Bolthole Index

Clark County, Indiana

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

50Index Score / 100
#70 of 92 in Indiana

Unincorporated Clark County, Indiana requires a building permit for a new home, issued through the county Planning & Zoning Office12. The county's Unified Development Ordinance covers unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden, while the Clark County Health Department handles residential septic permits34. Before buying, confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and whether its soils can support the planned wastewater system5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new home; issued by Clark County Planning & Zoning12
Zoning
County UDO covers unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden3
Septic permits
Clark County Health Department administers residential permits under Indiana rules46
Off-grid sanitation
Limited: an on-site system or privy needs Board of Health approval before operation7
RV or tiny-home living
RVs may not be a residence outside an approved campground; recreational stays are capped at 14 consecutive days8
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning before planning self-performed work92
Private wells
Clark County's permit requirement remains unconfirmed; ask the Health Department1011
Minimum home size
950 square feet in the Intensive Agricultural district; other districts differ12

Who to call

Building permits

Clark County Planning & Zoning Office

Building permits, inspections, zoning administration, Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals applications, and county floodplain administration

812.285.6287

300 Corporate Drive Room 208 Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Online permits →

Septic permits

Clark County Health Department, Environmental Health

Residential on-site wastewater permits, septic-system verification and inspections, and soil-testing guidance

812-282-7521

clarkhealth@clarkcounty.in.gov

1201 Wall Street Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clark County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Yes. Clark County's building regulations require a permit before construction, alteration, demolition or repair of any building or structure, including a new home, and the Planning & Zoning Office issues the county's building permits1312. Indiana currently uses the Indiana Residential Code based on the International Residential Code, with the applicable version and amendments identified in the reviewed state code material14. Clark County also performs inspections and asks permit holders to give the office advance notice when scheduling them2.

An agricultural building is not automatically free of every local rule. Indiana excludes a building used only for agriculture on the land where that activity occurs, and not for retail trade, from the state Class 1 design-release category; the reviewed rule expressly does not settle local inspection, zoning, fire, or permit requirements15. Clark County's separate agricultural claim concerns continuation of a nonconforming agricultural use, not a blanket building-permit exemption16.

Who issues Clark County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

The Clark County Planning & Zoning Office is the county building-permit contact at 300 Corporate Drive Room 208 in Jeffersonville; call 812.285.62872. The office accepts residential improvement and contractor trade applications online, issues permits, reviews applications, and performs inspections2. The same department supports the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and administers the county zoning ordinance2.

Use the office page's online application link for the permit workflow, then contact the office about the inspections that apply to the job2. The office page says inspections require advance notice, so put inspection scheduling into the construction timeline rather than waiting until work is ready to cover2. The Planning & Zoning Office also supplies the county floodplain contact because its executive director serves as Floodplain Administrator2.

Does Clark County, Indiana have zoning?

Yes, but the jurisdiction matters. Clark County's Unified Development Ordinance applies to unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden, and it divides that jurisdiction into zoning districts with district-specific use and development standards317. Do not assume county zoning applies inside every other incorporated community.

For a rural parcel, start by confirming that the parcel is in the county ordinance's jurisdiction and identifying its zoning district with Planning & Zoning2. Standards differ by district. In the Intensive Agricultural (AI) district, a single-family lot needs at least 1 acre with sewer and at least 2 acres without sewer, subject to Health Department septic approval18. In the same district, the front setback is 50 feet, side and rear setbacks are 10 feet for the house and 5 feet for accessory structures19. A single-family home there needs at least 950 square feet of living area12. Maximum height is 40 feet for the house and 30 feet for accessory structures20. Impervious surface is capped at 25% for single-family residential use, and agricultural land uses are exempt from that cap21. Other districts have different standards, so ask Planning & Zoning for the table that matches the parcel.

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

The Clark County Health Department administers residential on-site sewage permits for every address in the county under Indiana's statewide rule, whether the building permit comes from the county or not226. A new home without a functional septic system, or a repair or replacement of an existing system, requires a septic permit through Environmental Health2311. The department also requires soil testing for repairs and new installations11.

Only about 16% of Clark County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will fit5. Clark County requires Board of Health approval and final approval before an on-site sewage system or privy is operated7. If a homeowner replaces a structure on an existing system, the department asks for an Existing Septic System Verification form with tank ports or risers exposed, and an additional inspection occurs approximately 90 days after occupancy if initial approval is granted24. If an on-site system fails and a public or private sewer is available within 150 feet of a property line, direct connection is required subject to the reviewed exceptions25.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on Clark County land?

