Bolthole Index

Monroe County, Indiana

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

Residential construction in Perry Township, Monroe County, uses the Monroe County building-permit process where the county has jurisdiction, and applicable projects must complete the Improvement Location Permit step before the Building Department application.12 Monroe County administers zoning in its jurisdiction, while the Monroe County Health Department handles septic systems throughout Perry Township.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction in county jurisdiction1
Zoning
Monroe County zoning applies in the County Jurisdictional Area3
Septic permit
Monroe County Health Department handles onsite sewage systems45
RV living
Temporary and limited under the county development ordinance6
Tiny home
No complete occupancy rule confirmed; ask County Planning7
Owner-builder
No explicit exemption confirmed; ask the Building Department8
County-road access
County right-of-way or county-road work requires a permit9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Monroe County Planning Department

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

(812) 349-2560

[email protected]

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

Online permits →

Building permits

Monroe County Building Department

Building applications, 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 applications, soil-review workflow and onsite sewage permits in Monroe County

(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 Perry 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 Perry Township, Indiana?

Yes, for covered residential construction in Monroe County's jurisdiction. The county process covers residential and other Class 2 work, including new single-family homes, additions, remodels, accessory structures, accessory dwelling units, decks, pools, fences, detached garages and sheds.12

For applicable projects, complete the Improvement Location Permit process with Monroe County Planning before applying to the Building Department.2 The Building Department enforces adopted Indiana building codes throughout Monroe County, and its online applications require an OpenGov account.10 The published residential schedule prices new conventional construction at $0.14 per square foot with a $125 minimum, but the posted schedule may be changed by a later ordinance or schedule.11

Who handles building permits and zoning in Perry 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, adopted-code enforcement and construction inspections.710

County zoning applies to unincorporated Perry Township land within the County Jurisdictional Area, and the ordinance publishes rural residential and residential districts plus overlay zones.12 The county planning jurisdiction does not include land controlled by another duly established plan commission, so ask Planning to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and mapped district before designing the project.3 Subdivision proposals in the county jurisdiction also face county standards for access, drainage, water, sewage and improvements.13

What do Perry Township zoning rules mean for RVs and tiny homes?

In the Monroe County zoning jurisdiction, a recreational vehicle is treated as non-permanent living space: it cannot be permanently connected to utilities and should not remain on property for more than 180 days except for storage.6 RV parks and campground uses are regulated separately, so that rule is not permission to establish a residential RV site.6

We could not confirm a complete tiny-home occupancy rule, minimum dwelling size, or district-specific setback for every Perry Township parcel; ask County Planning how a proposed tiny home is classified and which district standards apply.7 We also could not confirm an owner-builder exemption, so ask the Building Department whether owner-performed work changes any application, licensing or inspection requirement.8

How do septic permits work inside Perry Township?

The Monroe County Health Department administers onsite sewage systems throughout Perry Township.4 A septic permit is required for a new home on septic and when an onsite system is installed, repaired or replaced.5 The county workflow includes the application, a soil evaluation, minimum specifications, a site plan and permit issuance.14

The listed new septic permit fee is $250, and the listed repair fee is $150; the county says fees are subject to change.15 Only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so settle septic feasibility and the reserve area before fixing the house location.16 Indiana requires compliant onsite sanitation where a dwelling is not connected or cannot connect to sanitary sewer, while temporary holding tanks need state approval except under specified conditions.17

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

Use the county approval sequence to reduce redesign:

  1. Ask Monroe County Planning to confirm jurisdiction, zoning, overlays, subdivision constraints and floodplain issues for the parcel.718
  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, complete soil evaluation and obtain the septic permit from the Health Department.15
  4. Obtain county approval before work in a county right-of-way or on a county road; INDOT controls connections to state highways.919
  5. Apply to the Building Department and schedule required inspections.1020
  6. Pass the final inspection before occupying the home; a successful final inspection precedes the certificate of occupancy.21

What should you check before buying land in Perry Township?

