Bolthole Index

Monroe County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Bean Blossom Township, Indiana

Bean Blossom Township, in Monroe County, requires building permits for covered residential construction, with county Planning completing the Improvement Location Permit step before the county Building Department application.12 Monroe County zoning applies within the county planning jurisdiction, while the Monroe County Health Department handles septic systems.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction1
Zoning
Monroe County zoning applies within the county planning jurisdiction3
Septic permit
Monroe County Health Department handles onsite sewage systems45
RV living
County rules treat an RV as temporary living quarters in the county zoning jurisdiction6
Accessory dwelling
Allowed with standards; an RV cannot serve as a detached accessory dwelling7
Owner-builder
No explicit exemption confirmed; ask the Building Department8
County-road driveway
A county driveway permit is required9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Monroe County Planning Department

Zoning, subdivision review and Improvement Location Permits in Monroe County's jurisdiction within Bean Blossom Township

(812) 349-2560

[email protected]

501 N Morton St, Suite 224, Bloomington, IN 47404

Online permits →

Building permits

Monroe County Building Department

Building permits, code enforcement and construction inspections throughout Monroe County

(812) 349-2580

[email protected]

501 N Morton St, Suite 220, Bloomington, IN 47404

Online permits →

Septic permits

Monroe County Health Department - Wastewater Section

Septic permits for new, repair, replacement, renewal and commercial onsite sewage systems

(812) 349-2543

[email protected]

119 W 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Bean Blossom Township, Indiana?

Yes. Class 2 residential work in Bean Blossom Township—including new homes, additions, remodels, accessory structures and accessory dwelling units—uses the Monroe County permit process.1 For applicable work, complete the Improvement Location Permit process with Monroe County Planning before applying to the Building Department.2

The Building Department inspects and enforces adopted Indiana building codes throughout Monroe County.10 Permitted work can require footing, foundation, underslab, rough-in and final inspections, and the final inspection must occur before moving in or occupying the structure.11 The county publishes residential building fees by project type, including a square-foot rate and minimum charge for new conventional construction.12

Who handles building permits and zoning in Bean Blossom Township?

Monroe County splits the work between Planning and Building. The Planning Department coordinates land-use policy and the Improvement Location Permit step, while the Building Department handles building applications, code enforcement and inspections.1310

Complete Planning's Improvement Location Permit process before submitting the Building Department application for applicable residential work.2 Both offices provide access to the county's online permit portal.1310 The county development ordinance applies within the County Jurisdictional Area, meaning unincorporated land not governed by another duly established plan.3 Ask Planning to confirm jurisdiction and the mapped zoning district before designing the house or driveway.13

Does Bean Blossom Township have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and ADUs?

Monroe County zoning applies to Bean Blossom Township land within the county's planning jurisdiction, and the parcel's mapped district controls detailed use and dimensional standards.314 In the AGR district, primary residential structures may be up to 40 feet tall; in the RES district, the limit is 35 feet.1516

In the county zoning jurisdiction, an RV is temporary living space, cannot be permanently connected to utilities and should not remain on a property for more than 180 days except for storage.6 Accessory dwelling units are allowed with standards, but an Improvement Location Permit is required, owner occupancy applies, and an RV cannot serve as a detached accessory dwelling unit.7 We could not confirm a general tiny-home rule or minimum dwelling size, so ask Planning how the proposed structure would be classified in the parcel's district.13

How do septic permits work inside Bean Blossom Township?

The Monroe County Health Department administers onsite sewage systems in Bean Blossom Township.4 A septic permit application is required when a system is installed, repaired or replaced, and the county also has renewal, modification and commercial permit categories.5 A soil report is required when an application modifies or adds a septic field.17

Published fees are $250 for a new septic permit and $150 for a repair permit, although the county says fees may change.18 Only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so evaluate soils before fixing the house location.19 If public sanitary sewer is available and accessible, the county sanitary code generally bars constructing or altering a private sewage system except for a temporary construction privy.20

Building a home in Bean Blossom Township: what are the steps?

