Bolthole Index

Monroe County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Salt Creek Township, Indiana

Salt Creek Township, in Monroe County, requires building permits for covered residential construction, with county Planning handling the Improvement Location Permit step before the county Building Department application.12 Monroe County zoning applies to unincorporated township land, while the Monroe County Health Department handles septic permits.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction1
Zoning
Monroe County zoning applies on unincorporated township land3
Septic permit
Monroe County Health Department handles onsite sewage systems45
RV living
County rules treat an RV as non-permanent and limit non-storage placement6
Accessory dwelling
Allowed with district standards; an RV cannot be a detached accessory dwelling78
Owner-builder
No explicit exemption confirmed; ask the Building Department9
County-road driveway
County Highway Department approval is required10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Monroe County Planning Department

Zoning, subdivision review and Improvement Location Permits in Monroe County's jurisdiction within Salt Creek 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 Salt Creek 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 Salt Creek Township, Indiana?

Yes, for covered residential construction and other covered residential projects. Monroe County requires the Improvement Location Permit process to be completed before the Building Department application for applicable residential structures.12 The Building Department enforces adopted Indiana building codes throughout Monroe County.11

County-regulated residential work is inspected during construction, and the final inspection must be completed before moving in or occupying the structure.12 The county's published certificate-of-occupancy fee is $125, but the fee schedule alone does not establish that every project needs that certificate.13 Ask the Building Department which approvals and inspections apply to the exact scope of work.11

Who handles building permits and zoning in Salt Creek Township?

Monroe County divides 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.1411

For applicable residential work, complete Planning's pre-design and Improvement Location Permit process before applying to Building.2 Both offices provide access to the county's online OpenGov portal.1411 Salt Creek Township land within Monroe County's planning jurisdiction follows the county development ordinance; if another government has zoning jurisdiction over a parcel, that government's land-use rules apply instead unless an interlocal agreement says otherwise.15 Confirm jurisdiction and the mapped district with Planning before designing the site.14

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

Monroe County zoning applies to unincorporated Salt Creek Township, but the parcel's mapped district controls the detailed use and dimensional standards.316 In the RNH district, residential side and rear setbacks are 5 feet and 10 feet, while road, lake, riparian, plat and environmental setbacks can also apply.17

Under the county rule, an RV used as a non-permanent dwelling cannot be permanently connected to utilities and should not remain on a property for more than 180 days except for storage.6 An RV cannot serve as a detached accessory dwelling unit.8 Accessory dwellings are otherwise allowed with district-specific lot, size, occupancy, wastewater and permit standards.7 We could not confirm a general tiny-home rule or minimum dwelling size, so ask Planning how a proposed small home would be classified on the parcel.14

How do septic permits work inside Salt Creek Township?

The Monroe County Health Department administers septic permits in Salt Creek Township.4 A permit is required before installing, altering, repairing or adding to a private sewage disposal system or privy.18 A soil report is required when the application modifies or adds a septic field.19

Published fees are $250 for a new septic permit and $150 for a repair permit, although the county says fees can change.20 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.21 The applicant or installer must notify the Health Department 48 hours before the work is ready for final inspection, and underground portions generally must remain uncovered until inspection.22

Building a home in Salt Creek Township: what are the steps?

Use the county approval sequence to reduce redesign and delay:

  1. Ask Planning to confirm jurisdiction, the mapped zoning district, setbacks, floodplain status and the required site approvals.14
  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.5
  4. Obtain Highway Department approval for a driveway onto a county road, or satisfy the agency controlling another public road.10
  5. Apply to the Building Department and complete the required construction inspections.1112
  6. Complete the final inspection before moving in or occupying the home.12

What should you check before buying land in Salt Creek Township?

Start with jurisdiction and the current zoning map because use, setbacks, height and lot coverage depend on the parcel's district.1516 Check legal access too: work in a county road or right-of-way requires a Monroe County Highway Department permit, while another road authority controls access on its roads.10

Check the proposed building area for flood hazards because development in a special flood-hazard area requires a Floodplain Development Permit before work begins.23 Arrange early soil evaluation for onsite sewage because only 22% of Monroe County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.21 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 before relying on either assumption.249

Watch-outs

  • For applicable residential work, complete the Improvement Location Permit process before applying to the Monroe County Building Department.2
  • An RV cannot serve as a detached accessory dwelling, and county rules limit non-storage placement to 180 days.86
  • A Floodplain Development Permit is required before development begins in a special flood-hazard area.23
  • For a minor subdivision using onsite sewage, each lot needs a certified soil survey and Health Department approval.25