Start with the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning district because county controls apply within the County Jurisdictional Area and district or overlay standards can change what may be built.3 Confirm legal road access too: work in a county right-of-way or on a county road requires county approval, while the agency controlling another road handles that connection.9

Check flood mapping before choosing a building site because county development and subdivision standards restrict work in special flood-hazard areas, and Indiana DNR has jurisdiction over most development in floodways.1822 Evaluate soils early because only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field.16 We could not confirm a general Perry Township private-well permit rule, so ask the Monroe County Health Department before contracting with a driller.23

Watch-outs

  • For applicable residential work, finish 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 property for more than 180 days except for storage.6
  • A final inspection is required before moving into or occupying covered construction.20
  • Work in a county right-of-way or on a county road requires Monroe County Highway Department approval before construction begins.9

Sources

  1. Monroe County: Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  2. Monroe County Planning Department (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Monroe County Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Monroe County Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Monroe County Planning Department (in.gov)
  8. (2026 county census)
  9. Monroe County Highway Permitting (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Monroe County Building Department (in.gov)
  11. Residential Building Permit Fees (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. Monroe County Health Department - Wastewater Section (in.gov)
  15. Monroe County Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. 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
  17. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Inspection Schedule (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Inspection Schedule (Perry Township), quoted and re-checked
  22. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), 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 Perry Township

Perry Township’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land in Perry Township that is within Monroe County's jurisdictional area; this is a county-administered ordinance, not evidence of a separate Perry Township ordinance.

    • The CDO applies only to the County Jurisdictional Area; incorporated-area jurisdiction within Perry Township was not resolved.
    “This document was adopted and became effective on December 18, 2024.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems serving property inside Perry Township.

    • A permit application is required for installation, repair, or replacement of an on-site system.
    “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, or replacement of an on-site sewage system inside Perry Township.

    • Soil reports are required for applications involving modifying or adding a septic field.
    • Staff review the application, payment, soil report, and other supplemental documents before deciding whether to issue the permit.

    new septic permit fee: 250 USD (Fees are subject to change.) · repair septic permit fee: 150 USD (Fees are subject to change.)

    “An application for a Septic Permit must be completed when a system needs to be installed, repaired or replaced.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    A real-estate septic inspection requested for a Perry Township property.

    • The program is upon request, requires an application, and requires payment of a $100 fee.
    • If failure is discovered, an enforcement case is opened and the owner must comply with the Health Officer Order; a transferee assumes that responsibility.

    real estate septic inspection fee: 100 USD (Inspection is upon request ahead of a real-estate transaction.)

    “Monroe County Health Department inspects On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems ahead of Real Estate Transactions upon request.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision proposals on unincorporated Perry Township land in Monroe County's planning jurisdiction.

    • Where a proposed lot will use private on-site sewage disposal, a certified soil survey must be submitted to and approved by the Monroe County Health Department.
    • If sewer access is not required and on-site systems are proposed, minimum lot sizes must conform to Chapters 804-809 or another applicable county ordinance.
    “all lots, including any existing residences, must obtain a Certified soil survey report”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit services administered by Monroe County for Perry Township construction subject to county jurisdiction.

    • The published residential schedule labels the multifamily fees as 2012.
    • The listed construction charge is subject to the stated minimum.

    new conventional construction fee: per 0.14 USD per square foot ($125.00 minimum) · modular home placement fee: per 0.14 USD per square foot ($125.00 minimum) · manufactured home placement minimum fee: 75 USD (14¢ per square foot)

    “New Construction (conventional): 14¢ per sq ft / $125.00 min.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Online Monroe County Building Department applications affecting Perry Township construction subject to county jurisdiction.

    • An OpenGov account is required to complete all applications.
    “Step 2: An Open Gov account is required to complete all applications.”

Rules another office applies inside Perry Township

Perry 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 code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Structures inside Perry Township that are within Monroe County's building-department jurisdiction, subject to any incorporated-municipality jurisdictional exception.

    • The county page states that the department enforces adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.
    “inspection and enforcement of adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Building-code enforcement inside Perry township by Monroe County.
      “The Monroe County Building Department is an office responsible for the inspection and enforcement of adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction inspected by the Monroe County Building Department inside Perry township.

