Bolthole Index

Daviess County, Indiana

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

67Index Score / 100
#20 of 92 in Indiana

Daviess County, Indiana requires a building permit for construction, and its Building & Compliance Department administers the process.1 County zoning also applies, while the Health Department handles permits for properties using onsite sewage systems.23

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction in Daviess County1
Zoning
County zoning applies2
Septic
Apply before construction through the county Health Department34
RV living
Private-land residential occupancy is not confirmed; ask Building & Compliance2
Tiny homes
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; ask Building & Compliance about the parcel2
Owner-builder
No explicit exemption confirmed; ask Building & Compliance before starting work5
Private well
Local residential-well permitting is not resolved; ask the Health Department67

Who to call

Building permits

Daviess County Building & Compliance Department

Building-code enforcement, plan review, permits and inspections in Daviess County

812-444-5798

Septic permits

Daviess County Health Department

Septic system applications and environmental health questions

812-254-8666

300 East Hefron Street, Washington, IN 47501

Roads & driveways

Daviess County Highway Department

County roads, bridges, small structures and rights-of-way outside cities and towns

812-444-5798

5247 E 100 N, Montgomery, IN 47558

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 Daviess 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 Daviess County, Indiana?

Yes. Daviess County requires a building permit for any construction, a rule in effect since January 2014, and the county Building & Compliance Department administers it.1 Septic permits and culvert permits are separate approvals.1 The department reviews plans, issues permits and conducts inspections to enforce state and local minimum standards.8

Indiana has adopted statewide building and residential codes, but which code provisions apply depends on the type of structure.9 An agricultural building used only for agriculture on the same land and not for retail trade is outside the state Class 1 design-release category, but that does not exempt it from Daviess County permits, zoning or inspections.10 Daviess County has not confirmed an owner-builder exemption, so an owner acting as general contractor should ask Building & Compliance what applications and inspections apply before work begins.5

Who issues building permits in Daviess County?

The Daviess County Building & Compliance Department is the first call for building permits, plan review, inspections and zoning-related forms; its published phone number is 812-444-5798.8 The county page links an improvement-location permit application and zoning-compliance forms.8

The available county information does not identify the inspection stages, a certificate-of-occupancy rule or a current county fee schedule. Ask Building & Compliance which drawings, approvals, fees and inspections match the proposed structure before ordering materials. Indiana state design-release review may also apply to a Class 1 project, and local permits may still be required even when state filing is not.11 Residential and agricultural inspections remain matters for the local government where a local entity administers them.12

Does Daviess County have zoning?

Yes. The Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission administers the county zoning ordinance and makes recommendations on rezoning or ordinance modifications, while the Board of Zoning Appeals hears development applications that may not meet the ordinance standards.2 Daviess County also publishes zoning districts and an official zoning map that identifies incorporated areas and extraterritorial jurisdictions.13

A parcel's district matters because the available materials do not confirm district-specific minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or height limits. Ask Building & Compliance to identify the parcel's zoning district and confirm the dimensional standards in writing. If land will be divided outside a municipality, Indiana requires the proper plat and approval process before lots are sold, with plan-commission control where a subdivision-control ordinance applies.14

How do septic permits work in Daviess County?

The Daviess County Health Department and its Environmental Health Services staff administer residential and commercial onsite sewage permitting.3 A septic application must be made before construction, and installation must be performed by a certified installer under the cited state rules and county septic ordinance.4 The Health Department's published contact is 812-254-8666 at 300 East Hefron Street, Washington, Indiana.15

Where a public sanitary sewer is available within a reasonable distance of the building site, Daviess County prohibits an onsite sewage system and requires a sewer connection.16

Only about 4.3% of mapped county soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional septic drain field, so make the soil evaluation an early feasibility item rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.17 For a residence that cannot connect to sewer, Indiana generally requires a compliant septic tank and soil-absorption system; drywells and cesspools are not allowed as onsite sewage treatment.18

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

Daviess County has zoning, but the available county rules do not confirm residential RV occupancy on a private parcel or a specific tiny-home occupancy standard.2 Ask Building & Compliance whether the proposed use is allowed in the parcel's district and what building, septic, setback and occupancy approvals would apply.

