indiana codes1,10,11.
  6. Obtain DNR approval before regulated work in a floodway; a new permanent residence cannot be erected in a floodway16.
  7. Arrange the septic inspection before covering subsurface work, and coordinate required building inspections with the county3,17.
  8. Ask the Highway Department about county-road access; a state-highway connection requires permission from INDOT6,18.

What should you check before you buy land in Hendricks County?

Get the zoning district, allowed use, and floodplain status confirmed by the Planning & Building Department before closing.

Get the zoning district, allowed use, and floodplain status confirmed by the Planning & Building Department before closing9. Verify septic feasibility early: only 0.6% of county soils rate as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and a permit application requires an onsite soils evaluation and compliant plans4,13. Hendricks County is largely gentle terrain, with 97.9% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but easy grading does not establish septic suitability13. The county has 458.1 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 20 miles from the county center13. Farmland averages about $9,052 per acre, while the median property-tax bill is $2,344 per year at an effective rate of 0.8%13. DNR approval is required before regulated floodway work, and a permanent residence may not be erected in a floodway16.

Watch-outs

  • The Hendricks County Highway Department put a new cut-permit and driveway-permit process in place effective June 1, 2023 — confirm current forms and fees with them before assuming an old process applies6.
  • The owner-builder provision only excuses contractor listing, requires a signed exemption form, and does not waive building permits5.
  • A dwelling without sanitary sewer must have a permitted septic tank and soil absorption system, so an off-grid plan still needs Health Department review4.

Sources

18 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. § 150.40 Permits; Application, Required, Fees
  2. Hendricks County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  3. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential Onsite Sewage Systems
  4. Indiana Register: 410 IAC 6-8.3-53 Construction permits
  5. § 150.01 Listing of Building Contractors
  6. Hendricks County Highway Department (co.hendricks.in.us)
  7. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule)
  8. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule)
  9. Hendricks County Planning & Building Department (co.hendricks.in.us)
  10. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission
  11. § 37.25 Planning and Building Department Uniform Schedule
  12. 2023 County Recorders Resource Library (Indiana statewide rule)
  13. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  14. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-7.1 Campgrounds
  15. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule)
  16. Water: Regulatory Programs
  17. DHS: Code Enforcement (Indiana statewide rule)
  18. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule)

Written October 10, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Hendricks County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleHendricks CountyMorgan CountyPutnam CountyMarion CountyBoone CountyJohnson CountyMontgomery County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Public Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Hendricks County in Indiana

49
County map
Hendricks County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Hendricks County scores

49 / 100 · #71 of 92 in Indiana · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →

$349kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$9,052Land / acre
43.5"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
4.3 / yr (+4.2)Mid-century 100°F days
13.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.92" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,609Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
152,475People within 30 min
4,048,780People within 2 hr
310,713Radius comparison (15 mi)
458.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.9%Land at 15% slope or less
0.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
1,539 acWorkable land screen
20.1%Wooded land
51.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hendricks County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Town of Amo · Brown Township · Town of Brownsburg · Town of Clayton · Town of Coatesville · Franklin Township · Guilford Township · Town of Lizton · Marion Township · Middle Township · Town of North Salem · Town of Pittsboro · Town of Stilesville · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Hendricks County

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

Hendricks County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, or placement of buildings or structures in Hendricks County under the county building code.

    • A permit must be obtained before beginning construction, alteration, repair, or placement.
    • The permit requirement is subject to the county Zoning Ordinance.
    • Permits are issued by the Building Commissioner.
    • Fees must be paid to the County Planning and Building Department.
    • The application must meet applicable Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Control Ordinance requirements and include the listed plat, site, utility, drainage, waterway, plans, specifications, and any required state design release documents.
    “A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration, repair, or placement of any building or structure, as required by the Zoning Ordinance of the county.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual constructing a new dwelling or accessory structures for personal use or occupancy within the County Planning and Building Department's jurisdiction.

    • The individual must execute a contractor listing exemption form.
    • The individual cannot obtain more than one permit for a new residence in a given calendar year.
    • The rule is an exemption from contractor-listing requirements, not an exemption from all building or improvement-location permits.

    maximum new-residence permits: <= 1 permit per calendar year

    “an individual constructing a new dwelling or accessory structures for his or her own personal use or occupancy shall be exempt”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land, buildings, structural alterations, site changes, relocations, and qualifying expansions in unincorporated Hendricks County and portions participating in the Hendricks County Area Plan Commission.