Not as a permanent home on ordinary land. In the area under the county zoning ordinance, RVs are not permitted for residential occupancy outside a campground or RV park approved by the Indiana State Department of Health8. The exception is recreational use: one RV per parcel, occupied for recreation only and not more than 14 consecutive days, on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, fully licensed and ready for highway use, with the parcel meeting the zoning development standards8. A stored RV may not be connected to utilities or occupied8.

While you build, a manufactured home can serve as temporary housing: it needs an Improvement Location Permit, and the permit for the primary residence must be approved first26. Temporary approval lasts 1 year and can be renewed for up to two additional six-month periods if construction has started but is not complete26. A lot with an owner-occupied single-family house may add one accessory dwelling, within 100 feet of the house if detached, on an existing permitted driveway and with approved water and sewage disposal27. We could not confirm a stand-alone tiny-home rule; ask Planning & Zoning how a tiny home would be classified2.

What are the steps to build a home in Clark County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Clark County, the Town of Borden, or another municipality, then ask the responsible planning office for the zoning district and applicable development standards32.
  2. Check floodplain constraints with Clark County Planning & Zoning, since many portions of the county lie in the Special Flood Hazard Area and are regulated through the county, the Indiana DNR and FEMA28; most Indiana floodway development requires state review, while local rules may still apply in the flood fringe22930.
  3. Have the Clark County Health Department address soil testing and the septic permit before fixing the house location1123.
  4. Submit the residential building application through Clark County's online process and confirm the code and required inspections214.
  5. If access connects to an Indiana state highway, use INDOT's electronic system for the required driveway permission31.
  6. Schedule county building inspections with advance notice and obtain final septic approval before operating the on-site system; expect a septic inspection about 90 days after occupancy2724.

What should you check before buying land in Clark County?

First, verify jurisdiction and zoning rather than assuming every Clark County address follows the county UDO; the reviewed county jurisdiction is unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden3. Next, make septic suitability part of due diligence because only about 16% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field5. Ask Environmental Health whether Clark County requires a private-well permit, because Indiana's statewide guidance says some local departments do but does not identify Clark County1011.

Check the flood map and driveway authority before choosing a homesite231. Clark County has about 77% of its land at a slope of 15% or less and about 48% wooded land, but those countywide figures do not replace a survey, soil evaluation, access review, or flood determination for one tract3233. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual bill near $1,5663435.

Watch-outs

  • Clark County zoning applies to unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Borden; confirm the jurisdiction before relying on the county UDO3.
  • A failed on-site sewage system can trigger mandatory sewer connection when a sewer is available within 150 feet of a property line, subject to the reviewed exceptions25.
  • Clark County's current permit fee amounts, private-well permit rule, driveway requirements, tiny-home classification and owner-builder exemption remain unconfirmed; the Planning & Zoning page links the fee schedules, so ask Planning & Zoning or Environmental Health as appropriate2119.
  • An RV cannot be your residence on Clark County land outside an approved campground; the county allows recreational occupancy of no more than 14 consecutive days8.

Sources

  1. Clark County Code § 151.08, Permit Required (2026 county census)
  2. Clark County Planning & Zoning Office (co.clark.in.us)
  3. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  4. Clark County Indiana Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  5. 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
  6. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Clark County Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  8. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Clark County Health Department, Environmental Health (clarkhealth.net)
  12. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  13. Clark County Code § 151.08, Permit Required, quoted and re-checked
  14. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  15. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  17. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  18. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  19. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  20. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  21. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  22. Clark County Indiana Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  23. Clark County Indiana Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  24. Clark County Indiana Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  25. Clark County Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  26. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  27. Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, amended February 26, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  28. Clark County Indiana Planning & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  29. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Clark County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleClark CountyFloyd CountyScott CountyWashington CountyHarrison CountyJefferson CountyJackson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Clark County in Indiana

50
County map
Clark County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Clark County scores

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability70100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% 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 →

$270kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$6,194Land / acre
49.6"Annual rain
1.9% of yrsSevere drought
8.4 / yr (+7.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.06" (+9.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,460Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
2.25%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
404,897People within 30 min
6,056,587People within 2 hr
191,114Radius comparison (15 mi)
336.5People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
76.9%Land at 15% slope or less
16.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
33,520 acWorkable land screen
48.1%Wooded land
48.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Clark County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Bethlehem Township · Town of Borden · Carr Township · Charlestown · Charlestown Township · Jeffersonville · Jeffersonville Township · Monroe Township · Oregon Township · Owen Township · Silver Creek Township · Union Township · Town of Utica · Utica Township · Washington Township · Wood Township

Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

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

Clark County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, demolition, or repair of any building or structure in Clark County, Indiana, under the county building regulations.