Indiana's campground rules do not answer the private-land question: those rules address regulated campgrounds rather than residential occupancy on an individually deeded lot.19 West Boggs Park permits temporary RV camping under park-specific stay and return limits, but that policy applies only at the county park and does not establish a right to live in an RV elsewhere in Daviess County.20 A tiny home intended as a dwelling still needs a parcel-specific answer from Building & Compliance and a lawful sanitation plan from the Health Department.214

Building a home in Daviess County: what are the steps?

  1. Call Building & Compliance at 812-444-5798 to identify the zoning district, required zoning review, building application, plans and inspection sequence.8
  2. Confirm the homesite, minimum dimensions and setbacks with Building & Compliance because parcel-specific dimensional standards are not confirmed in the available county information.2
  3. If the site will use onsite sewage, apply through the Health Department before construction and use a certified installer.4
  4. Confirm private-well requirements with the Health Department; Indiana notes that some local health departments require residential-well permits, but the county-specific requirement is unresolved.7
  5. Obtain permission from the road authority for a driveway connection; INDOT handles state-highway access through its electronic permit system.22
  6. Ask whether the site is in a floodway because most Indiana floodway development falls under DNR jurisdiction and may also require local or federal approval.23

What should you check before buying land in Daviess County?

Start with zoning, septic feasibility, flood status and legal road access. Daviess County zoning can make the parcel's district decisive, while conventional septic suitability is constrained on much of the mapped soil area.217 The Highway Department handles county roads and rights-of-way outside incorporated areas and state highways, while INDOT permission is required for access to the state highway system.2422

For a private well, ask the Health Department about any local residential permit because the available statewide guidance does not resolve Daviess County's rule.67 The county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,276, useful context rather than a quote for a particular parcel.2526 Finally, development in an Indiana floodway commonly requires DNR review, while flood-fringe development may still need local permits even without a state permit.2327

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat the state agricultural design-release exemption as a Daviess County building-permit or zoning exemption.10
  • Apply for a Daviess County septic permit before construction and plan around the site's soil evaluation.417
  • Private-land RV living, tiny-home occupancy, setbacks and minimum dwelling size remain parcel-specific questions for Building & Compliance.2
  • A driveway onto an Indiana state highway requires permission through INDOT, not merely county road approval.22

Sources

  1. Daviess County Request for Address Assignment, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic System Information, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic System Information, quoted and re-checked
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Water Availability Use/Rights Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  7. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Daviess County Building & Compliance Department (daviess.org)
  9. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Plan Review (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. DHS: Code Enforcement (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. daviess.org, quoted and re-checked
  14. 2023 County Recorders Resource Library (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Daviess County Health Department (daviess.org)
  16. Environmental Public Health: Onsite Sewage Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  17. 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
  18. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Camping at West Boggs, quoted and re-checked
  21. Daviess County Request for Address Assignment (2026 county census)
  22. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Daviess County Highway Department (daviess.org)
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Daviess County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDaviess CountyMartin CountyKnox CountyPike CountyGreene CountyDubois CountySullivan County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNoNoNoNot published
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Daviess County in Indiana

67
County map
Daviess County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Daviess County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$244kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$9,072Land / acre
47.8"Annual rain
2.8% of yrsSevere drought
8.3 / yr (+7.7)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.93" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,465Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.84%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
33,287People within 30 min
2,497,386People within 2 hr
42,508Radius comparison (15 mi)
78.4People / sq mi
0.9%Federal land
92.4%Land at 15% slope or less
4.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
11,533 acWorkable land screen
16.1%Wooded land
73.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Daviess 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.

Town of Alfordsville · Barr Township · Bogard Township · Town of Cannelburg · Elmore Township · Town of Elnora · Harrison Township · Madison Township · Town of Montgomery · Town of Odon · Town of Plainville · Reeve Township · Steele Township · Van Buren Township · Veale Township · Washington · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Daviess County

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

Daviess County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Any construction in Daviess County.

    • The source states the requirement is effective as of January 1, 2014.
    • The reminder also references septic and culvert permits and contacting the Building Commissioner’s Office.
    “As of January 1, 2014 you are required to apply for a building permit for any construction done in Daviess County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Daviess County zoning ordinance and county zoning administration.