    • The ordinance applies in unincorporated areas and participating portions of the county.
    • It does not apply within municipal corporations unless they participate in the Area Plan Commission.
    • Existing CAFOs and CFOs may expand operations onto adjacent property without rezoning the adjacent property.
    • New construction, land uses, structural alterations, site changes, relocations, and enlargements exceeding 35% are subject to the regulations applicable to the parcel's zoning district.

    qualifying enlargement threshold: > 35 percent (Existing site or structure; determined by the Planning and Building Director.)

    “This Ordinance shall be effective in the unincorporated areas and those portions of the County participating in the Area Plan Commission of Hendricks County. This Ordinance shall not apply within municipal corporations, unless they participate in the Area Plan Commission.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Countywide aggregate of the county zoning ordinance's coverage; incorporated municipalities may have distinct zoning administration or participate in the Area Plan Commission.

    • The county ordinance governs unincorporated areas and county portions participating in the Area Plan Commission.
    • The ordinance states that it does not apply within municipal corporations unless they participate in the Area Plan Commission.
    • When county territory is annexed to an existing municipal corporation, the county zoning regulations on that territory become null and void.
    “Upon annexation of County territory to an existing municipal corporation, the County zoning regulations then in effect on that territory shall become null and void.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwelling units in RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and MHP zoning districts within the county ordinance's jurisdiction.

    • The minimum depends on residential district, availability of sewer/water in RA, number of stories, and whether the unit is in a manufactured-home park.
    • The total-minimum-living-area entries reference Table 4.4 footnotes 3 and 7 where shown.

    minimum ground-floor living area for one-story dwelling unit: 720–1500 square feet (Varies among Table 4.4 residential-district columns.) · minimum ground-floor living area for dwelling unit with two or more stories: 650–900 square feet (MHP home-site column shows no value; other Table 4.4 residential-district columns vary.) · total minimum living area per unit: 720–1500 square feet (Varies among Table 4.4 residential-district columns and stated table footnotes.)

    “Total Minimum Living Area (Per Unit) | | Residential 1,500 sf. / 1,100 sf. 3, 7 | | 1,260 sf. / 1,100 sf. 3, 7 | | 1,040 sf. / 950 sf. 3, 7 | | 950 sf. / 950 sf. 3, 7 | | 950 sf. avg. | 720 sf.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and MHP residential zoning districts within the county ordinance's jurisdiction.

    • The RA minimum changes depending on whether sewer/water is available.
    • MHP has separate standards for the manufactured-home park and for an individual manufactured-home site.

    RA minimum lot size without sewer/water: 1.5 acres · RA minimum lot size with sewer/water: 15000 square feet · RB minimum lot size for residential use: 12500 square feet · RC minimum lot size for residential use: 10000 square feet · RD minimum lot size for residential use: 7500 square feet · RE minimum lot size: 1 acres · MHP minimum park size: 15 acres · MHP minimum home-site size: 6200 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Size | | Residential 1.5 acres | 15,000 sf. | 12,500 sf. | 1 ac. | 10,000 sf. | 1 ac. | 7,500 sf. | 1 ac. | 1 ac. | 15 acres | 6,200 sf.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal and accessory structures in the RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and MHP residential zoning districts within the county ordinance's jurisdiction.

    • Front setbacks vary by urban/rural road classification for RA through RD and are separately stated for RE and MHP.
    • Corner and through lots require a side facing a street to meet front-setback requirements.
    • Table 4.4 references footnotes 1, 2, 6, and 10 for setback rows.
    • Fire escapes, open stairways, balconies, soffits, canopies, and similar architectural features may extend up to 3 feet into a side or rear setback.
    • The table includes separate agricultural-adjacency and naturally-sensitive-area setbacks.

    principal side setback: 7.5–50 feet (Varies by residential district.) · principal rear setback: 12.5–50 feet (Varies by residential district.) · front setback on RA–RD urban roads: 35–50 feet (Varies by road classification.) · front setback on RA–RD rural roads: 35–80 feet (Varies by road classification.) · projection into side or rear setback: <= 3 feet (Fire escapes, open stairways, balconies, soffits, canopies, and similar architectural features.)