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Permits are issued through the Plan Commission or Planning & Zoning office.
    • All work must commence within 90 days from the permit issue date.
    • The application must use forms furnished by the Building Commissioner.
    • The county code is identified on the code site as current through Ordinance 31-2014; the county Planning & Zoning page also identifies a current Unified Development Ordinance and current permit process.

    work commencement deadline: 90 days from permit issue

    “A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration, demolition or repair of any building or structure, using forms furnished by the Building Commissioner.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Adult entertainment establishments regulated under the Clark County Unified Development Ordinance.

    • The certificate must be issued through the Clark County Plan Commission.
    • The certificate must certify compliance with applicable zoning laws.
    • The application must also include a certificate from the Fire Chief Authority having jurisdiction that applicable fire regulations have been met.
    • For an adult amusement arcade, the ordinance’s additional requirements must also be met.
    • This provision does not establish a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for all residential or other buildings.
    “Such application shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Occupancy issued through the Clark County Plan Commission”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning under the Clark County Advisory Plan Commission jurisdiction, including unincorporated Clark County and the Town of Bordon.

    • The UDO does not purport to apply countywide to incorporated municipalities.
    • The UDO was amended February 26, 2026 and states an effective date of January 1, 2021.
    “This UDO shall apply to all land within the jurisdiction of the Clark County Advisory Plan Commission”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use and zoning regulation in the unincorporated portions of Clark County under the Clark County Unified Development Ordinance.

    • The UDO divides its jurisdictional area into zoning districts.
    • Land uses may be permitted or allowed by special exception depending on the zoning district.
    • The Official Zoning Map establishes district boundaries and is maintained under the direction of the Administrator.
    • The UDO states that it was in full force and effect as of January 1, 2021.
    “which includes the unincorporated areas of Clark County [...] The jurisdictional area is hereby classified and divided into the zoning districts outlined below.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Clark County zoning districts and the Official Zoning Map.

    • The UDO identifies district names and abbreviations and states that district boundaries are established on the Official Zoning Map.
    • The map is maintained as a GIS layer under the Administrator's direction.
    “The jurisdictional area is hereby classified and divided into the zoning districts outlined below.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Residential development standards vary by Clark County zoning district.

    • The cited AI district table states a 950-square-foot minimum living area for single-family residential structures.
    • Other districts may have different standards.

    minimum living area: >= 950 square feet (single-family residential in the cited Intensive Agricultural District)

    “DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – INTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (AI) [...] Minimum living area 950 sqft N/A”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential and nonresidential lots in Clark County zoning districts.

    • In the cited Intensive Agricultural District, single-family residential minimum lot area is 1 acre with sewer and at least 2 acres without sewer, subject to Health Department septic approval.
    • Nonresidential standards in that district differ.

    minimum lot area with sewer: >= 1 acre (single-family residential in cited AI district) · minimum lot area without sewer: >= 2 acres (single-family residential in cited AI district; Health Department septic approval required)

    “Minimum Lot area With sewer 1 acre 10 acres Without sewer At least 2 acres and subject to Health Department approval for septic”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks under Clark County zoning-district development standards.

    • In the cited Intensive Agricultural District, single-family residential front setback is 50 feet, side and rear setbacks are 10 feet for primary structures and 5 feet for accessory structures.
    • Corner-lot measurement rules and bufferyard rules may alter applicable measurements.

    minimum front setback: >= 50 feet (single-family residential in cited AI district) · minimum side setback: >= 10 feet (primary structure in cited AI district) · minimum side setback: >= 5 feet (accessory structure in cited AI district) · minimum rear setback: >= 10 feet (primary structure in cited AI district) · minimum rear setback: >= 5 feet (accessory structure in cited AI district)

    “Minimum front yard setback 50 feet 100 feet Minimum side yard setback Primary structure 10 feet 100 feet Accessory structure 5 feet 100 feet”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Impervious-surface coverage under Clark County zoning-district standards.