Use the county approval sequence to reduce redesign and delay:

  1. Ask Planning to confirm jurisdiction, the zoning district, dimensional standards and floodplain status.13
  2. Complete the residential pre-design and Improvement Location Permit process before the Building Department application.2
  3. If the home will use onsite sewage, obtain the soil work and septic permit from the Health Department.21
  4. Obtain a driveway permit for access to a county road, or satisfy the agency controlling another public road.9
  5. Apply to the Building Department and complete the required construction inspections.1011
  6. Complete the final inspection before moving in or occupying the home.11

What should you check before buying land in Bean Blossom Township?

Start with jurisdiction and the current zoning map because another established planning authority may control a parcel, and county district standards govern uses, height and lot coverage where Monroe County has jurisdiction.314 Check legal access too: a driveway onto a county road needs a county driveway permit, while another road authority controls access on its roads.9

Check the proposed building area for flood hazards because development in an identified special flood-hazard area requires a Floodplain Development Permit before construction begins.22 Arrange early soil evaluation for onsite sewage because only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.19 We could not confirm a township-wide private-well permit rule or an owner-builder exemption, so ask the Health Department about the well and the Building Department about owner-performed work.238

Watch-outs

  • For applicable residential work, complete the Improvement Location Permit process before applying to the Monroe County Building Department.2
  • In the county zoning jurisdiction, an RV cannot be permanently connected to utilities and should not remain on a property for more than 180 days except for storage.6
  • A Floodplain Development Permit is required before construction begins when special-flood-hazard provisions apply.22
  • Land division in the County Jurisdictional Area requires county subdivision review and Plan Commission approval before recording.24

Sources

  1. Monroe County Planning Department (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Monroe County Planning Department (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Monroe County Development Ordinance definitions (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Monroe County Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Adopted Monroe County Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. (2026 county census)
  9. Monroe County Development Ordinance driveway permits (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Monroe County Building Department (in.gov)
  11. Inspection Schedule (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Residential Building Permit Fees (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Monroe County Planning Department (in.gov)
  14. Monroe County CDO (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Monroe County Health Department - Wastewater Section (in.gov)
  18. Monroe County Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. Monroe County Sanitary Code, Article IIa, Private Sewage Disposal Systems (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Monroe County Environmental Health: Wastewater (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  22. Monroe County Development Ordinance floodplain provisions (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked
  23. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Bean Blossom Township), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 Bean Blossom Township

Rules another office applies inside Bean Blossom Township

Bean Blossom Township does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Building permitRequired

    Class 2 residential construction inside Bean Blossom township, including new single-family homes, additions, remodels, accessory structures, and ADUs.

    • Beginning January 1, 2026, the Improvement Location Permit process must be complete before applying at the Monroe County Building Department.
    • The county planning page directs applicants to the county permit portal.
    “Previously, all building permit processes began with an application at the Monroe County Building Department.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Bean Blossom township is inspected and enforced under adopted Indiana Building Codes through Monroe County.

    • The county page lists Indiana Building Code, Indiana Residential Code, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, fire, and fuel gas codes with their stated effective dates.
    “The Monroe County Building Department is an office responsible for the inspection and enforcement of adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction inside Bean Blossom township handled under Monroe County and adopted Indiana construction codes.
      “Current construction codes in effect in Monroe County: Monroe County Building Code: (Chapter 430) Monroe County Licensing & Registration Ordinance #96-38 Monroe County Building Code: (Chapter 432)”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Bean Blossom township.

    • Inspections include footing, foundation, underslab, rough-in, fireblocking, final, and other inspections as required.
    • Inspection must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance; the permit number is required; the owner, contractor, or representative must attend; the orange permit card must be visible.
    “FINAL INSPECTION: Required once the project is complete and before moving in or occupying.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Inspection and enforcement of adopted building codes for construction inside Bean Blossom township.
      “The Monroe County Building Department is an office responsible for the inspection and enforcement of adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures constructed under the Monroe County building permit and inspection process inside Bean Blossom township.

    • The certificate is processed after successful final inspection.
    • Use before receiving the certificate is a violation of law.

    certificate of occupancy fee: 125 USD

    “Use of a structure before receiving this document is a violation of the law.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Monroe County Development Ordinance zoning in the unincorporated portions of Bean Blossom township that are not under another duly established plan.

