Bolthole Index

Monroe County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Benton Township, Indiana

Benton Township, in Monroe County, requires building permits for covered construction, and Monroe County administers both building-code enforcement and zoning on unincorporated township land.12 Start with the Monroe County Planning Department before applying to the Building Department, and take septic work to the Monroe County Health Department.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction, alteration and occupancy projects1
Zoning
Monroe County zoning applies on unincorporated township land2
Septic permit
Monroe County Health Department handles onsite sewage systems45
RV living
County rules treat an RV as non-permanent and limit placement other than storage6
Accessory dwelling
Allowed with standards; an RV cannot serve as a detached accessory dwelling7
Owner work
Owners may perform electrical or plumbing work under stated conditions8
Final occupancy
Occupancy requires a full, partial or temporary certificate of occupancy9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Monroe County Planning Department

Zoning, subdivision review and Improvement Location Permits for unincorporated Benton 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, plan review 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 Benton 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 Benton Township, Indiana?

Yes. Covered construction, alteration and occupancy projects in Benton Township require a Monroe County building permit.1 The application package may require plans and specifications, proof of ownership or contract, driveway approval, septic approval or a sewer letter, site information, and an Improvement Location Permit or waiver.1

The Monroe County Building Department enforces adopted Indiana building codes throughout the county and handles inspections.10 A successful final inspection and a valid land-use certificate or waiver are prerequisites for the certificate of occupancy, and occupying the building before a full, partial or temporary certificate is issued is unlawful.9

Who handles building permits and zoning in Benton Township?

Monroe County splits the work between two offices. The Planning Department administers land-use plans and policies, while the Building Department inspects and enforces adopted Indiana building codes throughout Monroe County.1110

For covered residential work, complete the Improvement Location Permit process with Planning before applying for the building permit.3 Both offices use the county's online OpenGov portal for applications.12 Call Planning about the parcel's zoning, site plan, setbacks and Improvement Location Permit; call Building about the building application, code review and inspections.1110

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

Unincorporated land in Benton Township is governed by Monroe County zoning and subdivision controls, not a separate township zoning ordinance.2 The parcel's zoning district must be confirmed on the current county zoning map because standards vary by district.13

An RV is treated as a non-permanent dwelling and should not remain on property for more than 180 days except for storage; it also cannot be permanently connected to utilities under that rule.6 Accessory dwelling units are allowed with standards, but an Improvement Location Permit is required and an RV cannot be used as a detached accessory dwelling unit.7 We could not confirm a general tiny-home rule or a minimum dwelling size, so ask the Planning Department how the proposed structure and parcel district would be classified.11

How do septic permits work inside Benton Township?

The Monroe County Health Department administers onsite sewage permits in Benton Township.4 A septic permit application is required when a system is installed, repaired or replaced, and a soil report is required when the application modifies or adds a septic field.514

The published fee is $250 for a new septic permit and $150 for a repair septic permit, although the county says fees can change.5 Only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make the soil evaluation an early feasibility check rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.15 A dwelling without a sewer connection must use a compliant onsite system; drywells and cesspools are not allowed as onsite sewage treatment.16

Building a home in Benton Township: what are the steps?

Follow the county sequence so one approval does not hold up the next:

  1. Ask the Planning Department to confirm the parcel's district, site-plan requirements, setbacks, floodplain status and access.11
  2. Complete the Improvement Location Permit process before applying to the Building Department.3
  3. If the home will use onsite sewage, obtain the soil work and septic permit from the Health Department.5
  4. Secure a driveway permit for access to a county road, or satisfy the agency responsible for another public road.17
  5. Submit the building-permit package and complete required inspections.110
  6. Do not occupy the home until the required certificate of occupancy has been issued.9

What should you check before buying land in Benton Township?

Confirm the exact zoning district before relying on a listing's description of permitted uses or buildability.13 In the Agricultural Residential district, for example, residential setbacks vary by road class, and separate side, rear, plat, environmental and riparian standards can apply.18

Verify legal road access and whether the driveway meets county or other road-agency requirements.17 Ask Planning whether any special flood-hazard rules affect the building area, because regulated floodplain development requires a Floodplain Development Permit.19 Finally, arrange soil evaluation before committing to a house location: Monroe County's soil conditions frequently impose severe limits on conventional drain fields, and the Health Department requires soil reports when a septic field is added or modified.1514

Watch-outs

  • For covered residential work, the Improvement Location Permit must be complete before the Monroe County Building Department application begins.3
  • An RV cannot become a detached accessory dwelling unit, and the county's non-permanent-dwelling rule limits non-storage placement to 180 days.76
  • A Floodplain Development Permit is required when county floodplain provisions apply, so confirm the buildable area before setting the house site.19

Sources

  1. Ordinance 2014-17 amending Monroe County Building Code (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Monroe County: Plans, Ordinances & Other Materials (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Monroe County: Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. in.gov (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. Inspection Schedule (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Monroe County Building Department (in.gov)
  11. Monroe County Planning Department (in.gov)
  12. Building Department (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Monroe County: Plans, Ordinances & Other Materials (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. Monroe County Health Department - Wastewater Section (in.gov)
  15. 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
  16. Residential Onsite Sewage Systems Rule (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. in.gov (Benton Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Benton 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 Benton Township

Benton Township’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or occupancy projects in Benton Township subject to the Monroe County Building Code.

