Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Montgomery County, Indiana
60Index Score / 100 #37 of 92 in Indiana
Montgomery County, Indiana requires a building permit for a new dwelling that needs an onsite sewage system, and the septic permit must come first1. The county Building/Zoning Department issues construction, demolition and electrical permits across most of the county, except Crawfordsville and its two-mile jurisdiction2. Indiana building codes apply statewide3.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for a new dwelling that needs an onsite sewage system1
Permit office
County Building/Zoning Department for most of the county, excluding Crawfordsville and its two-mile jurisdiction2
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land; confirm the parcel district and standards with Building/Zoning2
Septic permit
Montgomery County Health Department; obtain it before the building permit41
RV or tiny home
County occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask Building/Zoning before buying or moving one onsite2
Owner-builder
No county exemption was confirmed; ask Building/Zoning before relying on one5
Private well
A local residential well-permit requirement could not be confirmed; ask the Health Department6
1580 Constitution Row, Suite G, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Montgomery County, Indiana?
Yes for a new Montgomery County dwelling that is not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer: an onsite sewage-system permit is required before the building permit will be issued7. The county Building/Zoning Department reviews and issues permits for building construction, demolition and electrical inspections across most of Montgomery County, excluding the City of Crawfordsville and its two-mile jurisdiction2. Projects inside that excluded area should start with Crawfordsville rather than the county office2. Indiana also uses statewide construction codes created by adopting and amending model codes for the state3. We could not confirm every county project that triggers a permit, so ask Building/Zoning about additions, accessory buildings and remodels before work begins2.
Who issues building permits in Montgomery County, and how do you reach them?
The Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department is the first call for construction, demolition, electrical, zoning, subdivision and flood-control questions across most of the county2. The office is at 1580 Constitution Row, Suite E, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, and its business phone is (765) 364-64902. The department also issues new addresses and reviews rezoning applications for the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals2. Its official page says the department does not cover the City of Crawfordsville or the city's two-mile jurisdiction, so verify jurisdiction from the parcel before submitting plans2. Indiana assigns one- and two-family residential structures and agricultural buildings to the applicable local government entity, while state code enforcement handles certain Class I work where no approved local building department exists8.
Does Montgomery County, Indiana have zoning?
Yes. Montgomery County's official zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated land, and the Building/Zoning Department handles land-use information plus the county's building, subdivision, flood-control and Sugar Creek ordinances2. The same office reviews rezoning and other applications for the county Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals2. The department's stated service territory covers most of Montgomery County but excludes Crawfordsville and the city's two-mile jurisdiction, so properties there need a jurisdiction check with the city2. We could not confirm a single countywide answer for minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or minimum lot size. Ask Building/Zoning for the parcel's district, permitted use, dimensional standards and whether an improvement-location approval is needed before designing a house or outbuilding.
How do septic permits work in Montgomery County?
The Montgomery County Health Department administers onsite sewage-system permitting and review for new construction, repairs, replacements and qualifying reconnections4. A dwelling without a public or municipal sanitary-sewer connection must use an onsite sewage system, and its septic permit must be issued before the building permit7. Start with the Health Department at 1580 Constitution Row, Suite G, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, phone (765) 364-6440, or [email protected]9. Site feasibility deserves attention: only about 1.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the required site work before fixing a house location or price10. Keep driveways, parked vehicles and sheds away from the infiltration area because the county warns against compaction and construction there11.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Montgomery County?
We could not confirm Montgomery County's rule for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or a tiny home used as a dwelling. Indiana's cited RV provisions govern regulated campgrounds and do not answer whether someone may live in an RV on an individually owned parcel12. Manufactured homes are recognized as dwellings in Indiana, but county and municipal authorities retain zoning and building-code jurisdiction13. Before buying land or moving a unit, give the Montgomery County Building/Zoning Department the parcel number and ask about the zoning district, allowed residential use, foundation and utility requirements, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and time limits2. Also ask the Health Department how the proposed dwelling will satisfy wastewater requirements, because a dwelling without sanitary sewer must use an onsite sewage system14.
Building a home in Montgomery County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel falls under Montgomery County or within Crawfordsville and its two-mile jurisdiction; the county office excludes that city area2.
Ask the county Building/Zoning Department for the zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and required building or location approvals2.
If public or municipal sanitary sewer is unavailable, begin with the Montgomery County Health Department and obtain the onsite sewage-system permit before seeking the building permit7.
Submit the construction-permit materials required by Building/Zoning and confirm the inspection sequence; Indiana's adopted construction codes apply23.
If access connects to an Indiana state highway, apply through INDOT's permit system15.