    • The CDO applies only within the County Jurisdictional Area, defined as unincorporated Monroe County areas not under another duly established plan.
    • Incorporated municipalities and areas under another plan are outside this claim.
    “County Jurisdictional Area: The areas of Monroe County, Indiana, in which the County exercises planning and zoning jurisdiction, namely: all unincorporated areas of Monroe County, Indiana, that are not under the jurisdiction of another duly established plan”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land inside Bean Blossom Township that is within Monroe County's planning jurisdiction.
      “This update also includes a zoning map update to the entire County jurisdiction (excepting Town of Ellettsville and City of Bloomington).”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Land inside Bean Blossom Township that is within Monroe County's planning jurisdiction.

    • The CDO zoning map covers the entire County jurisdiction except the Town of Ellettsville and City of Bloomington.
    “This update also includes a zoning map update to the entire County jurisdiction (excepting Town of Ellettsville and City of Bloomington).”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Residential development in the AGR zoning district inside Bean Blossom township.

    • Agricultural buildings are excluded from the impervious-cover calculation.
    • Critical-watershed limits apply separately.

    maximum impervious cover: 20% of lot size or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less · critical watershed maximum: 10% of lot size or 15,000 sq ft, whichever is less

    “Maximum Impervious Cover 20% of Lot Size or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential development in the RES zoning district inside Bean Blossom township.
      “Maximum Impervious Cover 50% of Lot Size or 7,000 sq ft, whichever is less”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential structures in the AGR zoning district inside Bean Blossom township.

    • Accessory-structure standards in Section 811-2(B) also apply.

    maximum primary structure height: <= 40 feet · maximum accessory structure height: <= 30 feet

    “Maximum Height (Primary Structure) 40 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential structures in the RES zoning district inside Bean Blossom township.
      “Maximum Height (Primary Structure) 35 feet”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Attached and detached accessory dwelling units inside Bean Blossom township where the Monroe County CDO applies.

    • Either the primary dwelling or ADU/DADU must be occupied by the owner.
    • Before final occupancy, the owner must record an affidavit of year-round owner occupancy.
    • One ADU per lot of record is permitted.
    • An Improvement Location Permit is required.
    • An RV is not permitted as a DADU.

    maximum ADUs per lot of record: 1 unit · ADU/DADU size when property only has septic: <= 800 sq ft

    “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) are permitted with standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Attached and detached accessory dwelling units in the county-zoned portions of Bean Blossom township.
      “Accessory Dwelling Units, Attached and Detached*”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site sewage systems inside Bean Blossom township are administered by the Monroe County Health Department.

    • Commercial septic systems may require state approval.
    “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Private sewage-disposal systems inside Bean Blossom township are administered by the Monroe County Health Department.
      “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department: New Septic Permit - required for new home construction”
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal systems inside Bean Blossom Township.
      “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New homes and septic installation, repair, replacement, renewal, or modification inside Bean Blossom township.

    • A septic permit application must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired, or replaced.
    • Soil reports are required for applications involving modification or addition of a septic field.
    • Fees are subject to change.

    new septic permit fee: 250 USD · repair septic permit fee: 150 USD · renewal septic permit fee: 100 USD · commercial septic permit fee: 400 USD

    “New Septic Permit - required for new home construction”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New, repair, replacement, renewal, or modification septic permits inside Bean Blossom township.
      “An application for a Septic Permit must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired or replaced.”
    • Required — New or altered on-site sewage disposal systems inside Bean Blossom Township.
      “An application for a Septic Permit must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired or replaced.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation for dwellings inside Bean Blossom township.

    • A dwelling without sewer access and without municipal or well water may use only a Monroe County Health Department-approved privy meeting Indiana State Department of Health Bulletin SE 11 or a port-a-pot routinely serviced by a state-approved septic hauler.
    • An approved easement agreement is required for a privy or port-a-pot maintained for a habitable residence.
    • If municipal or well water is used, a residential septic and soil-absorption system is required.
    “Any dwelling which is not connected, or cannot be connected, to a sanitary sewerage system, and which does not have access to municipal or well water shall have either a privy approved by the Monroe County Health Department as meeting the requirements of the Indiana State Department of Health Bulletin SE 11, “Sanitary Vault Privy”, 1986 Edition or a “port-a-pot” routinely serviced by a State-approved septic hauler”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Private residential sewage disposal inside Bean Blossom township when a public sanitary sewer is available and accessible.