    • Footing, foundation, underslab, rough-in, fireblocking, final, and other inspections may apply.
    • Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
    • The permit number must be available.
    • The orange permit card must be visible from the road.
    “FINAL INSPECTION: Required once the project is complete and before moving in or occupying. All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and all additional elements, including grading and landscaping will be inspected.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures subject to Monroe County Building Department inspection inside Perry township.

    • A successful final inspection is required first.
    • Use before receiving the certificate is a violation of law.
    • Failure to pass required inspections results in denial.

    certificate of occupancy fee: 125 USD

    “After the successful completion of the Final Inspection by the building department and other governmental agencies, a “Certificate of Occupancy” will be processed and issued. Failure to pass the required inspections will result in the Certificate of Occupancy being denied. Use of a structure before receiving this document is a violation of the law.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Unincorporated land inside Perry Township subject to Monroe County development controls.

    • The official county planning page publishes the Development Ordinance and identifies the Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinance.
    • District-specific controls were not extracted in this run.
    • Incorporated municipal areas may have separate zoning jurisdiction.
    “Monroe County Development Ordinance (effective 12-18-2024)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Published zoning districts applicable to unincorporated Perry Township under the Monroe County Development Ordinance.
      “The Monroe County Jurisdictional Area is hereby classified and divided into the following zones, also referred to as Districts:”
    • Published — County zoning districts applicable to unincorporated land inside Perry township where Monroe County has planning and zoning jurisdiction.
      “These regulations, enacted pursuant to the Indiana home rule and planning enabling legislation (Indiana Code Chapter 36-1-3, 36-7-4, 36-7-2, 36-7-3 , as amended), and pursuant to the Monroe County Code and all other applicable authorities and provisions of Indiana statutory and common law, shall apply to all land uses within the County Jurisdictional Area and to all zoning decisions made by the Monroe County Plan Commission and its committees, Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals, and Monroe County Planning Department Staff.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy and placement under the Monroe County Development Ordinance inside Perry township.

    • RV parks are separately regulated uses.
    • The ordinance defines an RV as non-permanent and addresses placement for more than 180 days.
    • Campground standards and applicable state health standards also apply.

    non-permanent RV placement threshold: > 180 days (the ordinance definition addresses placement for more than 180 days)

    “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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways or work in county rights-of-way or on county roads inside Perry Township.

    • Construction plans must be approved before work begins.
    • County construction standards and specifications must be met.
    • Failure to obtain a permit may constitute a violation and result in a possible fine.
    “Permits are required by the Monroe County Highway Department whenever working in county right of ways or on any county roads.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Work in Monroe County rights-of-way or on county roads serving property inside Perry township.
      “Permits are required by the Monroe County Highway Department whenever working in county right of ways or on any county roads. Failing to obtain a permit will constitute a violation from the Highway Department with a possible fine.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development and subdivision in Monroe County special flood hazard areas inside Perry township.

    • Floodplain subdivision proposals must meet Chapter 825 flood-protection requirements.
    • The CDO requires special-flood-hazard-area information and may require elevated streets, flood-protection-grade building sites, and water/sewer safeguards.
    • Additional FEMA and state standards may apply.
    “When a subdivision is proposed within Special Flood Hazard Area as described in Chapter 825, the Commission may approve such subdivision provided that: (1) All streets are elevated six (6) inches above the Base Flood Elevation; (2) All building sites, or portions thereof, shall meet flood protection grade per Chapter 825;”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Owner-occupied short-term rentals in Monroe County zoning districts inside Perry township.

    • The CDO table lists Short-Term Rental - Owner Occupied as permitted with standards in the applicable districts.
    • Use-specific standards and district limitations apply.
    “(I) Short-Term Rental–Owner Occupied (1) Must show proof of innkeeper’s registration with Monroe County, or proof of the renting platform collecting proper innkeepers’ taxes. (2) Limited to renting out one guestroom and must show compliance with the parking requirements in Chapter 814.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Building permit — Building construction in unincorporated portions of Perry Township.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing in unincorporated portions of Perry Township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Single-family dwellings in unincorporated Perry Township.
  • Minimum lot size — Residential and rural land-use districts inside Perry Township.
  • Setbacks — Structures inside Perry Township subject to Monroe County development standards.
10 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • 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 Perry 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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