Bolthole Index

Henry County, Indiana

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

47Index Score / 100
#75 of 92 in Indiana

Henry County, Indiana requires a building permit before an owner or agent constructs, enlarges, alters or moves a structure1. The county also has a Development Code administered by its Planning Commission2. For land using onsite sewage, the Henry County Health Department handles septic permitting, inspection and approval3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required, issued by the county's Planning & Zoning Department1
Zoning
County Development Code administered by the Planning Commission2
Septic authority
Henry County Health Department permits, inspects and approves onsite systems4
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed — ask Planning & Zoning5
Septic-friendly soil
0% of the county's soil is free of severe limits for a conventional drain field6
Farmland value
About $8,606 per acre7
Property tax
0.7% effective rate, about $1,050/yr median bill89
Residential building code
Indiana Residential Code applies to covered homes and townhouses10

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Planning & Zoning Department

Building permits, zoning permits, plot-plan review, and staffing the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for Henry County; the county's 'Building Department' shares this same office

(765) 529-7408

[email protected]

1201 Race Street, New Castle, IN 47362

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department — Environmental Health Division

On-site sewage system (septic) permit applications for Henry County

(765) 521-7059

[email protected]

216 S. 12th St., New Castle, IN 47362

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department — Septic Permit Process

Publishes Henry County's septic permit process and fee schedule: soil test, application, technical specification data sheet, contractor plan, on-site evaluation, permit, final inspection

Roads & driveways

Henry County Highway Department

Driveway, field-entrance, excavation and oversize/overweight load permits on Henry County roads

765-529-4100

202 W County Road 50 North, New Castle, IN 47362

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 Henry County, Indiana?

Yes. Henry County requires an owner or agent to obtain a building permit before constructing, enlarging, altering or moving a structure1. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses covered by the statewide residential code are subject to the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, based on the 2018 International Residential Code10. The application packet says plot plans accompany most applications that change a property's use or construct something, including an addition, new structure, roofline alteration or other exterior remodeling11. Indiana allows local jurisdictions to establish building departments, require permits or plan review, and create inspection schedules12. Indiana's agricultural exemption applies to the state Class 1 design-release requirement for qualifying farm-use buildings; Henry County has not confirmed that it removes local building or zoning requirements, so ask Planning & Zoning before relying on it13.

Who is the Henry County Planning & Zoning Department, and how do you reach them?

Henry County's Planning & Zoning Department handles both building and zoning permits from one office, based at 1201 Race Street, New Castle, IN 47362 and reachable at (765) 529-740811. Most permit applications that add a structure or change how a property is used need a plot plan showing the size and location of buildings, driveways and septic components11. According to the department's own building permit checklist, a complete and accurate application can take up to 10 days from acceptance to issue a permit11. That same checklist tells applicants to contact Henry County Health Department's Environmental Health Division about septic system installation, and to contact Henry County Highway Department for a driveway permit if the property is on a county road11.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Yes. Henry County has adopted a Development Code administered by its Planning Commission, with zoning districts and district-specific minimum lot sizes2. The available county information does not establish the complete boundary between county and municipal zoning authority, so ask Planning & Zoning which jurisdiction and district govern the parcel before using any setback, lot-size or use standard. The building packet also directs applicants to check with Planning & Zoning for site restrictions, covenants, zoning and other site considerations11. Henry County has not confirmed a countywide rule here for RV residence, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, minimum dwelling size, building height or lot coverage; ask the office about the proposed use and structure before buying.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

Henry County Health Department permits, inspects and approves onsite sewage systems under state and local rules3. Start with a soil test and application; after receiving both, the office prepares the Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours14. A contractor must then submit a system plan before the onsite evaluation, and the permit is issued if the plan complies with code15. The department conducts the final inspection and keeps the approval on file16. Henry County publishes septic-permit fees of $225 for new construction, $200 for replacement or expansion, $75 for repair or replacement of a system component, $50 to connect to an existing system, and $200 for commercial projects17. The soil survey rates 0% of county land as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the parcel-specific soil test an early contingency rather than assuming a standard layout will work6.

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

We could not confirm a Henry County rule that generally allows long-term RV residence or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Henry County does have zoning districts under its Development Code, so the Planning & Zoning Department should confirm the permitted use and dimensional rules for the specific parcel2. Indiana's campground rule addresses RV occupancy at regulated campground campsites, not residential occupancy on an individually deeded lot, so it does not answer whether you may live in an RV on your own Henry County land18. Before buying for either use, describe the structure, foundation, utilities, duration of occupancy and parcel location to Planning & Zoning at (765) 529-740811. Ask the Health Department separately how the proposed dwelling will satisfy sewage requirements3.