If the site is in a floodway, check Indiana DNR review as well as county flood-control requirements before grading or placing fill162.
What should you check before buying land in Montgomery County?
Confirm jurisdiction and zoning first: the county Building/Zoning Department covers most of Montgomery County but excludes Crawfordsville and its two-mile jurisdiction2. Test the septic path early because only about 1.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field10. Check flood mapping and proposed grading with Building/Zoning, while remembering that most development in an Indiana floodway also falls under DNR jurisdiction216. Verify road ownership because an entrance onto an INDOT-controlled highway needs state permission15. Ask the Health Department whether a residential well permit applies; Indiana notes that some local health departments require one, but Montgomery County's requirement was not confirmed6. For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,0471718.
Watch-outs
The county Building/Zoning Department does not cover Crawfordsville or its two-mile jurisdiction, so establish jurisdiction before applying2.
A Montgomery County dwelling without public or municipal sanitary sewer needs an onsite sewage-system permit before its building permit can be issued7.
Only about 1.9% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so settle septic feasibility before fixing the house site10.
Long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy and an owner-builder exemption could not be confirmed; ask the Building/Zoning Department before relying on any of them25.
Written September 27, 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.
Montgomery County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score
How Montgomery County scores
Seclusion28100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness4768% ev.
Durability80100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% ev.
Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
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Answers from the rulebook for Montgomery County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Montgomery County rules
Building permitRequired
New dwellings in Montgomery County that are not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer and therefore require an onsite sewage system.
An onsite sewage system permit must be obtained before the building permit will be issued.
The source separately states that a dwelling not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer is required to have an onsite sewage system.
The source does not establish a universal county building-permit rule for dwellings connected to public or municipal sanitary sewer or for incorporated municipalities.
“Any dwelling that is not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer is required to have an onsite sewage system as a method of waste disposal and wastewater treatment. [...] An onsite sewage system permit is required before a building permit will be issued.”
Who permits septicCounty
Onsite sewage-system permitting and review in Montgomery County, including new construction, repairs, replacements, and reconnection waivers.
The Montgomery County Health Department conducts the site assessment and determines system size and type under Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3.
A waiver from the Health Department is required to reconnect a new dwelling to an existing onsite system if the system meets current Indiana and local code requirements.
“Montgomery County Health Department [...] THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT”
Septic permitRequired
New onsite sewage systems, failing-system repairs, major-component replacements, and dwellings not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer.
A soil test and site assessment are required for the permit process.
A house site plan and floor plan must be furnished before the permit is released.
The installer must be certified and registered with the Montgomery County Health Department.
The permit must be on site during installation, and a final as-installed drawing is required.
Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.
An onsite sewage-system permit is required before a building permit will be issued.
A waiver is required to reconnect a new dwelling to an existing onsite system, subject to current Indiana and local code.
residential permit fee: 200 USD (new, replacement, or repair) · commercial permit fee: 300 USD (new, replacement, or repair) · permit validity: 1 year from date of issue · minimum well separation: >= 50 feet (commercial systems require 100 feet)
“An onsite sewage system permit is required”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Wastewater disposal for dwellings not connected to a public or municipal sanitary sewer in Montgomery County.
The dwelling must have an onsite sewage system as the method of waste disposal and wastewater treatment.
All waste produced in the house must go into the onsite sewage system.
Separately routed gray water is treated as a direct discharge and is stated to violate Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3.
The onsite system requires county permitting and approval.
“is required to have an onsite sewage system as a method of waste disposal and wastewater treatment.”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveways over or within a septic system infiltration area in Montgomery County, Indiana.
Vehicles should not be driven or parked over the infiltration area.
A shed or driveway should not be built in the infiltration area.
The restriction is stated in the Montgomery County septic-system guidance and concerns protection of the drain field.
“Avoid compaction of the soil over the infiltration area. DO NOT DRIVE OR PARK vehicles over the area and don't build a shed or driveway in this area.”
Indiana rules that apply here
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Statewide Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission's adopted building codes, including the Indiana Building Code and Indiana Residential Code.
The adopted codes consist of model codes amended for Indiana.
The 2014 Indiana Building Code under 675 IAC 13-2.6 is currently in effect and became effective December 1, 2014.
The 2020 Indiana Residential Code under 675 IAC 14-4.4 is currently in effect and became effective December 26, 2019.
Specific applicability depends on the structure and code category.
“The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana building codes applicable statewide, including construction in Montgomery County, subject to the applicable code provisions and amendments.
“The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
InspectionsLimited
Construction inspections in Indiana, including Class I structures in jurisdictions without an approved building department and construction subject to a Construction Design Release.
