Bolthole Index

Johnson County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in the Town of New Whiteland, Indiana

The Town of New Whiteland, Indiana requires an improvement location permit, which the town code calls a building permit, for new homes inside town limits1. The town has its own zoning ordinance2. Septic systems, where no public sewer serves the lot, need approval from the Johnson County health department3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required: improvement location permit from the town, called a building permit in the code1
Zoning
Town zoning ordinance, run by the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals2
Septic
County health department approves private systems; one-acre minimum lot without public sewer4
RV living
Prohibited on residential lots5
Manufactured homes
Limited: allowed in certain residential areas and in the MH district6
Driveways
One per dwelling, up to 20 feet wide at the right-of-way line7
Building code
Indiana state building and fire safety code, adopted by the town8

Who to call

Zoning

Town of New Whiteland Planning & Zoning

Zoning, plan commission and Board of Zoning Appeals applications, and permit applications inside town limits

[email protected]

540 Tracy Road, Suite A, New Whiteland, IN 46184

Building permits

Town of New Whiteland Town Hall, Planning and Zoning Department

Town hall offices including the planning and zoning department and the utility office

(317) 535-7500

540 Tracy Road, Suite A New Whiteland, IN 46184

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of New Whiteland 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 Whiteland, Indiana?

Yes. The Town of New Whiteland requires an improvement location permit, called a building permit in the town code, for single-family and two-family dwellings and other listed projects1. The same list covers storage sheds and detached buildings over 140 square feet, garages, additions, driveways, swimming pools and demolition1.

The town issues these permits through its Plan Commission or a designated representative1. Construction follows the Indiana code of building laws and fire safety laws, which the town adopts by reference in its code8. We could not confirm a published building permit fee schedule, an owner-builder exemption, an inspection schedule or a certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask the town's Planning and Zoning office before you plan a budget.

Who issues building permits and handles zoning in New Whiteland?

The town does, from Town Hall at 540 Tracy Road, Suite A9. Permit applications can be emailed to the town's permits address or hand delivered during office hours9. The Planning and Zoning department's phone number is (317) 535-750010.

Zoning is run by the town's Plan Commission, zoning administrator and Board of Zoning Appeals2. The county planning counter in Franklin serves only unincorporated Johnson County, so it is the wrong office for a New Whiteland address. For land outside town limits, see the Johnson County page.

Does New Whiteland have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. New Whiteland adopted its own zoning ordinance, with districts that include RS1, RS2, RS3, RF1, MH, FH, GB1, GB2, GBM and M11. Land annexed into the town is zoned RS, low-density single-family, by default unless the annexation ordinance or a later map amendment says otherwise11.

In RS1, the main single-family district, the minimum lot is 23,000 square feet, with a 35-foot front yard, 12-foot side yards and a 25-foot rear yard1213. RS2 requires 10,000 square feet and RS3 requires 7,200 square feet1415. Without public sewer, the minimum rises to one acre for a single-family dwelling in any of these districts4.

We could not confirm minimum floor areas, accessory dwelling rules, tiny-home rules or short-term rental rules; ask the Planning and Zoning office.

How do septic permits work inside New Whiteland?

Septic is the part that does not move to the town. Where a lot has no public sanitary sewer, the Plan Commission requires approval of the private system from the county health department3. The town's rule is that a lot without public sewer must be at least one acre4.

Indiana law requires a written construction permit signed by the health officer for an on-site system serving a dwelling that is not connected to a sanitary sewer16. The local health department must issue or deny the permit in writing within 30 days of a complete application16. Local plan commission approval does not count as health officer approval16.

Soils matter here: USDA rates only about 1% of Johnson County soils as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system17. Call the Johnson County Health Department's onsite septic program before you buy a lot without sewer.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in New Whiteland?

Not in an RV on a residential lot. The town's code states that campers, travel trailers and hauling trailers parked or stored on a residential lot may not be inhabited at any time5. A lot may hold no more than two different vehicles of this kind, and none may be parked within 12 feet of the curb of a public street5.

Manufactured homes are treated differently: Type I manufactured homes are permitted as permanent residences in any district that allows a dwelling unit, subject to the district's usual requirements6. We could not confirm any tiny-home rule; ask the Planning and Zoning office.

Building a home in New Whiteland: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the lot's zoning district and whether public sewer serves it, using the Planning and Zoning office9.
  2. If the lot is not served by public sewer, get the county health department's approval for a private system3.
  3. If the land is being divided, note that new building sites created by subdividing need approval under the town's subdivision regulations18.
  4. Apply for the improvement location permit with the town1.
  5. If a sewer connection is needed, expect the town's sewer fees, including a $1,100 availability fee per new connection and a $25 sewer permit and connection fee19.
  6. Build to the Indiana building and fire safety code8.