    • The application must include plans and specifications, deed or contract, driveway permit, original septic permit or sewer hook-on letter, site information, and a valid Improvement Location Permit or waiver.
    • All required fees must be paid before issuance.
    • A Design Release is required for covered Class One Structures.
    “permits are required relative to the construction, location, occupancy, and use of buildings and structures”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement inside Benton Township is handled by the Monroe County Building Department.

    • The official county page states the department enforces adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.
    “the Board of Commissioners of the County of Monroe, Indiana ("Commissioners") established the Monroe County Building Code through the adoption of Monroe County Ordinance 88-3”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings and structures in Benton Township subject to Monroe County building-code enforcement.

    • A final inspection must be successfully completed.
    • A valid Land Use Certificate or waiver is also required under Monroe County Code 430-16.
    • Partial or temporary certificates may be issued only under the stated conditions.
    • Occupancy before issuance is unlawful.
    “It shall be unlawful to occupy any such building or structure prior to the issuance of a full, partial or temporary certificate of occupancy”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts applicable in Benton Township under the Monroe County Jurisdictional Area.

    • The CDO lists AGR, FOR, CVR, RNH, RES, LD, CD, HD, IP, LB, GB, LI, HI, ME, and AP districts.
    • Overlay zones include PUD, ANHO, HP, ECO, and LLO.
    • Special development limitations include SFHA, KCA, critical watersheds, and the Thoroughfare Plan.
    “The Monroe County Jurisdictional Area is hereby classified and divided into the following zones, also referred to as Districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — RV park, campground, and primitive campground district classifications within Benton Township.
      “Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park C C C C Y”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Agricultural Residential 2.5 (AGR) district inside Benton Township.

    • Front setbacks are measured from the edge of the right-of-way.
    • Front setbacks are 25 feet on local roads, 35 feet on minor/major collectors, 50 feet on minor arterials, 60 feet on major arterials, and 75 feet from interstate/freeway frontage.
    • Residential side setback is 15 feet and rear setback is 35 feet.
    • Platted setbacks, ECO standards, lake/riparian standards, and accessory-structure rules may be more restrictive.
    “Minimum Setbacks Measured from the edge of the Right-of-Way [...] Front Yard – Local 25 feet [...] Front Yard – Minor/Major Collector 35 feet [...] Front Yard – Minor Arterial 50 feet [...] Front Yard – Major Arterial 60 feet [...] Front Yard – Interstate/Freeway 75 feet [...] Side Yard – Residential Use 15 feet6,7 [...] Rear Yard – Residential Use 35 feet6,7”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Agricultural Residential 2.5 (AGR) district inside Benton Township.

    • Agricultural buildings are excluded.
    • Critical Watershed has a separate lower limit.
    • Other ECO and overlay rules may apply.
    “Maximum Impervious Cover 20% of Lot Size or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential 1 (RES) district inside Benton Township.
      “Maximum Impervious Cover 50% of Lot Size or 7,000 sq ft, whichever is less”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy in a Monroe County-regulated mobile home community within Benton Township.

    • A mobile home community must be at least five acres.
    • Individual manufactured-home sites must be at least 4,000 square feet.
    • The community may not exceed seven units per gross acre.
    • Each site must be at least 40 feet wide, homes must be at least 20 feet apart, and homes must be at least 40 feet from a public road right-of-way.
    • The cited provisions govern mobile-home communities and do not establish unrestricted private-lot occupancy.

    minimum mobile home community area: >= 5 acres · minimum manufactured home site area: >= 4000 square feet · maximum density: <= 7 units per gross acre

    “The minimum area of a mobile home community shall be five acres.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Attached and detached accessory dwelling units in Benton Township under Monroe County zoning.

    • The primary or accessory unit must be occupied by the owner, supported by a recorded affidavit.
    • For AGR, FOR, and CVR districts, minimum lot size is five acres and ADU/DADU livable residential space is limited to 1,000 square feet.
    • For RES, minimum lot size is 0.5 acres with sewer and 1.25 acres with septic; ADU/DADU size is limited to 800 square feet.
    • One ADU per lot of record is permitted.
    • An Improvement Location Permit is required.
    • An RV is not permitted as a DADU.

    maximum ADU size in AGR/FOR/CVR: <= 1000 square feet (livable residential space) · maximum ADU size in RES: <= 800 square feet (livable residential space)

    “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) are permitted with standards.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and subdivision access inside Benton Township under Monroe County CDO Chapter 832.

    • Subdivision plats must comply with applicable state and federal laws and county ordinances, regulations, rules, and orders.
    • A subdivision may not be approved without qualifying roadway frontage or access.
    “No subdivision shall be approved unless the area to be subdivided shall have frontage on and/or access from an existing roadway or highway”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway connections to county-maintained roads serving property in Benton Township.