In jurisdictions without an approved building department, IDHS Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance.
When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, IDHS Code Enforcement conducts construction-process and final inspections.
Agricultural buildings and one- and two-family residential structures fall under the local government entity; if no local government entity exists, the county government may provide inspections, and IDHS states that if there is no local government entity the residential issue becomes a private civil matter.
“In jurisdictions where there is not an approved building department, Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance. When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, Code Enforcement will conduct inspections during the construction process and provide a final inspection. Agricultural buildings and residential structures (one- and two-family dwellings) fall under the jurisdiction of the local government entity.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwelling units in Indiana, including Montgomery County, subject to applicable local zoning and building ordinances and state health, sanitation, and safety requirements.
The Indiana Department of Health states that mobile homes and manufactured homes are suitable and necessary dwelling units in Indiana.
County and municipal authorities retain jurisdiction regarding zoning and building codes and ordinances pertaining to mobile home communities.
State health, sanitation, and safety standards apply; mobile home communities require state licensing and additional water, sewage, construction, and inspection requirements.
“This chapter recognizes mobile homes and manufactured homes as suitable and necessary dwelling units in Indiana. [...] County and municipal authorities within their respective jurisdictions have jurisdiction regarding zoning and building codes and ordinances pertaining to mobile home communities.”
Well permitLimited
High-capacity water wells under Indiana state rules.
Generally no state-agency permit is required for a high-capacity water well unless it is located within the Great Lakes Basin of Indiana.
A significant water withdrawal facility capable of supplying at least 100,000 gallons per day must be registered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources within three months after completion.
This claim does not establish whether Montgomery County requires a local residential well permit.
significant water withdrawal threshold: >= 100000 gallons per day (registration may be required) · SWWF registration deadline: 3 months after completion
“Generally, no permit is required for a high-capacity water well (unless located within the Great Lakes Basin of Indiana)”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Construction of residential water-supply wells and installation of well pumps in Indiana.
“Several local health departments now require that a permit be obtained before construction of a residential water supply well or installation of a well pump.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Buildings used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where they are located and not used for retail trade, for purposes of Indiana state Class 1 construction-design-release requirements.
The building must be used only for an agricultural purpose.
The building must be located on the land where the agricultural purpose occurs.
The building must not be used for retail trade.
This is an exemption from Class 1/state design-release classification; it does not establish exemption from every local inspection, zoning, building, fire, or other applicable requirement.
Indiana's official Code Enforcement FAQ states that local units of government inspect agricultural buildings if they have an ordinance requiring inspection.
state design-release classification: not Class 1 (Does not resolve local inspection or zoning requirements)
“Buildings used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where they are located and not used for retail trade are not Class 1 structures.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of lots or lands outside the corporate boundaries of a municipality in Indiana.
A correct plat must be recorded with the county recorder before selling lots.
The plat must show public places, public ways, and the length, width, and size of each lot.
A registered land surveyor must certify the correctness of the plat.
The subdivision plat must be submitted for approval by the board of county commissioners.
The county recorder may record the plat only if a certificate showing approval of the county commissioners is attached.
Once a subdivision-control ordinance is adopted and filed, the plan commission has exclusive control over approval of plats and replats covered by that ordinance.
The cited state summary distinguishes subdivisions outside municipalities; incorporated municipalities may have separate statutory or local procedures.
“Subdivisions Outside Cities and Towns: A person who lays out a subdivision of lots or lands outside the corporate boundaries of any municipality shall record a correct plat of the subdivision in the office of the recorder of the county before selling any lots in the subdivision. The plat must show public places, public ways, and the length, width, and size of each lot.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development activities within the fringe portion of Indiana floodplains.
There is no state review or state permit for fringe development.
When a community adopts floodplain regulations, the regulations must be approved by the Department and may not be less restrictive than 312 IAC 10.
Most Indiana communities participate in the NFIP, which requires certain federal regulations to be adopted and enforced for the entire floodplain.
Local permits may still be required.
“There is no State review of or permit issued for development activities within the fringe portion of the floodplain.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Most development activities in Indiana floodways, including fills, excavations, bridges, utilities, and non-residential structures.
“The DNR Division of Water has jurisdiction in Indiana's floodways for most development activities.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Published fees for specified Indiana DNR Division of Water and INDOT permits statewide.
Fees apply to the specified permit types and do not establish a single fee for every Indiana permit.
DNR lists fees by statute and permit application type; INDOT fees vary by driveway or road-approach subtype.