What stays with Johnson County, and what to check before you buy

Septic approval stays with the Johnson County Health Department even for lots inside New Whiteland3. In the special flood hazard area, the town zoning administrator serves as floodplain administrator and a floodplain development permit is required before development20. The state Department of Natural Resources also requires prior approval for floodway construction on streams draining more than 1 square mile21.

We could not confirm whether a private well needs a permit inside town; Indiana says several local health departments require one, so ask the county health department22. Johnson County's effective property tax rate is 0.7%23.

Watch-outs

  • Do not search the Johnson County Planning and Zoning page for a New Whiteland address; that office serves only unincorporated land24.
  • The town code is posted as a 2021 supplement and has been amended since, so confirm current district standards with the town before you buy2.
  • Without public sewer, the one-acre minimum lot and county health approval can rule out a small lot4.

Sources

  1. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  2. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  3. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  4. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  5. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  6. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  7. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  8. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  9. Town of New Whiteland Planning & Zoning (in.gov)
  10. Town of New Whiteland Town Hall, Planning and Zoning Department (in.gov)
  11. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  12. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  13. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  14. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  15. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  16. Residential On-Site Sewage Systems, 410 IAC 6-8.3, quoted and re-checked
  17. 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
  18. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  19. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  20. New Whiteland, Indiana Code of Ordinances (town-hosted PDF, 2021 s-2 supplement) (Town of New Whiteland), quoted and re-checked
  21. Water: Permit Application Type, quoted and re-checked
  22. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Johnson County Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)

Written October 23, 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 Town of New Whiteland

Town of New Whiteland’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family and two-family dwellings and other listed projects inside New Whiteland town (improvement location permit, called a building permit in the code).

    • The code lists single-family and two-family dwellings, storage sheds over 140 square feet, detached buildings over 140 square feet, garages, additions, temporary structures, signs, swimming pools, demolition, new buildings, alterations, driveways and other work as requiring the permit.
    • Permits are issued by the town (Plan Commission or its designated representative under Chapter 156).
    “the town requires that an improvement location permit (building permit) be obtained for the following specific projects:”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside New Whiteland town's corporate limits, administered by the town (Plan Commission, zoning administrator, Board of Zoning Appeals).

    • The town-hosted PDF is labelled the 2021 s-2 supplement; the American Legal Publishing overview says local legislation is current through ord. 2025-08, and the current chapter text was not opened on that site.
    • Section 156.008 states the chapter became effective 11-21-1989; the chapter has been amended since, so that date is not recorded as the current effective date.
    • Annexed land is zoned RS (low-density single-family) by default under section 156.083 unless the annexation ordinance or a later map amendment says otherwise.
    “this chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “zoning ordinance of the town of new whiteland, indiana”.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts of New Whiteland town (RS1, RS2, RS3, RF1, MH, FH, GB1, GB2, GBM, M)

    • The town is divided into the districts listed in § 156.150; the official zoning map and the official schedule of uses (table A, § 156.170) apply.
    • Annexed land is zoned RS (low-density single-family) by default under § 156.083 unless the annexation ordinance or a later map amendment says otherwise.
    “the town is hereby divided into, or provisions are hereby made for future division into, the following zoning districts.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Low density residential district (RS1), the main single-family district, inside New Whiteland town

    • For subdivision plats of five or more lots, up to 20% of lots may be reduced by up to 20% below the requirement, provided the average lot size still meets the district minimum.
    • If the lot is not served by public sanitary sewer, the minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling rises to one acre.
    • Table note: some district standards may vary from those in the text; see the notes to table 156.172.

    minimum lot area: >= 23000 square feet (one acre when not served by public sanitary sewer)

    “low density residential (rs1) 23,000 50’ 100’ 35’ 12’ 25’ 35’ 20’”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Low density residential district (RS1) inside New Whiteland town

    • Setback dimensions are based on a local street; more stringent setbacks apply next to a higher type of thoroughfare (note 1 to table 156.172, see § 156.173).

    front yard: 35 feet · side yard: 12 feet · rear yard: 25 feet

    “low density residential (rs1) 23,000 50’ 100’ 35’ 12’ 25’ 35’ 20’”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Low density residential district (RS1) inside New Whiteland town

    • Accessory buildings may not exceed the building height of the principal building (§ 156.174(d)).

    maximum principal building height: <= 35 feet · maximum accessory building height: <= 20 feet

    “low density residential (rs1) 23,000 50’ 100’ 35’ 12’ 25’ 35’ 20’”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Campers, travel trailers and hauling trailers parked or stored on a residential lot (land in a residential zoning district) inside New Whiteland town; occupancy as a dwelling is prohibited there.

