Bolthole Index

Switzerland County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Switzerland County, Indiana

70Index Score / 100
#15 of 92 in Indiana

Switzerland County, Indiana requires building permits and administers adopted building regulations through its Building Inspector1. The county also has zoning, with lot, yard and dwelling-size standards that depend on the parcel's district and proposed use234. Septic questions and permits go to the Switzerland County Health Department56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; administered by the county Building Inspector1
Zoning
Yes; allowed uses and dimensional standards depend on the district27
Septic
Handled by the Switzerland County Health Department56
Inspections
Footing, rough-in and final inspections are required for covered work8
RV living
A private-parcel occupancy rule was not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning29
Tiny homes
No special rule confirmed; district-specific dwelling standards still matter102
Owner-builder
No exemption confirmed; ask the Building Inspector before applying119
Agricultural buildings
A conditional zoning exemption applies to qualifying agricultural structures12

Who to call

Building permits

Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning

Building inspection, planning and zoning questions for Switzerland County

812.427.4445

[email protected]

Switzerland County Court House, 212 West Main Street, Vevay, IN

Septic permits

Switzerland County Health Department

Residential and commercial onsite sewage permits, fees, inspections and ordinance enforcement in Switzerland County

812-427-3220

1190 West Main St., Ste 300, Vevay, IN 47043

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 Switzerland County, Indiana?

Yes. Switzerland County requires a building permit and administers its adopted building regulations through the county Building Inspector1. The county ordinance incorporates Indiana building, dwelling, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, swimming-pool and flood-insurance regulations by reference13. Indiana also adopts model construction codes with state amendments, so the local permit process and the applicable state code work together14. Covered work proceeds through footing, rough-in and final inspections; the rough-in stage includes framing, plumbing, heating and electrical work8. After a compliant final inspection, the ordinance requires a certificate of occupancy15. A qualifying farm barn, farm outbuilding or other structure used for agriculture as a primary means of livelihood receives a conditional zoning exemption, but farmhouses and farm dwellings are excluded from that exemption12.

Who issues Switzerland County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Start with the Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning office for building-permit and parcel-zoning questions. The office lists 812.427.4445, [email protected] and morning public hours on weekdays9. Its page is part of the official Indiana county site and links the local comprehensive plan, zoning code and building-code ordinance9. Give the office the parcel number, proposed use, structure type and a basic site plan so staff can identify the relevant district and application path. The published permit process calls for plans, specifications and parcel information, with a state Release for Construction first when state review applies16. No owner-builder exemption was confirmed, so ask the Building Inspector who may apply for and manage inspections on a self-built home119.

Does Switzerland County have zoning?

Yes. Switzerland County maintains an area zoning code and comprehensive plan administered through Planning and Zoning2. The zoning code uses district-specific use rules, and some proposals require approval as special exceptions from the Board of Zoning Appeals7. Lot area, dwelling ground-floor area, lot coverage, building height and front, side and rear yards depend on the use and zoning district31017184. That means a listing described as rural or unrestricted does not answer whether a particular house, tiny home, accessory structure or business use fits the parcel. Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the district and the applicable dimensional table before choosing a building footprint or relying on a seller's description9.

How do septic permits work in Switzerland County?

The Switzerland County Health Department is the local septic contact, at 1190 West Main St., Ste 300, Vevay, IN 47043, phone 812-427-32206. Indiana's statewide onsite-sewage rule is administered by local boards of health, and local health-department permit programs remain subject to Indiana Department of Health review19. A dwelling outside sewer service must use a compliant onsite sewage system with a septic tank and soil absorption system; drywells and cesspools are not allowed as onsite treatment20. Septic feasibility deserves early attention because only about 2.1% of mapped county soils avoid a severe-limitation rating for a conventional drain field21. Contact Environmental Health before fixing the house location because the soil evaluation and system layout can determine where the home, driveway and reserve area can fit56.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Switzerland County?