Sources

  1. Monroe County: Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  2. Monroe County Planning Department (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. in.gov (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Monroe County: Permitting (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Monroe County Building Department (in.gov)
  12. Monroe County Building Department Inspection Schedule (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Monroe County: Residential Building Permit Fees (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. Monroe County Planning Department (in.gov)
  15. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. Monroe County Code Chapter 365: On-site Sewage Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Monroe County: Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Monroe County Code Chapter 365: On-site Sewage Systems (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  23. Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek Township), quoted and re-checked
  24. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Adopted Monroe County Development Ordinance (Salt Creek 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 Salt Creek Township

Rules another office applies inside Salt Creek Township

Salt Creek 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)

    One- and two-family residential construction inside Salt Creek Township, subject to local administration and applicable classifications.

    • The 2020 Indiana Residential Code is currently in effect.
    • The cited code incorporates the 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.
    “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code | 2018 International Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Construction inside Salt Creek Township subject to Monroe County building-code enforcement.
      “responsible for the inspection and enforcement of adopted Indiana Building Codes throughout Monroe County.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County-regulated residential construction inside unincorporated Salt Creek Township.

    • Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
    • The permit number must be available; the owner, contractor, or representative must attend; the orange permit card must be visible.
    • Required inspections include footing, foundation, underslab, rough-in, fireblocking, final, and other inspections as required.

    advance notice: >= 24 hours

    “FINAL INSPECTION: Required once the project is complete and before moving in or occupying.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures constructed under the Monroe County building inspection process inside unincorporated Salt Creek Township.

    • The certificate is processed after successful final inspection by the building department and other governmental agencies.
    • Failure to pass required inspections results in denial.
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County building-permit projects inside Salt Creek Township for which a certificate of occupancy is required.
      “Permit Renewal: 50% of original fee Extension of unexpired permit: $50.00 per inspection Certificate of Occupancy: $125.00”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County zoning under the Monroe County Development Ordinance applies to unincorporated land inside Salt Creek Township.

    • This is Monroe County regulation, not a Salt Creek Township-adopted ordinance.
    • The ordinance applies unless otherwise noted and excludes Monroe County Highway Department road development projects.
    “This County Development Ordinance, unless otherwise noted, shall apply to all public, private, and institutional development, except for road development projects by the Monroe County Highway Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — The Monroe County jurisdictional portion of land inside Salt Creek Township.
      “this Ordinance would apply to the portion within the County jurisdiction, while the zoning and subdivision laws of the other jurisdiction would apply to the development of the property outside of the County jurisdiction, unless otherwise addressed through an interlocal agreement.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Published Monroe County zoning districts potentially applicable to unincorporated Salt Creek Township parcels.

    • Parcel-specific applicability requires the official zoning map; the CDO district tables identify AGR, FOR, CVR, RNH, RES, LD, CD, HD, IP, LB, GB, LI, HI, ME, and AP districts.
    • The current research did not establish which specific district covers each Salt Creek Township parcel.
    “TOC ZONING DISTRICTS USE TABLE LANDSCAPING SIGNS ECO PERMITS DEFINITIONS”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential development in the RNH zoning district within the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.

    • Front setbacks vary by road classification: 20 feet local, 35 feet collector, 50 feet minor arterial, 75 feet major arterial, and 200 feet interstate/freeway.
    • Lake Monroe setback is 50 feet from normal pool elevation; Lake Lemon setback is 50 feet from the centerline on either side.
    • Riparian setback is 20 feet.
    • Residential side setback is 5 feet and rear setback is 10 feet.
    • More restrictive platted or ECO setbacks may apply.
    “Front Yard – Local 20 feet Front Yard – Minor/Major Collector 35 feet Front Yard – Minor Arterial 50 feet Front Yard – Major Arterial 75 feet”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    RES Residential Zoning District inside unincorporated Salt Creek Township.

    • The maximum impervious-cover rule is subject to the CDO critical-watershed and other footnoted provisions.

    maximum impervious cover: 50% of lot size or 7000 sq ft, whichever is less (critical-watershed and CDO footnotes apply)

    “Maximum Impervious Cover 50% of Lot Size or 7,000 sq ft, whichever is less2”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential development in the RNH zoning district within the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.
      “Maximum Impervious Cover 50% of Lot Size or 7,000 sq ft, whichever is less”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential development in the RNH zoning district within the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.