    • Only one of each vehicle type and no more than two different vehicles may be parked or stored on a residential lot at one time (§ 156.385(a)).
    • When two different vehicles are present, at least one must be stored or parked behind the front line of the building (§ 156.385(b)).
    • No parking or storage within 12 feet of the curb of an abutting public street (§ 156.386).
    • Vehicles must keep current licensing and registration (§ 156.387) and be maintained so as not to be a nuisance or hazard (§ 156.388).
    • Owner or tenant gets three days after notice to comply before a fine applies under § 156.999(d).
    “none of the vehicles referred to in § 156.385 shall be inhabited by any person, at any time, while parked or stored on a residential lot.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes in residential districts inside New Whiteland town (Type I manufactured housing) and in the manufactured or mobile home community district (MH)

    • Type I manufactured housing is permitted in certain residential areas under § 156.185 by intent language; the full Type I standards were not read.
    • Manufactured home parks are placed in the MH district and require a development plan, state board of health approval and an improvement location permit before permits issue.
    • Manufactured homes placed in the flood hazard area must meet the elevation requirements in Chapter 154.
    “the establishment, location and use of type i manufactured homes as permanent residences approved individually, by specific materials, or by design, shall be permitted in any zoning district permitting installation of a dwelling unit subject to requirements and limitations applying generally to such residential use in the district;”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private on-site sanitation for a new home inside New Whiteland town on land not served by public sanitary sewer

    • Allowed only with county health department approval of the private system.
    • Minimum lot area of one acre for a single-family dwelling without public sewer.
    “the plan commission shall require approval of the private system to be used from the county’s health department.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land inside New Whiteland town

    • Creation of new building sites by subdividing a lot or parcel is not permitted unless the subdivision is approved under the subdivision regulations (Chapter 155).
    • Subdivision plats must comply with the town zoning ordinance and state and county health department rules.
    “the subdivision of any lot or any parcel of land, as defined in this chapter, resulting in the creation of one or more new building sites shall not be permitted.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access for a single-family dwelling, mobile home or manufactured home on a residential lot inside New Whiteland town

    • One driveway per dwelling.
    • Maximum driveway width of 20 feet at the street right-of-way line.
    • Residential driveways must be privately maintained.

    maximum driveway width at right-of-way: <= 20 feet

    “only one driveway shall be permitted for each single-family dwelling, mobile home or manufactured home with a maximum width not to exceed 20 feet at the point of intersection with the street right-of-way line.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development inside the special flood hazard area and floodway/fringe districts within New Whiteland town's jurisdiction

    • Development includes construction, placing a manufactured home, installing a recreational vehicle on a site for more than 180 days, grading and filling.
    • The floodplain administrator is the town zoning administrator.
    “application for a floodplain development permit shall be made to the floodplain administrator on forms furnished by him or her prior to any development activities”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Sewer connection permit and inspection fees in New Whiteland town (building and improvement location permit fees were not found)

    • Sanitary sewer availability fee is $1,100 per equivalent dwelling unit for each new connection; single-family homes use 310 gpd per unit.
    • Storm water availability fee is $300 per new connection.
    • Sewer permit and connection fee is $25.
    • New sanitary sewer connection inspection fee is $75 per inspection.
    • The fee schedule is stated in the code passage read without a dated effective date.

    sanitary sewer availability fee per EDU: 1100 USD (per new connection) · sewer permit and connection fee: 25 USD · sanitary sewer connection inspection fee: 75 USD (per inspection)

    “(a) availability fee/sanitary - for each new connection (per edu): $1,100.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of New Whiteland

Town of New Whiteland does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction inside New Whiteland town's limits: the Indiana code of building laws and fire safety laws, as adopted by the town in Chapter 150 (§ 150.20).

    • The town adopts the state code by reference in § 150.20; the state rule-maker is the Indiana fire prevention and safety commission under I.C. ch. 22-13.
    • The adoption includes state variance orders and binding written interpretations as stated in § 150.20(b) and (e).
    “the code of building laws and fire safety laws that is adopted in the rules of the fire prevention and safety commission under i.c. ch. 22-13”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private (individual) sewage disposal systems for land inside New Whiteland town that is not served by a public sanitary sewer; the county health department approves the system, as the town code states.

    • Applies only where the lot is not serviced by a public sanitary sewer system.
    • The Plan Commission must require the approval of the health department before a private system is used.
    “the plan commission shall require approval of the private system to be used from the county’s health department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New dwellings inside New Whiteland town that are not connected to a public sanitary sewer and would use a private septic system.

    • Approval of the private system by the county health department is required before the Plan Commission will allow it.
    • The lot must be at least one acre when not served by public sewer.

    minimum lot area without public sewer: >= 1 acre

    “(2) when not serviced by a public sanitary sewer system, the minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling shall be increased to a minimum of one acre. the plan commission shall require approval of the private system to be used from the county’s health department.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of New Whiteland or Johnson County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemption inside New Whiteland town
  • Inspections — Building inspections for new construction inside New Whiteland town
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy for new dwellings inside New Whiteland town
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for a dwelling in the residential districts (RS1, RS2, RS3) inside New Whiteland town
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage for residential lots inside New Whiteland town
7 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • 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.

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

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