    “Side Setback 2 | Principal | Residential 15 ft. | | 7.5 ft. | | 7.5 ft. | | 7.5 ft. | | 40 ft. | 50 ft. | 12.5 ft. Rear Setback 2 | Principal | Residential 15 ft. | | 15 ft. | | 15 ft. | | 15 ft. | | 40 ft. | 50 ft. | 12.5 ft.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Occupancy of a parked or stored recreational vehicle associated with a residential use in the county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction.

    • The prohibition is within the ordinance's requirements for parking of non-commercial motor vehicles associated with residential uses.
    • The Director may require the landowner to verify that the vehicle is licensed and operational.
    • In any district, wheels or similar transport devices may not be removed except for repairs, and the vehicle may not be permanently fixed to the ground so that ready removal is prevented.
    • Floodplain provisions separately identify installing a recreational vehicle on a site for more than 180 days as development requiring regulation.

    floodplain recreational vehicle installation duration: > 180 days (Floodplain-development provisions.)

    “At no time shall any parked or stored recreational vehicle be occupied or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purpose.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Planning, building application-review, inspection, and related permit fees administered by the Hendricks County Planning and Building Department.

    • Permit applications and petitions must be accompanied by payment in accordance with the County Plan Commission fee schedule.
    • Until all applicable fees have been paid in full, no application shall be processed by the Building Commissioner.
    • The schedule is identified as amended by Ordinances 2004-23, 2019-41, and 2022-30, passed June 28, 2022.
    • Fees vary by construction type, review or inspection type, and project size.

    single-family residential principal building application review: 285 USD · two-family residential principal building application review: 430 USD · residential footing inspection: 55 + 0.03 per square foot over 2,000 square feet USD · residential occupancy inspection: 65 + 0.04 per square foot over 2,000 square feet USD · accessory structure application review up to 350 square feet: 50 USD · accessory structure application review 351 square feet or greater: 75 USD · post-construction permit: triple the application fee text (For construction started without an approved building permit)

    “Single-family residential | $285 Two-family residential | $430”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Fees published in the Hendricks County Planning and Building Department uniform schedule.
      “Residential Reinspect Fees First $150 Second $200 Third or more $300 [...] Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (up to 90 days) Residential $100 Commercial $200.”

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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Building Code and Indiana Residential Code.
      “675 IAC 13-2.6 | 2014 Indiana Building Code [...] Currently in Effect Effective: 12/1/2014 [...] 675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code [...] Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
    • Adopted — Indiana building and residential codes applicable in Hendricks County
      “675 IAC 13-2.6 | 2014 Indiana Building Code | International Building Code, 2012 Edition, First Printing ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2009 Edition, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/1/2014 [...] 675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code [...] Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
    • Adopted — Indiana's state-adopted building and fire-safety codes, including compliance requirements applicable through local units of government.
      “Each unit shall require compliance with the code of building laws and fire safety laws that is adopted in the rules of the fire prevention [...]”
  • 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.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    A campground operating as a temporary campground under 410 IAC 6-7.1; this is not a statewide determination for all camping on private land.

    • A temporary campground may operate no more than ten consecutive days per event.
    • A temporary campground may operate no more than thirty days in a calendar year.
    • Temporary campgrounds are under the jurisdiction of local health officers.
    • County and municipal authorities retain jurisdiction over zoning, building codes, and ordinances pertaining to campgrounds.

    maximum consecutive operating days per event: <= 10 days · maximum operating days: <= 30 days per calendar year

    “"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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Residential onsite sewage systems in Indiana, including Hendricks County.

    • The state rule requires a written permit signed by the health officer.
    • The local health department administers the permit process, while certain new-system, repair, and TNI approvals require written state department approval.
    • Local plan commission or county recorder approval does not replace local health officer approval.
    “This rule shall be administered by the local boards of health through their health officer and his or her the health officer's authorized representatives.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local — Residential onsite sewage systems, including systems in Hendricks County.
      “This rule shall be administered by the local boards of health a local health department through their health officer and the health officer's authorized representatives.”
    • Mixed — Indiana residential on-site sewage systems statewide; the Indiana Department of Health establishes and reviews the statewide rule while local boards of health administer it and local health departments issue permits.
      “administered by the local boards of health [...] subject to review by the department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Commercial on-site sewage systems for commercial facilities that will not be connected to sanitary sewerage in Indiana.