    • Where a public sanitary sewer is available and accessible, a private sewage disposal system may not be constructed, repaired, altered, or provided, except for a temporary privy used with a construction project.
    • The opened official source does not state a numeric distance threshold.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer is available and accessible, no person shall construct, repair, alter or provide on any property a private sewage disposal system for the disposal of sewage except a temporary privy for use in connection with a construction project.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in the County Jurisdictional Area inside the unincorporated portion of Bean Blossom township, Monroe County, Indiana.

    • All land to be divided is classified by the Planning Director as a major, minor, sliding-scale, or administrative subdivision, and each type is subject to Chapter 832 standards.
    • A subdivision plat may not be presented for transfer or recording until approved by the Monroe County Plan Commission under Chapter 830.
    • The County Jurisdictional Area excludes unincorporated areas under another duly established plan commission or zoning jurisdiction; incorporated Stinesville may therefore have separate municipal jurisdiction.
    “All land to be divided shall be classified”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in the County Jurisdictional Area inside Bean Blossom township.
      “The plat for a subdivision of land in the County Jurisdictional Area may not be presented to the County Auditor for transfer and may neither be presented to the County Recorder nor recorded until it has been approved by the Plan Commission in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this Chapter.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision activity inside Bean Blossom Township that is within Monroe County's planning jurisdiction.
      “This document encompasses a re-write of our current Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway locations accessing county-maintained roads inside Bean Blossom township.

    • Driveways accessing non-county-maintained public roads must comply with the relevant jurisdiction's requirements.
    • The county's incorporated Highway Manual provides additional standards such as driveway width, intersection distance, and curb radii.
    “All proposed driveway locations accessing a county road must be approved under a Driveway permit. All proposed driveways accessing from a non-county maintained public roadway must prove compliance with the relevant jurisdiction requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Proposed driveway locations accessing a county road inside Bean Blossom township.
      “All proposed driveway locations accessing a county road must be approved under a Driveway permit. All proposed driveways accessing from a non-county maintained public roadway must prove compliance with the relevant jurisdiction requirements.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development inside Bean Blossom township wholly or partly within, or in contact with, an identified special flood hazard area.

    • The application must be filed before construction begins.
    • Required materials include scaled plans, legal description, site development plan, elevation benchmark information where required, wastewater connection or approved on-site sewage verification, and elevation information for applicable structures.
    “An application for a floodplain development permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator for all development activities”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Monroe County residential building permit fees applicable to construction inside Bean Blossom township.

    • The page labels the fee schedule Residential Permit Fees (2012).
    • Fees vary by work type and include stated minimums.

    new conventional construction: 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 minimum USD · manufactured home placement: 14¢ per sq ft / $75.00 minimum USD · certificate of occupancy: 125 USD · re-inspection: 50 USD

    “New Construction (conventional): 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min. Modular Home Placement: 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min. Manufactured Home Placement: 14¢ per sq ft / $75.00 min.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Monroe County septic permits applicable inside Bean Blossom township.
      “New Septic Permit | $250 Repair Septic Permit | $150 Renewal Septic Permit | $100 Commercial Septic Permit (New or Repair) | $400”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permit categories administered by the Monroe County Building Department for work inside Bean Blossom Township.
      “New Construction (conventional): 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min. Modular Home Placement: 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min. Manufactured Home Placement: 14¢ per sq ft / $75.00 min.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County planning and permit process for Class 2 construction inside Bean Blossom township.

    • Beginning January 1, 2026, ILP processing for Class 2 structures must be completed before applying at the Monroe County Building Department.
    • The county directs applicants to the OpenGov permit portal and a free residential pre-design step.

    ILP prerequisite effective date: 2026-01-01

    “As a result of House Enrolled Act 1005 (now IC 36-7-2.5), the ILP process for all permits related to Class 2 structures must be complete before an applicant can apply at the Monroe County Building Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Septic permitting process inside Bean Blossom township.
      “The septic permitting process has 5 main steps. The first 2 steps don’t have to be done in order.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Bean Blossom Township or Monroe County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions for construction inside Bean Blossom township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in the county-zoned portions of Bean Blossom township.
  • Minimum lot size — Lots inside Bean Blossom Township.
  • Setbacks — Structures inside Bean Blossom Township.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land inside Bean Blossom township.
7 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • 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 Bean Blossom Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Monroe County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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