    • In the cited Intensive Agricultural District, maximum impervious surface coverage is 25% for single-family residential and 75% for nonresidential uses.
    • Agricultural land uses are exempt from this standard.

    maximum impervious surface coverage: <= 25 percent (single-family residential in cited AI district) · maximum impervious surface coverage: <= 75 percent (nonresidential in cited AI district)

    “Maximum impervious surface coverage 25% 75% **Agricultural land uses are exempt from this standard.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structure-height limits under Clark County zoning districts.

    • In the cited Intensive Agricultural District, maximum height is 40 feet for a single-family primary structure and 30 feet for an accessory structure.
    • Agricultural structures and certain religious structures have stated exceptions.

    maximum primary-structure height: <= 40 feet (single-family residential in cited AI district) · maximum accessory-structure height: <= 30 feet (single-family residential in cited AI district)

    “Maximum height of structure Primary structure 40 feet **50 feet Accessory structure 30 feet **50 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicle occupancy outside an approved campground or RV park.

    • RVs are not permitted for residential occupancy outside a campground or RV park approved by the Indiana State Department of Health, except for the specified recreational occupancy.
    • Recreational use only; no permanent occupancy.
    • No more than one RV per parcel.
    • All Chapter 2 zoning development standards must be met.
    • RV may be onsite less than 180 consecutive days.
    • RV must be fully licensed and ready for highway use.
    • Stored RVs may not be connected to utilities or occupied.

    maximum recreational occupancy: <= 14 consecutive days (recreational purposes only) · maximum RVs occupied: 1 per parcel · maximum site duration: < 180 consecutive days

    “The RV is occupied for recreational purposes only (no permanent occupancy) and shall not exceed fourteen (14) consecutive days;”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Temporary and permanent manufactured-home occupancy.

    • Temporary occupancy during construction requires an Improvement Location Permit.
    • The primary-residence ILP must be approved first.
    • Temporary approval is for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional six-month periods if construction has started but is incomplete.
    • Temporary homes must satisfy HUD standards, location, utility, setback, occupancy, area, and tie-down conditions.
    • Permanent occupancy is allowed only where a single-family dwelling is permitted by right or special exception and district standards are met.

    initial temporary occupancy period: 1 year · renewals: up to two additional six-month periods (construction must have started but not been completed) · minimum temporary ground-floor area: >= 500 square feet

    “Temporary residential occupancy of a manufactured home is permitted during construction. In all zoning districts, an ILP shall be required”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units in Clark County residential districts.

    • No more than one accessory dwelling per primary dwelling unit.
    • The unit must be in a lawfully built dwelling meeting building-code requirements.
    • It must be on a lot with an existing lawfully constructed, owner-occupied single-family dwelling.
    • It may not be separately owned.
    • A detached unit must be behind the primary dwelling's front façade, in the side or rear yard, and within 100 feet of the primary structure.
    • It must use an existing permitted driveway and have approved water and sewage disposal.

    maximum accessory dwellings: 1 per primary dwelling unit · maximum detached-unit distance: <= 100 feet

    “No more than one (1) accessory dwelling shall be permitted per primary dwelling unit.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential onsite wastewater permitting and inspections administered by the Clark County Health Department.

    • Commercial onsite disposal engineering and planning has Indiana State Department of Health involvement.
    • State standards, including 410 IAC 6-8.3, are referenced.
    “The Clark County Health Department adheres to Indiana State Department of Health regulations as applied to septic system installations in Clark County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Septic-system administration in Clark County.
      “The Clark County Health Department adheres to Indiana State Department of Health regulations as applied to septic system installations in Clark County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New residential homes without an existing functional septic system and repairs or replacements of existing septic systems.

    • A permit is required for the stated new-home, repair, and replacement situations.
    • The Clark County Health Department directs applicants to its application packet.
    “If you're building a new home on a site that does not have an existing, functional septic system [...] you must apply for a permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential homes without an existing functional septic system and repair or replacement of an existing septic system.
      “If you're building a new home on a site that does not have an existing, functional septic system or are repairing/replacing an existing septic system you must apply for a permit.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing septic verification inspections and approved replacement-structure cases.