    • The state department issues the construction permit, unless it has delegated in writing plan review, approval, permit issuance, and inspection to a local health department for an individual commercial facility with design daily flow of 750 gallons or less.
    • A construction permit is required before construction or reconstruction of a commercial or regulated facility; alteration, replacement, or repair of an existing commercial on-site system; installation for an existing commercial facility without a system; expansion increasing design daily flow; change of use; or an operational change increasing design daily flow, BOD5, TSS, or FOGs.
    • No construction permit is required for repair or replacement with similar-design and -capacity equipment that will not cause a health hazard or adversely affect groundwater, facility operation, hydraulics, physicochemical treatment, biological treatment, solids removal, or ultimate liquid disposal; this does not exempt replacement soil absorption fields or portions of them.
    • No construction permit is required for certain systems permitted under 327 IAC 3 that serve two or more premises and are owned, operated, or maintained by an incorporated city or town, qualifying conservancy district, or regional sewer district; this does not exempt systems on and serving only schools or municipal facilities.
    • The department's commercial permit conditions require all necessary local permits and approvals before construction begins, and permittees must notify the department and local health department at least seven days before approved construction commences.

    delegable commercial-system design daily flow: <= 750 gallons per day (Only through the department's written delegation to a local health department.) · advance construction notice: >= 7 days (Notice to the department and local health department before construction commences.)

    “Sec. 50. (a) Except as allowed by subsection (c), or section 48(b) of this rule, for any commercial facility that will not be connected to a sanitary sewerage system, the owner or agent of the owner shall obtain a written construction permit, signed by the commissioner or his or her duly authorized representative, for construction of a commercial on-site sewage system prior to the:”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential onsite sewage systems for residences not connected to sanitary sewerage.
      “For any a dwelling or place of residence that will not be connected to a sanitary sewerage system, the owner, or agent of the owner, shall obtain a written construction permit, signed by the health officer, for construction of a residential on-site sewage system prior to the:”
    • Required — A residential on-site sewage system for a dwelling or residence that will not be connected to a sanitary sewerage system in Indiana.
      “Sec. 53. (a) For any dwelling or place of residence that will not be connected to a sanitary sewerage system, the owner or agent of the owner shall obtain a written construction permit, signed by the health officer, for construction of a residential on-site sewage system prior to the:”
    • Limited — Residential onsite sewage systems or components using technologies new to Indiana (TNI), for which local health departments need written Indiana Department of Health approval before approving them
      “local health departments may not issue approvals for tni systems or tni components to be used in on-site sewage systems without the written approval of the indiana department of health.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Commercial on-site sewage systems subject to a written operating permit issued by the Indiana Department of Health.

    • The department may require a written operating permit; the rule does not require one for every commercial on-site sewage system.
    • An operating permit identifies components requiring inspection and maintenance.
    • The owner must provide the department, within one month after performance, written documentation of all scheduled and unscheduled inspection and maintenance and a copy of the inspection-and-maintenance contract.
    • The operating permit may be revoked for violation of the owner's documentation duties.
    • Local ordinances may impose a commercial operating-permit requirement if it does not conflict with the state-issued operating permit.

    operating-permit renewal for systems with scheduled inspection components: per 3 years (Systems with components other than a septic tank requiring scheduled inspection and maintenance.) · operating-permit renewal for other systems: per 5 years (All other commercial on-site sewage systems.) · inspection documentation submission deadline: <= 1 month (After the date scheduled or unscheduled inspection and maintenance is performed.)