    • Maximum primary-structure height is 40 feet.
    • Maximum accessory-structure height is 30 feet.
    “Maximum Height (Primary Structure) 40 feet Maximum Height (Accessory Structure) 30 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    RV use as a non-permanent dwelling inside Salt Creek Township under the county CDO.

    • The RV must not be permanently connected to utilities and should not be placed on property, other than for storage purposes, for more than 180 days.

    maximum placement period: <= 180 days (other than for storage purposes)

    “should not be placed on a property, other than for storage purposes, for more than 180 days.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Use of a recreational vehicle as a detached accessory dwelling unit in the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.
      “A Recreational Vehicle (RV) is not permitted as a DADU.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Use of manufactured homes as detached accessory dwelling units inside the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.

    • A manufactured home may not be used as an ADU if constructed before January 1, 1981.
    “A manufactured home may not be used as an accessory dwelling unit if it was constructed prior to January 1, 1981.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    ADUs and DADUs in county zoning districts inside Salt Creek Township.

    • The primary dwelling or ADU/DADU must be owner-occupied; FOR, AGR, and CVR require a 5-acre lot and limit the ADU/DADU to 1,000 square feet; RES requires 0.5 acres with sewer or 1.25 acres with septic and limits the ADU/DADU to 800 square feet; one ADU per lot; an ILP is required; an RV cannot be a DADU; approved wastewater connection and shared driveway requirements apply.

    FOR/AGR/CVR minimum lot size: >= 5 acres · FOR/AGR/CVR ADU size: <= 1000 sq ft (livable residential space) · RES minimum lot size with sewer: >= 0.5 acres · RES minimum lot size with septic: >= 1.25 acres · RES ADU size: <= 800 sq ft

    “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) are permitted with standards.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site sewage disposal inside Salt Creek Township is administered by the Monroe County Health Department's wastewater program.

    • The cited official pages identify Monroe County wastewater staff and Monroe County septic permits; no township septic administrator was identified.
    “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems serving land inside Salt Creek Township under Monroe County Health Department jurisdiction.
      “No person shall install or cause to be installed a private sewage disposal system or privy or alter, repair, or add to an existing private sewage disposal system without first obtaining a permit from the Health Department.”
    • County — On-site sewage disposal inside Salt Creek Township is administered by the Monroe County Health Department.
      “Types of Septic Permits Issued by Monroe County Health Department:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, alteration, repair, or addition of a private sewage disposal system or privy serving Salt Creek Township land.

    • Application must be on the Health Department's form with plans, specifications, and other information it deems necessary.
    • Permit and inspection fee is due when the application is filed.
    “No person shall install or cause to be installed a private sewage disposal system or privy or alter, repair, or add to an existing private sewage disposal system without first obtaining a permit from the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New, repaired, replaced, renewed, or modified septic systems inside Salt Creek Township.
      “Repair Permit - required for repair or replacement of existing septic systems”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage-system installations and work serving Salt Creek Township land.

    • Applicant or installer must notify the Health Department 48 hours before work is ready for final inspection.
    • Inspection must occur before underground portions are covered unless the Health Department makes a written extenuating-circumstances determination.
    • Covered work without written authorization must be uncovered for final inspection before approval.

    final-inspection notice: >= 48 hours

    “The applicant for the permit and/or installer shall notify the Health Department forty-eight (48)hours prior to the work being ready for final inspection. The inspection and determination shall be made within two (2) working days of the receipt of notice by the Health Department and shall be completed before any underground portions of a system are covered, except in the case of extenuating circumstances as determined by the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Certain Monroe County planning applications involving existing residential dwellings and septic records.
      “the applicant shall provide the Planning Department with a Septic System Construction Inspection Report from the Health Department that matches the current bedroom count of the existing residential dwelling.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    A dwelling inside Salt Creek Township that cannot connect to sanitary sewer and lacks municipal or well water.

    • A privy must be approved by the Monroe County Health Department as meeting Indiana State Department of Health Bulletin SE 11, 1986 Edition, or a port-a-pot must be routinely serviced by a state-approved septic hauler.
    • An easement agreement approved by the Monroe County Health Department is required for any such privy or port-a-pot maintained for a habitable residence.
    “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 (a list of such approved haulers shall be provided by the County Health Department).”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    A Salt Creek Township property producing sewage that has a failed or hazardous private sewage-disposal system.

    • Connection is required only if public sewer is within 300 feet of the affected property's line.
    • The Health Board may waive connection where impractical and adequate repairs and safeguards can be demonstrated.
    • If hookup is required, the failed repositories must be abandoned and filled and connection made within 90 days after Health Department notice.

    public-sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Only for a failed or health-hazardous private sewage-disposal system.) · connection deadline after notice: <= 90 days (When sewer hookup is required.)