    • Tank ports or risers must be exposed and lids removable.
    • An additional inspection occurs approximately 90 days after occupancy if initial approval is granted.
    • A non-functional system requires repair or replacement.

    post-occupancy inspection: 90 days (approximately)

    “an inspection will be completed by an environmentalist and an approval or denial letter will be issued based on the findings of that inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection or verification of existing septic systems when replacing a structure or in similar circumstances.
      “A homeowner wishing to replace a structure will need to complete an Existing Septic System Verification form and submit it to this office. The septic tank ports or risers must be exposed and lids removable prior to inspection, please utilize the diagram in the packet for help in determining location of these items.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site sewage disposal systems and privies in Clark County.

    • Off-grid sanitation requires Board of Health approval and final approval before operation.
    • A sewer connection is required after septic failure when a public or private sewer is available within 150 feet, subject to stated exceptions.
    “Operate an on-site sewage disposal system prior to having obtained a final approval of such installation from the Board of Health, or its authorized representative;”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Properties served by an on-site sewage disposal system or privy when the system fails and a public or private sewer is available.

    • Direct connection is required when a sewer is available within 150 feet of any property line.
    • The requirement does not apply if prohibited by the certificate-of-authority entity or if access requires a force main or other prohibitive connection.
    • For proposed subdivisions, the UDO uses a 300-foot sewer-availability rule subject to provider acceptance.

    sewer availability distance: <= 150 feet (Failure of on-site system and subject to stated exceptions)

    “shall cause a direct connection to be made to any public or private sanitary sewerage system when an on-site sewage disposal system is in failure and a public or private sewer system is available within one hundred and fifty feet (150) of any property line.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural land uses under the Intensive Agricultural District impervious-surface coverage standard.

    • The exemption is expressly limited to this cited coverage standard; it does not establish a general exemption from all permits or zoning requirements.
    “**Agricultural land uses are exempt from this standard.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within Clark County zoning districts.

    • Subdivisions require approval unless exempt under Chapter 5, Section C, Exempt Subdivisions.
    • The UDO identifies commercial/industrial, minor residential, major residential, and conservation residential subdivision types.
    “All subdivisions require Subdivision approval unless exempt (See Chapter 5, Section C: Exempt Subdivisions).”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Clark County special flood hazard areas.

    • Floodplain guidelines and regulations are enforced through Clark County Planning and Zoning, Indiana DNR, and FEMA.
    • The county planning office enforces the Clark County Flood Ordinance and DNR floodway regulations.
    “Many portions of Clark County are in the Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain) and these areas have particular guidelines and regulations which are enforced through Clark County Planning and Zoning, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in Special Flood Hazard Area or floodplain areas in the unincorporated portions of Clark County.
      “Our office enforces the Clark County Flood Ordinance [...] as well as DNR’s floodway regulations.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Clark County zoning districts.

    • The UDO defines a short-term rental as rental of a single-family home, accessory dwelling, duplex, multifamily dwelling, or condominium for less than 30 days through a short-term-rental platform.
    • The UDO lists short-term rental as a use in multiple zoning districts; district-specific standards and approvals may apply.

    maximum rental term for short-term-rental definition: < 30 days

    “the rental of a single-family home, an accessory dwelling, a duplex, a multi-family dwelling, or a condominium for terms of less than thirty (30) days”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Clark County Improvement Location Permit and related residential/commercial fee schedules.

    • The Planning & Zoning page links separate residential and commercial fee schedules.
    • The UDO states that ILP fees are calculated during review, collected when the ILP is issued, and that reinspection/additional-inspection fees are collected before final inspection or certificate of occupancy as applicable.
    • The accessible webpage text did not expose the numeric schedule entries or a stated effective/revision date for the linked one-page PDFs.
    “Fee Schedule - Residential Fee Schedule - Commercial Solar Fee Schedule”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published residential and commercial permit-fee schedules maintained by the Planning & Zoning Office.
      “Fee Schedule - Residential Fee Schedule - Commercial Solar Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential improvement applications, contractor trade applications, and applications requiring Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals approval.