    “Sec. 54. (a) The department may require written operating permits as follows: (1) A written operating permit issued by the department shall be signed by the commissioner or his duly authorized representative. (2) An operating permit shall be renewed as follows: (A) At least once every three (3) years for on-site sewage systems having components, other than a septic tank, requiring scheduled inspection and maintenance. (B) At least once every five (5) years for all other on-site sewage systems.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential onsite sewage systems in Indiana, including systems in Hendricks County.
      “The permittee shall notify the health officer or his or her the health officer's designee when the work is ready for final inspection: (1) using the procedure published by the local board of health; or (2) at least forty-eight (48) hours or two (2) working days before any subsurface portions are to be covered if the local health board has not published inspection procedures.”
    • Required — Residential onsite sewage systems in Hendricks County before subsurface portions are covered.
      “The permittee shall notify the health officer or the health officer's designee when the work is ready for final inspection:”
    • Limited — Residential on-site sewage systems constructed under a construction permit in Indiana.
      “(l) The permittee shall notify the health officer or his or her designee when the work is ready for final inspection: (1) using the procedure published by the local board of health; or (2) at least forty-eight (48) hours or two (2) working days before any subsurface portions are to be covered if the local health board has not published inspection procedures.”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Residential sanitation where a dwelling is not connected to sanitary sewerage.
      “Any A dwelling that is not connected, or cannot be connected, to a sanitary sewerage system shall be provided with a residential on-site sewage system that includes a septic tank and a soil absorption system that has not failed.”
    • Limited — Campground sewage disposal where public sewer is unavailable within a reasonable distance.
      “If a public sewer is not available within a reasonable distance, sewage disposal must comply with 410 IAC 6-12, 410 IAC 6-10, Bulletin S.E. 11, Bulletin S.E. 13 - PDF [1.1 MB], or applicable rules of the Indiana department of environmental management.”
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Residential dwellings and residential outbuildings governed by Indiana's residential on-site sewage systems rule when the existing residential on-site sewage system has failed.

    • A local health officer may require the direct sanitary-sewer connection; the rule does not make the connection automatic.
    • The sanitary sewer must be available within three hundred (300) feet of the affected property line.
    • The sanitary sewer must be available for connection at a construction cost and connection fee estimated not to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated cost of installing an on-site sewage system serving the residence or residential outbuilding.
    • The rule is administered by local boards of health through their health officer and authorized representatives.
    • The cited rule identifies filing and readoption dates, but does not state an effective date in the cited passage.

    maximum sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Available from the affected property line.) · maximum connection cost and connection fee: <= 150 percent of estimated on-site sewage system installation cost (Applies when the residential on-site sewage system has failed.)

    “(b) In the event of a residential on-site sewage system failure the local health officer may require the residence and/or the residential outbuilding to make a direct connection to a sanitary sewer, if the sanitary sewer is available within three hundred (300) feet of the affected property line and is available for connection at a construction cost and connection fee estimated not to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the cost estimated for installing an on-site sewage system to serve the residence or residential outbuilding.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Indiana agricultural buildings or structures evaluated for the Class 1 structure agricultural-purpose exemption.

    • The structure must be used for an agricultural purpose, generally related to cultivation of soil, production of crops, or raising livestock.
    • The structure may not be used for another purpose such as a restaurant or event center.
    • The structure must be located on the land where the agricultural operation is located; this is the “farm rule.”
    • The structure may not be used for retail trade.
    • A stand used for retail sales of farm produce must not operate for more than 8 consecutive months in a calendar year.
    • If any stated condition fails, the agricultural exemption does not apply.

    maximum consecutive months for farm-produce retail stand: <= 8 months (Retail trade in a structure that is not a stand disqualifies the exemption regardless of duration.)

    “If no, the agricultural exemption applies, and the building or structure is not a Class 1 structure”
    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.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionConditional

    State construction-design-release filing for a one-story detached accessory Class 1 structure in Group B, F, R, S, U, or M occupancy classifications.

    • The structure must not exceed 500 square feet.
    • The structure must be used as an equipment shelter, a tool and storage shed not used for storage or handling of hazardous materials, a freezer, a cooler, or another similar use.
    • The exemption is from the state design-release requirement, not from compliance with applicable codes or local permitting; Indiana DHS states that exempt work may require local permits.

    maximum floor area: <= 500 square feet (Only for a one-story detached accessory Class 1 structure in Group B, F, R, S, U, or M occupancy classifications and the enumerated/similar uses.)