DNR Flood Control Act excavation, fill, or non-residential construction in a floodway application fee: 200 USD · DNR Flood Control Act residential reconstruction in a floodway other than the Ohio River floodway application fee: 50 USD · DNR Flood Control Act residential construction or reconstruction in the Ohio River floodway application fee: 10 USD · INDOT private driveway, private field access, temporary driveway, or driveway removal fee: 55 USD · INDOT minor or sub-minor commercial driveway or minor public road approach fee: 150 USD · INDOT major commercial driveway or major public road approach fee: 600 USD
“IC 14-28-1 | Flood Control Act - Excavation, fill, or non-residential construction in a floodway | $200”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Indiana state construction design-release review for Class 1 structures; local permits may also be required.
The process applies to projects required to file with IDHS for a construction design release.
All work, including work exempted from state filing, may require local permits.
If additional documents are uploaded before the initial response, the 10-business-day period restarts.
A selected plan review may result in corrections before release.
initial completeness or review determination: 10 business days (The period restarts if additional documents are uploaded before the response.) · selected-plan review response: 20 business days (Measured from delivery of the notice of plan review.) · response after corrected plans: 10 business days (Applies following receipt of corrections and continues until release.)
“If your project is selected for a review, you will either receive a release or request for corrections to your plans within 20 business days”
Campground & park staysLimited
Recreational vehicle occupancy at a regulated Indiana campground campsite, rather than residential occupancy on an individually deeded lot or other land outside the rule's campground definition.
A campground is an area where campsites are leased or rented and provisions are made for ten or more tents, recreational vehicles, park models, or vacation mobile homes.
The campground must be established, operated, and maintained for recreational, health, education, sectarian, business, or tourist activities away from established residences.
The rule excludes primitive campgrounds, youth camps, and tracts of land divided into individually deeded lots.
No more than one recreational vehicle or one vacation mobile home may be allowed on a designated campsite at the same time.
Campground construction, additions, or significant construction changes require plans submitted at least ninety days before construction for department review and approval; the plans must be certified by a registered engineer or architect licensed in Indiana.
The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization for long-term residential RV occupancy outside regulated campgrounds.
minimum campground provisions: >= 10 tents, recreational vehicles, park models, or vacation mobile homes · maximum recreational vehicles per designated campsite: 1 vehicle (one vacation mobile home may be used instead) · advance plan-submission period: >= 90 days (the department may waive plan review for a minor alteration)
“No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or one (1) vacation mobile home”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Temporary campgrounds operated in Indiana.
“not more than ten (10) consecutive days per event”
Inside cities and towns in Montgomery County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Residential new construction, additions, remodels, pools, sheds, porches, decks, and fences in the City of Crawfordsville.
A permit application, construction plans, site plan, and subcontractor listing are required.
If the residence uses septic, a Montgomery County Health Department septic permit must be obtained before the city building permit may be issued.
The claim is limited to the City of Crawfordsville and does not establish the rule for unincorporated Montgomery County.
“To obtain a building permit in the City of Crawfordsville for residential new construction, addition, remodel, pool, shed, porch, deck, and/or fence the following must be completed:”
InspectionsRequired
Permitted residential projects in the City of Crawfordsville.
Inspections are scheduled by the owner or applicant directly with the City Building Inspector.
The source specifically addresses city permitting and does not establish inspection requirements for unincorporated Montgomery County.
“Inspections will be scheduled by the owner or applicant directly with the City Building Inspector. Once the final inspection has been completed, the Department of Planning will issue a certificate of occupancy.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Occupancy or use of permitted projects in the City of Crawfordsville.
A final inspection must be completed before the certificate is issued.
Occupancy or use is prohibited until the certificate of occupancy has been issued.
The source is city-specific and does not establish a countywide certificate-of-occupancy rule.
“Once the final inspection has been completed, the Department of Planning will issue a certificate of occupancy. A copy will be mailed to the owner and the applicant of each permit. Occupancy and/or use of the project is prohibited until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building-permit or contractor requirements in Montgomery County, Indiana.
Local zoning — The aggregate pattern of zoning rules across Montgomery County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Zoning districts in the unincorporated area of Montgomery County, Indiana.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Montgomery County, Indiana.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Montgomery County, Indiana.
9 more unanswered
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Mandatory utility hookup
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.
Living off-grid in Montgomery County, Indiana
Is Montgomery County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Montgomery County scores 60/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 47,817 people within a 30-minute drive.
Do you need a building permit in Montgomery County, Indiana?
Montgomery County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Montgomery County Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Montgomery County, Indiana?
Land in Montgomery County runs about $8,819 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County gets about 42.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.
How remote is Montgomery County?
A representative private-land location has about 47,817 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,323,418 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Montgomery County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