    “Any property producing sewage or similar waste that is served by a private sewage disposal system that has failed or constitutes a health hazard must be connected to a public sewer if the public sewer is located within three hundred feet (300') of the property line of the affected property.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Structures inside Salt Creek Township that connect to public water or sewage disposal systems, and ADU/DADU projects.
      “Connecting a structure to a public water or sewage disposal system;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision proposals on Salt Creek Township land subject to Monroe County Development Ordinance administration.

    • For minor subdivisions with private on-site sewage disposal, all lots including existing residences need a certified soil survey and Health Department approval.
    • If the soil approval is not obtained, the secondary platted lot is marked no residential dwelling permitted for agricultural or conservation division purposes only.
    “In the case of a Minor Subdivision proposal including provisions for private on-site sewage disposal system (e.g. septic systems), all lots, including any existing residences, must obtain a Certified soil survey report showing proof that a septic system could locate within the boundary of the proposed lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land inside Salt Creek Township under the Monroe County Development Ordinance.
      “The Minor Subdivision option allows owners to create four lots or less”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways accessing county roads inside Salt Creek Township.

    • Driveways from non-county-maintained public roads must comply with the relevant jurisdiction instead; county-road driveway locations require approval under a Driveway permit.
    “Permits are required by the Monroe County Highway Department whenever working in county right of ways or on any county roads.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in mapped flood-hazard areas inside the Monroe County jurisdictional portion of Salt Creek Township.

    • The Monroe County Development Ordinance contains Chapter 825 Flood Damage Prevention.
    • Floodway development that would increase flood levels requires a Conditional Letter of Map Revision and must meet the cited requirements; development affecting a structure with an increase should not be permitted.
    • New construction and substantial improvements must use materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage below the Flood Protection Grade and incorporate methods minimizing flood damage.
    • Subdivision and other new development must minimize flood damage and locate utilities to minimize flood damage.
    “In floodway areas identified on the FIRM, development shall cause no increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge without first obtaining a Conditional Letter of Map Revision and meeting requirements of 825-4(E)(1).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development inside an identified special flood-hazard area on Salt Creek Township land subject to Monroe County Development Ordinance administration.
      “A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard.”
    • Required — Development activities inside identified special flood hazard areas in Salt Creek Township.
      “A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Owner-occupied short-term rentals in applicable Monroe County zoning districts within Salt Creek Township.

    • The CDO lists Short-Term Rental - Owner Occupied as a use in the cited zoning district table.
    • District-specific use tables and additional use-specific standards apply.
    • The reviewed source does not establish that non-owner-occupied short-term rentals are allowed.
    “Personal Service Uses • Bed and Breakfast* • Real Estate Sales/Model Home Office • Religious facilities • Short-Term Rental - Owner Occupied* • Tourist Home or Cabin*”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Published Monroe County residential building-permit fees for work inside unincorporated Salt Creek Township.

    • The fee page lists fees by work type; fees may change outside the retrieved page version.

    certificate of occupancy: 125 USD · re-inspection: 50 USD · permit renewal: 50% of original fee · sewer connection or alteration: 50 USD

    “Sewer Connection / alteration: $50.00 Re - inspection: $50.00 Permit Renewal: 50% of original fee Extension of unexpired permit: $50.00 per inspection Certificate of Occupancy: $125.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Monroe County septic permits serving Salt Creek Township land.
      “New Septic Permit | $250 Repair Septic Permit | $150 Renewal Septic Permit | $100 Commercial Septic Permit (New or Repair) | $400 *Fees are subject to change”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Monroe County septic-permit applications for systems serving Salt Creek Township land.

    • Apply through OpenGov.
    • A soil report is required when the application involves modifying or adding a septic field.
    • Staff decides whether to issue after receiving application, payment, soil report, and/or supplemental documents.
    “Apply online, by creating an account or logging into an existing account, through our electronic permitting software OpenGov.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential planning and building-permit process inside Salt Creek Township.
      “Your FIRST STEP for any ILP is the Residential Construction Planning Pre-Design”

Still unanswered

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

  • Building permit — Residential construction inside Salt Creek Township.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residences inside Salt Creek Township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings inside Salt Creek Township.
  • Minimum lot size — Lots inside Salt Creek Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Salt Creek Township.
3 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Well permit
  • 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 Salt Creek 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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