    • The Advisory Plan Commission recommends zoning ordinance changes to the County Commissioners.
    • The Board of Zoning Appeals hears development applications that may not be wholly consistent with zoning standards.
    “The Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission (APC) is a nine-member board responsible for making recommendations to the Daviess County Commissioners regarding applications for re-zoning or modifications to the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County zoning ordinance administered through the Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
      “applications for re-zoning or modifications to the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in Daviess County; incorporated municipalities may have separate local rules.

    • The county page describes county zoning administration through the APC and BZA.
    • This claim does not represent municipal zoning as county-administered.
    “The Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission (APC) is a nine-member board responsible for making recommendations to the Daviess County Commissioners regarding applications for re-zoning or modifications to the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — County-level local zoning in Daviess County; this does not establish that incorporated municipalities administer the county ordinance.
      “The Daviess County Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five-member board responsible for hearing applications for development that may not be wholly consistent with the standards, as set forth in the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Daviess County Zoning Ordinance and its county-administered rezoning, zoning-appeal, and development-review functions.
      “The Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission (APC) is a nine-member board responsible for making recommendations to the Daviess County Commissioners regarding applications for re-zoning or modifications to the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance. The Daviess County Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five-member board responsible for hearing applications for development that may not be wholly consistent with the standards, as set forth in the Daviess County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Daviess County zoning ordinance and zoning map materials.

    • The source establishes that the county publishes the ordinance and map; it does not establish the numeric standards for each district.
    “Zoning Districts FP - Floodplain A-1 - General Agriculture R-E - Rural Estate R-1 - Single-Family R-2 - Multi-Family B-1 - Local Business B-2 - General Business I-1 - Light Industrial I-2 - Heavy Industrial AIR - Airport PUD - Planned Unit Development”
  • Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)

    RV camping at West Boggs Park, a Daviess County park.

    • Reservations are limited to a two-week stay.
    • Campers must leave for 48 hours or more before returning to camp.
    • One RV and one tent, or two tents, are allowed per campsite.
    • Camping and cabin rentals are restricted to persons 18 years of age or older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian overnight.
    “Reservation allows one RV and one Tent, or two tents per campsite.”
  • Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)

    Temporary camping at West Boggs Park, a Daviess County park.

    • Reservations are limited to a two-week stay.
    • Campers must leave for 48 hours or more before returning to camp.
    • One RV and one tent, or two tents, are allowed per campsite.
    • Camping and cabin rentals are restricted to persons 18 years of age or older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian overnight.
    “Reservations are limited to a two week stay.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial septic permitting and inspections in Daviess County.

    • County Environmental Health Services staff administer septic information and inspections.
    • The county page references Indiana Rules 410 IAC 6-8.3 and 410 IAC 6-10.1 and Daviess County Septic Ordinance 2023-3.
    “The Daviess County Environmental Health Services Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to assist Daviess County Residents in obtaining information regarding septic system requirements and concerns, including Septic System Permits and System Inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Septic-system permitting and inspections for county residents.
      “The Daviess County Environmental Health Services Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to assist Daviess County Residents in obtaining information regarding septic system requirements and concerns, including Septic System Permits and System Inspections.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic systems in Daviess County.

    • Applications must be made prior to construction.
    • Installation must be by a certified installer.
    • The county page references Indiana Rules 410 IAC 6-8.3 and 410 IAC 6-10.1 and Daviess County Septic Ordinance 2023-3.
    “By requiring applications for septic system permits PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION and installation by a certified installer, the Health Department can better ensure that septic systems are upholding the requirements as set forth in Indiana's Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3, Indiana's Rule 410 IAC 6-10.1 and Daviess County Septic Ordinance 2023-3.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Sites using onsite sewage systems in Daviess County.
      “By requiring applications for septic system permits PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION and installation by a certified installer, the Health Department can better ensure that septic systems are upholding the requirements as set forth in Indiana's Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3, Indiana's Rule 410 IAC 6-10.1 and Daviess County Septic Ordinance 2023-3.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage systems in Daviess County.