    • All proposed driveway locations accessing a county road must be approved under a county driveway permit.
    • Driveways accessing non-county-maintained public roads must comply with the relevant jurisdiction.
    “All proposed driveway locations accessing a county road must be approved under a Driveway permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development wholly or partly within, or in contact with, an identified special flood hazard area in Benton Township.

    • Application must be made to the Floodplain Administrator before actual commencement.
    • Failure to obtain the permit or comply with its conditions is an ordinance violation.
    • The Monroe County Planning Department administers the program.
    “An application for a floodplain development permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator for all development activities located wholly within, partially within, or in contact with an identified special flood hazard area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental use in Benton Township under Monroe County zoning.

    • The permitted-use table identifies Short-Term Rental - Owner Occupied as a use subject to specific standards in listed districts.
    • The excerpt does not establish unrestricted short-term-rental use or authorize non-owner-occupied rentals.
    “Short-Term Rental - Owner Occupied PS PS PS PS PS PS PS PS PS Y”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Improvement Location Permit and site-plan process in Benton Township under Monroe County CDO Chapter 841.

    • An application must be submitted to the Planning Director.
    • Site-plan review must also be filed.
    • Approval requires ordinance compliance, site or plot plan approval, and access by public way or recorded easement.
    • The permit expires after 180 days without commencement or two years without substantial completion.

    permit commencement deadline: 180 days · substantial completion deadline: 2 years

    “A person desiring an improvement location permit shall submit a written application for such permit with the Planning Director.”

Rules another office applies inside Benton Township

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

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-performed electrical or plumbing work on a permitted project inside Benton Township.

    • A permit number is required.
    • The owner must not employ paid contractors for the listed work.
    • All applicable Indiana and Monroe County codes must be followed.
    • The owner must call for inspections at appropriate times and attend inspection as necessary.
    “I will not employ paid contractors for the above-mentioned work”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building-code inspections administered by Monroe County for covered construction inside Benton Township.

    • Inspection requirements depend on the adopted Indiana code and project type.
    “This form MUST be completed prior to scheduling a rough-in inspection”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction inside Benton Township administered by the Monroe County Building Department.
      “FINAL INSPECTION: Required once the project is complete and before moving in or occupying.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning and subdivision controls applying to unincorporated land inside Benton Township.

    • This is Monroe County zoning, not a Benton Township ordinance.
    • Incorporated municipalities are outside this scope.
    “Monroe County Development Ordinance (effective 12-18-2024)”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land inside Benton Township.

    • The CDO defines an RV as a non-permanent dwelling.
    • An RV should not be placed on property, other than for storage purposes, for more than 180 days.
    • The ordinance separately regulates RV parks.

    maximum placement period: <= 180 days (The source states should not be placed for more than 180 days, other than for storage purposes)

    “To be considered a non-permanent dwelling, the Recreational Vehicle shall not be permanently connected to utilities (e.g. septic systems or sewer, etc.), and should not be placed on a property, other than for storage purposes, for more than 180 days.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site sewage disposal systems inside Benton Township.

    • Monroe County Health Department administers the county septic permitting process.
    • Commercial systems may require state approval.
    “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — On-site sewage permitting inside Benton Township is administered by the Monroe County Health Department.
      “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems inside Benton Township, subject to Monroe County Health Department administration.
      “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, repair, replacement, renewal, or modification septic work inside Benton Township handled by the Monroe County Health Department.

    • A septic permit application must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired, or replaced.
    • Commercial systems may require state approval.
    • Fees are subject to change.

    new septic permit fee: 250 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · repair septic permit fee: 150 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · renewal septic permit fee: 100 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · commercial septic permit fee: 400 USD (New or repair; fees are subject to change.)

    “An application for a Septic Permit must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired or replaced.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New home construction and installation, repair, or replacement of an on-site sewage system inside Benton Township.
      “An application for a Septic Permit must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired or replaced.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitation inside Benton Township where a dwelling is not connected or cannot be connected to sanitary sewer.

    • The rule requires a residential onsite sewage system with a septic tank and soil absorption system that has not failed.
    • Temporary sewage holding tanks are alternatives only under stated approval and exception conditions.
    • IDOH states that drywells and cesspools are not allowed for onsite sewage treatment in Indiana.
    “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. A temporary sewage holding tank is an alternative method of sewage disposal subject to the written approval of the department, except as provided in subsection (f).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Monroe County Health Department septic permit fees for work inside Benton Township.

    • Fees are subject to change.
    • Commercial permit fee applies to a new or repair commercial septic permit.

    new septic permit: 250 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · repair septic permit: 150 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · renewal septic permit: 100 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · commercial septic permit: 400 USD (New or repair; fees are subject to change.)

    “New Septic Permit | $250 Repair Septic Permit | $150 Renewal Septic Permit | $100 Commercial Septic Permit (New or Repair) | $400”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — One- and two-family residential building permits administered by Monroe County for work inside Benton Township.
      “New Construction (conventional): 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Benton Township.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Benton Township.
  • Building height — Building height inside Benton Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Benton Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Benton Township.
4 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Benton 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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