    “One (1) story detached accessory Class 1 structures in Group B, F, R, S, U, or M [...] do not exceed five hundred (500) square feet”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Structures, obstructions, deposits, excavations, residential construction, and certain utility activities within a floodway of an Indiana state waterway.
      “The Flood Control Act [...] regulates various development activities (e.g. structures, obstructions, deposits, and/or excavations) within the floodway of any State waterway by requiring DNR approval prior to the beginning of the project.”
    • 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

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as principal residences in Indiana mobile home communities and related state health-regulated settings.

    • The state statute recognizes mobile homes and manufactured homes as suitable and necessary dwelling units in Indiana.
    • A mobile home community is generally land with at least five mobile homes or manufactured homes occupied as principal residences, subject to the statutory definition and included parcel configurations.
    • County and municipal authorities retain jurisdiction regarding zoning and building codes and ordinances pertaining to mobile home communities.
    • A mobile home community may not be operated without a license from the state department.
    • Occupied homes in a mobile home community must be connected to the community sewerage system at all times.
    • Each residential shelter in a mobile home community must have toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities and be connected to water supply and sewer service before occupancy.
    • Mobile home community sites must meet and receive approval under local zoning requirements before construction begins.

    mobile homes or manufactured homes for statutory mobile home community definition: >= 5 homes (The statute also includes certain parcels with fewer units when specified shared-road, water, or sewer/septic conditions apply.) · mobile home community license duration: 4 years (The license expires at midnight on December 31.) · public water system distance threshold: > 2000 feet (A mobile home community is not required to use a public water system if the system is more than 2,000 feet away.)

    “Every shelter occupied as a residence in a mobile home community, whether mobile or permanent, shall be: 1. equipped with toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities; and 2. Connected to the water supply and sewer service; before occupancy.”
    6 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary campgrounds in Indiana.
      “Sec. 16. "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. Temporary campgrounds are under the jurisdiction of local health officers.”
    • Limited — 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.
      “No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or one (1) vacation mobile home”
    • Limited — Temporary campgrounds operated in Indiana.
      “not more than ten (10) consecutive days per event”
    • Limited — Occupancy of manufactured homes in Indiana, especially occupancy in mobile home communities subject to state health and sanitation standards and local zoning and building-code authority.
      “Mobile home community sites shall: 1. meet all requirements of the local zoning commission; and 2. be approved by the commission; before construction begins. (c) Every shelter occupied as a residence in a mobile home community, whether mobile or permanent, shall be: 1. equipped with toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities; and 2. Connected to the water supply and sewer service; before occupancy.”
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle placement at a designated campsite in an Indiana campground regulated under 410 IAC 6-7.1; this does not establish a statewide private-land residential-occupancy rule.
      “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 — Manufactured-home occupancy within an Indiana mobile home community; this claim does not determine placement of an individual manufactured home outside such a community.
      “Connected to the water supply and sewer service; before occupancy.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Indiana counties' authority to adopt and enforce administrative building-code provisions, including building-permit or plan-review requirements, for residential construction in their jurisdiction, including Class 2 one- and two-dwelling-unit structures.

    • A county's substantive building and fire-safety provisions outside mere incorporation of Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules are described by IDHS as unenforceable and may not be adopted; modification of Commission standards may occur only through Commission rulemaking.
    • The State's county-or-municipality model ordinance excludes industrialized building systems and mobile structures certified under IC 22-15-4.
    • The model ordinance states that it is not applicable to regulated amusement devices, regulated boilers, regulated pressure vessels, or regulated lifting devices.
    • The model ordinance conditions permit issuance on a complete application, any applicable fee, conformity with applicable building and fire-safety laws, and no violation of other applicable ordinances or laws.
    “HEA 1575 did not eliminate the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce administrative provisions in building and fire safety ordinances”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Hendricks County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Hendricks County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage standards in Hendricks County.
  • Building height — Building height standards in Hendricks County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Hendricks County.
3 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • 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 Hendricks County, Indiana

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

Hendricks County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 152,475 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

How much does land cost in Hendricks County, Indiana?

Land in Hendricks County runs about $9,052 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hendricks County?

Hendricks County gets about 43.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Hendricks County?

A representative private-land location has about 152,475 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,048,780 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.

How Hendricks compares in Indiana

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