    • Residential improvement and contractor trade applications are accepted through an online process.
    • Beginning June 1, 2025, applications requiring Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals approval must be submitted online as a development project.
    • The county provides separate packets for Plan Commission and BZA matters.

    online approval-process start date: 2025-06-01

    “We accept Residential Improvement applications and the Contractor trade applications via an online process. [...] Beginning June 1, 2025 applications for items that require approval by the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals must be submitted on the online permitting system as a development project.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential improvement, contractor trade, Plan Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals applications.
      “We accept Residential Improvement applications and the Contractor trade applications via an online process.”

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.

    Indiana Building Code effective date: 2014-12-01 · Indiana Residential Code effective date: 2019-12-26

    “The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana residential construction, including Clark County.
      “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”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana residential construction, including Clark County.
      “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”
    • Adopted — Indiana's state-adopted building and fire-safety codes, including compliance requirements applicable through local units of government.
      “Each unit shall require compliance with the code of building laws and fire safety laws that is adopted in the rules of the fire prevention [...]”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as principal residences in Indiana mobile home communities and related state health-regulated settings.

    • The state statute recognizes mobile homes and manufactured homes as suitable and necessary dwelling units in Indiana.
    • A mobile home community is generally land with at least five mobile homes or manufactured homes occupied as principal residences, subject to the statutory definition and included parcel configurations.
    • County and municipal authorities retain jurisdiction regarding zoning and building codes and ordinances pertaining to mobile home communities.
    • A mobile home community may not be operated without a license from the state department.
    • Occupied homes in a mobile home community must be connected to the community sewerage system at all times.
    • Each residential shelter in a mobile home community must have toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities and be connected to water supply and sewer service before occupancy.
    • Mobile home community sites must meet and receive approval under local zoning requirements before construction begins.

    mobile homes or manufactured homes for statutory mobile home community definition: >= 5 homes (The statute also includes certain parcels with fewer units when specified shared-road, water, or sewer/septic conditions apply.) · mobile home community license duration: 4 years (The license expires at midnight on December 31.) · public water system distance threshold: > 2000 feet (A mobile home community is not required to use a public water system if the system is more than 2,000 feet away.)

    “Every shelter occupied as a residence in a mobile home community, whether mobile or permanent, shall be: 1. equipped with toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities; and 2. Connected to the water supply and sewer service; before occupancy.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — 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.
      “No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or one (1) vacation mobile home”
    • Limited — Temporary campgrounds operated in Indiana.
      “not more than ten (10) consecutive days per event”
    • Limited — Occupancy of manufactured homes in Indiana, especially occupancy in mobile home communities subject to state health and sanitation standards and local zoning and building-code authority.
      “Mobile home community sites shall: 1. meet all requirements of the local zoning commission; and 2. be approved by the commission; before construction begins. (c) Every shelter occupied as a residence in a mobile home community, whether mobile or permanent, shall be: 1. equipped with toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities; and 2. Connected to the water supply and sewer service; before occupancy.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Indiana counties' authority to adopt and enforce administrative building-code provisions, including building-permit or plan-review requirements, for residential construction in their jurisdiction, including Class 2 one- and two-dwelling-unit structures.

    • A county's substantive building and fire-safety provisions outside mere incorporation of Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules are described by IDHS as unenforceable and may not be adopted; modification of Commission standards may occur only through Commission rulemaking.
    • The State's county-or-municipality model ordinance excludes industrialized building systems and mobile structures certified under IC 22-15-4.
    • The model ordinance states that it is not applicable to regulated amusement devices, regulated boilers, regulated pressure vessels, or regulated lifting devices.
    • The model ordinance conditions permit issuance on a complete application, any applicable fee, conformity with applicable building and fire-safety laws, and no violation of other applicable ordinances or laws.
    “HEA 1575 did not eliminate the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce administrative provisions in building and fire safety ordinances”

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 Clark County building-permit or inspection requirements.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside a permitted campground or recreational vehicle park.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in the Clark County UDO jurisdiction.

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 Clark County, Indiana

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

Clark County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 404,897 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Clark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark 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.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clark County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Clark County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicle occupancy outside an approved campground or RV park. RVs are not permitted for residential occupancy outside a campground or RV park approved by the Indiana State Department of Health, except for the specified recreational occupancy. Recreational use only; no permanent occupancy. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Clark County, Indiana?

Land in Clark County runs about $6,194 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 49.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A representative private-land location has about 404,897 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,056,587 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.

How Clark compares in Indiana

Compare side-by-side →See all 92 Indiana counties ranked →