A Switzerland County rule specifically authorizing residential RV occupancy on a private parcel was not confirmed. Indiana's campground rule governs qualifying campgrounds and does not create general permission to live in an RV on individually deeded land22. Ask Planning and Zoning how the parcel's district treats an RV used during construction or as a residence before moving one onsite29. A special tiny-home occupancy rule also was not confirmed. Switzerland County does regulate dwelling ground-floor area by use and district, so a small dwelling must satisfy the standards for its parcel rather than a single countywide number10. Any new dwelling also remains subject to the county building-permit process and compliant sanitation120.

Building a home in Switzerland County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Switzerland County Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed residential use, setbacks, lot requirements and dwelling-size standard24310.
  1. Contact the Switzerland County Health Department early to establish septic feasibility and the local permit path56.
  1. If access connects to an Indiana state highway, apply through the INDOT Electronic Permit System; another road authority controls access on roads outside the state system23.
  1. Submit the building application with plans, specifications and parcel information, plus a state Release for Construction when applicable16.
  1. Schedule footing, rough-in and final inspections before concealing covered work8.
  1. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before treating the project as ready for occupancy15.

What should you check before buying land in Switzerland County?

Confirm zoning and buildability first because Switzerland County applies district-specific standards for use, lot area, yards, dwelling size, lot coverage and height734101718. Make an acceptable septic site a purchase contingency: only about 2.1% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and about 52% of county land is at a slope of 15% or less2124. Check mapped flood hazards before placing improvements because local building review covers new construction and substantial improvements in special-flood-hazard areas, while Indiana DNR controls most development activities in floodways2526. Confirm the authority for a proposed driveway, since state-highway access needs government permission through INDOT23. For carrying costs, the median property-tax bill is about $755 per year and the effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%2728.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume a farm dwelling receives the agricultural-structure exemption; Switzerland County's stated exemption excludes farmhouses and farm dwellings12.
  • Only about 2.1% of mapped county soils avoid a severe-limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field, so resolve septic feasibility before fixing the house site21.
  • No private-parcel RV occupancy rule, special tiny-home rule or owner-builder exemption was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning about the exact proposal2119.

Sources

  1. Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  3. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 3, quoted and re-checked
  4. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 1, quoted and re-checked
  5. Switzerland County Health Department - Septic (2026 county census)
  6. Switzerland County Health Department (in.gov)
  7. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 1, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Code Ordinance, Switzerland County, Indiana, Ordinance No. 6-5-95B, quoted and re-checked
  9. Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning (in.gov)
  10. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 3, quoted and re-checked
  11. (2026 county census)
  12. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 3, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Code Ordinance, Switzerland County, Indiana, Ordinance No. 6-5-95B, quoted and re-checked
  14. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Code Ordinance, Switzerland County, Indiana, Ordinance No. 6-5-95B, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Code Ordinance, Switzerland County, Indiana, Ordinance No. 6-5-95B, quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 3, quoted and re-checked
  18. Chapter 153: Area Zoning Code, Part 3, quoted and re-checked
  19. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  22. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Building Code Ordinance, Switzerland County, Indiana, Ordinance No. 6-5-95B, quoted and re-checked
  26. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

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.

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County locator

Switzerland County in Indiana

70
County map
Switzerland County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Switzerland County scores

Seclusion50100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$264kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$7,606Land / acre
47.8"Annual rain
2.7% of yrsSevere drought
6.2 / yr (+5.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,371Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.75%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
23,443People within 30 min
5,571,936People within 2 hr
35,777Radius comparison (15 mi)
45.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
52%Land at 15% slope or less
2.1%Septic soil without severe limits
2,920 acWorkable land screen
55.3%Wooded land
46.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Switzerland County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Switzerland County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, repair, location, and use of buildings and structures in Switzerland County.

    • The ordinance incorporates Indiana building, dwelling, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, swimming-pool, and flood-insurance regulations by reference, including later amendments with their stated effective dates.
    “The following Building rules, regulations, and codes of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as set out in the following Articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code are hereby incorporated by reference in this ordinance”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and structures within the building-code scope after a permit is issued.