    • The installer must notify the Health Department 48 hours before covering the system.
    • Elevations and measurements are checked.
    • All components must be inspected.
    • Everything must be located where initially placed for pre-approval.
    “Installer must notify Health Department 48 hours before covering system [...] Elevations will be checked [...] Measurements will be taken [...] Everything must be located where initially placed for pre-approval. [...] All components must be inspected”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-compliance permitting and plan review in Daviess County.

    • The department reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections.
    • The county page links to an Application for Improvement Location Permit and zoning-compliance forms.
    • Specific permit triggers, exemptions, fees, and timelines were not stated on the opened page.
    “The department is responsible for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and conducting inspections to ensure that all construction in the county meets the minimum standards set by state and local laws.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules, including Daviess County.
      “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code | Free access (model code with incorporated amendments) | 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.”
  • 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

    Water wells in Indiana, including Daviess County.

    • Generally no permit is required for a high-capacity water well unless located within the Great Lakes Basin.
    • A significant water withdrawal facility may require registration.
    • The source does not resolve any separate residential-well permit requirement imposed by Daviess County.

    significant water withdrawal facility threshold: >= 100000 gallons per day (Registration may be required.)

    “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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Residential dwellings and residential outbuildings governed by Indiana's residential on-site sewage systems rule when the existing residential on-site sewage system has failed.

    • A local health officer may require the direct sanitary-sewer connection; the rule does not make the connection automatic.
    • The sanitary sewer must be available within three hundred (300) feet of the affected property line.
    • The sanitary sewer must be available for connection at a construction cost and connection fee estimated not to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated cost of installing an on-site sewage system serving the residence or residential outbuilding.
    • The rule is administered by local boards of health through their health officer and authorized representatives.
    • The cited rule identifies filing and readoption dates, but does not state an effective date in the cited passage.

    maximum sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Available from the affected property line.) · maximum connection cost and connection fee: <= 150 percent of estimated on-site sewage system installation cost (Applies when the residential on-site sewage system has failed.)

    “(b) In the event of a residential on-site sewage system failure the local health officer may require the residence and/or the residential outbuilding to make a direct connection to a sanitary sewer, if the sanitary sewer is available within three hundred (300) feet of the affected property line and is available for connection at a construction cost and connection fee estimated not to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the cost estimated for installing an on-site sewage system to serve the residence or residential outbuilding.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Facilities in Indiana where a sanitary sewer is available within a reasonable distance.
      “If a sanitary sewer is available within a reasonable distance of the proposed facility, installation of an onsite sewage disposal system is prohibited, and a connection must be made to the sewer.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Indiana agricultural buildings or structures evaluated for the Class 1 structure agricultural-purpose exemption.

    • The structure must be used for an agricultural purpose, generally related to cultivation of soil, production of crops, or raising livestock.
    • The structure may not be used for another purpose such as a restaurant or event center.
    • The structure must be located on the land where the agricultural operation is located; this is the “farm rule.”
    • The structure may not be used for retail trade.
    • A stand used for retail sales of farm produce must not operate for more than 8 consecutive months in a calendar year.
    • If any stated condition fails, the agricultural exemption does not apply.

    maximum consecutive months for farm-produce retail stand: <= 8 months (Retail trade in a structure that is not a stand disqualifies the exemption regardless of duration.)

    “If no, the agricultural exemption applies, and the building or structure is not a Class 1 structure”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (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.
      “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.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Development activities within the floodway of a State waterway, including applicable projects in Daviess County.
      “The Flood Control Act (IC 14-28-1 ) regulates various development activities (e.g. structures, obstructions, deposits, and/or excavations) within the floodway of any State waterway by requiring DNR approval prior to the beginning of the project.”
    • 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”
  • 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 building-permit or inspection requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in Daviess County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size standards by Daviess County zoning district.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size standards by Daviess County zoning district.
  • Setbacks — Setback standards by Daviess County zoning district.
6 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Daviess County, Indiana

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

Daviess County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

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

Land in Daviess County runs about $9,072 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Daviess County?

Daviess County gets about 47.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.8% of years.

How remote is Daviess County?

A representative private-land location has about 33,287 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,497,386 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 Daviess compares in Indiana

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