Building on land in Henry County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Henry County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction, zoning district, proposed use, setbacks and lot standards2.
  1. Order the required soil test and submit it with the septic application to Henry County Health Department15.
  1. Have the septic contractor submit a system plan, complete the onsite evaluation, obtain the septic permit and arrange the final inspection1516.
  1. Obtain a Henry County Highway Department permit for a new or modified driveway on a county road; an approach on a state highway instead requires permission through INDOT's permit system1920.
  1. Submit the building and zoning application with the plot plan, septic materials, driveway approval, building plans and any required state release; a complete, accurate application may take up to 10 days for permit issuance11.
  1. If the site is in a floodway, determine whether Indiana DNR approval is required before construction21.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: 0% of Henry County's mapped soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, but only a parcel-specific soil test can determine a workable design6. Identify whether access is from a county road or state highway because separate driveway authorities apply1920. Check flood maps as well: Indiana DNR oversees most floodway development, while flood-fringe work has no state permit but may still require local approval2122. Henry County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median yearly bill near $1,05089. Typical home insurance is about $1,529 per year23. The land is largely gentle: 98.9% is at a slope of 15% or less, while 12.4% is wooded2425. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 31 miles from the county center26.

Watch-outs

  • Henry County has no confirmed owner-builder exemption from its permit requirement — ask Planning & Zoning before assuming you can self-permit as an owner-builder5.
  • The soil survey rates 0% of Henry County land as free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so require a parcel-specific soil test before assuming a lot can support the proposed system6.
  • Indiana's campground and RV-park rules govern licensed campgrounds, not year-round RV living on your own deeded lot — confirm your specific rule with Henry County Planning & Zoning instead18.

Sources

  1. Henry County Building/Zoning Permit Application (2026 county census)
  2. Henry County Planning Department (2026 county census)
  3. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. Henry County Building/Zoning Permit Application (2026 county census)
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  7. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  8. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  9. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  10. DHS: Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  11. Henry County Planning & Zoning Department (henrycounty.in.gov)
  12. DHS: Boards and Commissions (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  15. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  16. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  17. Henry County: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Henry County Highway Department (henrycounty.in.gov)
  20. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Henry County in Indiana

47
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency49100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability84100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →

$195kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$8,606Land / acre
44.3"Annual rain
1.8% of yrsSevere drought
2.9 / yr (+2.9)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.78" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,529Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.99%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
123,484People within 30 min
6,421,011People within 2 hr
104,405Radius comparison (15 mi)
124.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
98.9%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
12.4%Wooded land
40.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.4°FAvg temp

Scout Henry County

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

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

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

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

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

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

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

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

Working estimate

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

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

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

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

Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage disposal systems in Henry County.

    • The Health Department ensures compliance with state and local regulations.
    “The Henry County Health Department oversees the permitting, inspection, and approval of on-site sewage disposal systems to ensure they meet state and local regulations.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site sewage systems in Henry County.

    • A soil test and application are required.
    • A contractor must submit a septic system plan before an on-site evaluation.
    • If the plan complies with code, the septic permit is issued.
    • Fees vary by project type.
    “Your contractor must submit a septic system plan to the Health Department before an on-site evaluation can be scheduled.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspections of on-site sewage systems in Henry County.

    • The Henry County Health Department conducts the final inspection.
    • A copy of the inspection approval is kept on file.
    “The Henry County Health Department will conduct the final inspection of your septic system.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Henry County Health Department septic-permit fees.

    • The page lists fees by project type; the renewal amount differs between the detailed process page and the general permits page, so the current renewal fee requires confirmation before reliance.

    new construction: 225 USD · replacement and/or expansion: 200 USD · repair/replacement of system component: 75 USD · connect to existing system: 50 USD · commercial projects: 200 USD

    “New Construction | $225 Replacement and/or expansion | $200 Repair/ Replacement of a system component | $75 Connect to an existing system | $50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Henry County Health Department septic permit fees.
      “Permit fees are as follows: New construction – $225.00 Replacement and/or expansion – $200.00 Repair of a system component only – $75.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Henry County Health Department septic permit process.

    • Soil testing is required.
    • The applicant obtains a septic permit application from the Health Department.
    • The office prepares a Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours after receiving soil-test results and the completed application.
    • The contractor submits a septic system plan before an on-site evaluation.
    • The permit is issued if the plan complies with code.
    • A final inspection is conducted.

    technical specification data sheet turnaround: 48 hours (after receipt of soil test results and completed application)

    “Once we receive your soil test results and completed application, our office will prepare your Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Henry County has adopted a Development Code (zoning) administered by its Planning Commission, with zoning districts such as the RR district and minimum lot sizes.

    Henry County Planning Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • In jurisdictions without an approved building department, IDHS Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance.
    • When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, IDHS Code Enforcement conducts construction-process and final inspections.
    • Agricultural buildings and one- and two-family residential structures fall under the local government entity; if no local government entity exists, the county government may provide inspections, and IDHS states that if there is no local government entity the residential issue becomes a private civil matter.
    “In jurisdictions where there is not an approved building department, Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance. When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, Code Enforcement will conduct inspections during the construction process and provide a final inspection. Agricultural buildings and residential structures (one- and two-family dwellings) fall under the jurisdiction of the local government entity.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 exemptions from Henry County building requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Henry County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Henry County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and maps in Henry County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Henry County.
11 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Henry County, Indiana

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

Henry County scores 47/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 123,484 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

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

How much does land cost in Henry County, Indiana?

Land in Henry County runs about $8,606 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 44.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.8% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 123,484 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,421,011 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 Henry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

How Henry compares in Indiana

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