    • Required inspections are footing, rough-in including framing/plumbing/heating/electrical, and final.
    • Additional state-requested inspections may apply.
    • The permit holder must provide advance notice; no foundation concrete or covered electrical, mechanical, plumbing, insulation, or structural framing is allowed without prior inspection.
    • Reinspection fees apply when work is incomplete or not ready.

    inspection stages: footing; rough-in; final (Additional inspections may be requested by the Indiana State Building Commissioner.)

    “The Building Commissioner will make the following inspections for buildings and structures included within the scope of this code together with additional inspections which may be requested by the Indiana State Building Commissioner: (1) footing, (2) rough-in, including framing, plumbing, heating, and electrical, and (3) final.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any building or structure erected, altered, or repaired in compliance with the building code.

    • The certificate is issued within three working days after completion of final inspection.
    • The building or structure must comply with the code.

    issuance period: 3 working days (Measured after completion of final inspection.)

    “A certificate of occupancy shall be issued within three (3) working days after completion of final inspection for any building or structure erected, altered or repaired provided such building or structure was erected, altered or repaired in compliance with the provisions of this code.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and district-specific uses in the Area Zoning Code.

    • The code publishes district-specific use tables and dimensional cross-references.
    • The opened materials did not include a parcel-specific zoning-map determination.
    “The following uses shall require approval as special exceptions. They shall be subject to the specific conditions imposed and approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwellings in applicable zoning districts.

    • Ground-floor-area requirements are established by use and district in Figure 1.
    • The opened source did not provide the numeric Figure 1 values.
    “No building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered in any manner which will encroach upon, or reduce in any manner, the yards, lot area per family, ground floor area of dwellings, or lot coverage provisions established and specified for the use and the district in which such building is located.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in applicable zoning districts.

    • Lot-area requirements are established by use and district in Figure 1.
    • The opened source did not provide all numeric Figure 1 values.
    “No building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered in any manner which will encroach upon, or reduce in any manner, the yards, lot area per family, ground floor area of dwellings, or lot coverage provisions established and specified for the use and the district in which such building is located.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Yards and setbacks in applicable zoning districts.

    • Yard requirements are established by use and district; additional setback requirements are cross-referenced to Section 153.29.
    • The opened source did not provide all numeric values.
    “Lot area, ground floor area, height, lot width, lot coverage, and front, side, and rear yard requirements are set forth in Figure 1.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot coverage in applicable zoning districts.

    • Lot coverage provisions are established by use and district.
    • The opened source did not provide all numeric values.
    “No building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered in any manner which will encroach upon, or reduce in any manner, the yards, lot area per family, ground floor area of dwellings, or lot coverage provisions established and specified for the use and the district in which such building is located.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height in applicable zoning districts.

    • Buildings may not exceed height limits established for the use and district.
    • Additional height requirements are cross-referenced to Section 153.35 and Figure 1.
    “No building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered to exceed in height the limits established and specified for the use and the district in which such building is located. (See Sec. 153.35.)”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other agricultural buildings or structures used as a primary means of livelihood.

    • Farm houses and farm dwellings are excluded from the exemption and are contingent uses.
    • Grain elevators, produce stands, livestock sales barns, restricted commercial farm enterprises, and similar listed uses are special exceptions.
    • Land application operations are not permitted, subject to the stated pre-existing-operation and IDEM exception.
    “land, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings, structures or erections which are adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes as a primary means of livelihood, while so used, shall not be affected by restrictions or regulations of this Code.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction, substantial improvements, and major repairs in special-flood-hazard areas.

    • Major repairs must use flood-resistant materials and equipment and minimize flood damage.
    • New construction and substantial improvements, including prefabricated and mobile homes, must be protected and anchored against flotation, collapse, lateral movement, and flood damage.
    • Sites must be reasonably safe from flooding.
    • State Building Commissioner approval may be required.
    “Review building permit applications for new construction or substantial improvements within the flood plain area having special flood hazards to assure that the proposed construction (including prefabricated and mobile homes), (1) is protected against flood damage, (2) is designed (or modified) and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure, flood damage, and (3) used construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit application, plan review, issuance, inspection, and occupancy process.

    • Applications require plans, specifications, and parcel information.
    • A state Release for Construction is required before local permits where applicable.
    • County review is completed within three working days after filing, or after receipt of the state release where state approval is required.
    • The permit becomes void if work is not underway within six months or completed within three years.

    county application review period: 3 working days (Where state approval is required, measured after receipt of the state Release for Construction.) · permit commencement deadline: 6 months (Permit becomes void unless work is underway.) · permit completion deadline: 3 years (Permit becomes void if work is not completed.)

    “The above services shall be completed within three (3) working days after the date of filing of the application except in cases where approval of the State Building Commissioner is required, in which case the review of the application shall be completed within three (3) working days after receipt of copy of release for construction from the State Building Commissioner.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The county maintains an area zoning code and comprehensive plan administered by its Planning and Zoning office.

    Switzerland County Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Building-permit or plan-review requirements for construction in Indiana; the state describes these as administrative provisions local jurisdictions may adopt and enforce.

    • Whether a building permit or plan review is required depends on the applicable local jurisdiction's administrative ordinance or process.
    • The cited IDHS statement says local jurisdictions retain authority to establish departments, create inspection schedules, establish fines, and create an order-review process.
    • IDHS states its summary represents the agency's position and is not binding; initial determinations about enforceability of a specific ordinance are left to the local unit administering it.
    “However, HEA 1575 did not eliminate the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce administrative provisions in building and fire safety ordinances, which include, among other things: (1) the establishment of departments; (2) the requirement to obtain a building permit or plan review; (3) the creation of inspection schedules; (4) the establishment of fines; or (5) the creation of an order review process.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Indiana residential on-site sewage systems statewide; the Indiana Department of Health establishes and reviews the statewide rule while local boards of health administer it and local health departments issue permits.

    • The rule is administered by local boards of health through their health officers and authorized representatives.
    • Each local health department residential on-site sewage system permit program is subject to review by the Indiana Department of Health.
    “administered by the local boards of health [...] subject to review by the department.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitation in Indiana where a dwelling is not connected, or cannot be connected, to a sanitary sewerage system.

    • The dwelling must be provided with a compliant residential on-site sewage system including a septic tank and a soil absorption system that has not failed.
    • A temporary sewage holding tank is subject to written Indiana Department of Health approval, with specified exceptions for failed systems, soil conditions after a construction permit, and certain district, utility, or municipal sewage plans.
    • A holding tank operated as a primary residential disposal method for a sewer connection plan is limited to not more than one year unless the period is extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation.
    • Drywells and cesspools are not allowed for construction or use as on-site sewage treatment in Indiana.

    holding-tank sewer-connection period: <= 1 year (may be extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation)

    “septic tank and a soil absorption system”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of residential water-supply wells and installation of well pumps in Indiana.

    • Indiana Department of Health standards state that several local health departments require a permit before residential water-supply well construction or well-pump installation.
    • The cited statewide source does not identify which local health departments require permits; local requirements must therefore be checked for the specific property.
    • Water-well drillers must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
    “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.”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway connections and construction inside the right-of-way of Indiana state highways.

    • The governmental unit having jurisdiction over the street or highway must grant permission.
    • INDOT jurisdiction is limited to the Indiana state highway system; other governmental units may use the guide as a guideline.
    • Applications must be made through the INDOT Electronic Permit System.
    “State law requires the public to obtain permission from the governmental unit having jurisdiction over a street or highway”
  • 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”
  • 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

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 exemption from building requirements.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Septic permit — Septic installation, replacement, or repair.
  • Septic inspection — Septic systems.
2 more unanswered
  • 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 Switzerland County, Indiana

Is Switzerland County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Switzerland County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Switzerland County, Indiana?

Switzerland County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Switzerland County Health Department (Environmental Health). 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 Switzerland County, Indiana?

Land in Switzerland County runs about $7,606 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Switzerland County?

Switzerland County gets about 47.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.7% of years.

How remote is Switzerland County?

A representative private-land location has about 23,443 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,571,936 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 Switzerland County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Switzerland compares in Indiana

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