Bolthole Index

Floyd County, Indiana

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

52Index Score / 100
#63 of 92 in Indiana

Unincorporated Floyd County, Indiana requires county building permits for new single-family homes, additions, renovations and accessory structures1. County zoning excludes New Albany’s planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2. New Albany issues its own building permits and sets city zoning; onsite sewage questions go to the Floyd County Health Department, while New Albany’s code requires a septic permit signed by the Health Officer with jurisdiction3456.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new single-family homes, additions, renovations and accessory structures1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside the listed municipal, state and federal exclusions; district standards vary27
Septic authority
Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage permits under state and local rules58
Owner-builder
No explicit county exemption was confirmed; ask Building and Development Services9
RV living
RV living, sleeping or housekeeping is prohibited in districts covered by the county ordinance’s RV restriction10
Tiny home
A primary dwelling in the AR, RR, RS or RU district needs at least 950 square feet of ground-floor area11
Agricultural building
A qualifying agricultural building is outside state Class 1 design release, but local rules may still apply12
Septic soils
0% of mapped soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13

Who to call

Building permits

Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services

Building permits, plan review and inspections

(812) 981-7611

Pine View Government Center 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203 New Albany, IN 47150

Zoning

Floyd County Plan Commission

Zoning administration, development review, appeals and variances

(812) 981-7611

building@floydcounty.in.gov

Pine View Government Center 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203 New Albany, IN 47150

Septic permits

Floyd County Health Department

On-site septic system questions and approvals

(812) 948-4726

1917 Bono Road New Albany, IN 47150

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Floyd 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 Floyd County, Indiana?

In unincorporated Floyd County, county building permits are required building permits for new single-family homes, additions, renovations or rehabilitation work, and accessory structures1. Residential applications may be filed online or in person, and required materials include wastewater approval, a site plan, proof of ownership and building plans14. The county asks applicants to allow 5–7 business days for review14. Floyd County one- and two-family homes and their accessory structures must comply with the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, based on the 2018 International Residential Code with Indiana amendments; the residential code applies throughout Indiana15. A qualifying agricultural building used only for agriculture on the same land and not for retail trade is outside state Class 1 design-release requirements, but local requirements may still apply12. Floyd County's owner-builder exemption could not be confirmed, so an owner acting as contractor should ask Building and Development Services what applications and inspections apply9. Final inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy are required before a covered building may be occupied16.

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

The Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services handles county building permits; call (812) 981-7611 or visit Pine View Government Center, 2524 Corydon Pike, Suite 203, New Albany, IN 4715017. Posted hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.17. The Floyd County Plan Commission administers county zoning, and staff encourage a pre-submission meeting arranged at building@floydcounty.in.gov18. Inside New Albany, the city issues building permits3. For onsite sewage, begin with the Floyd County Health Department; New Albany’s code requires a written septic permit signed by the Health Officer with jurisdiction196.

Does Floyd County, Indiana have zoning?

Floyd County has zoning for unincorporated land within its planning jurisdiction, excluding New Albany’s planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2. New Albany sets its own city zoning; onsite sewage questions still start with the Floyd County Health Department, and the city code requires the Health Officer’s septic approval4196. County district standards vary, so ask the Plan Commission to identify the parcel on the official zoning map720. Minimum lot area and setbacks depend on district and use2122. In Multi-Family Residential (MF), front setbacks are 60 feet on arterial, collector or local streets and 40 feet on subdivision streets; side and rear setbacks are 20 and 25 feet23. Buildings and impervious surfaces together may cover no more than 65% of an MF lot or 70% of a General Commercial (GC) lot, and both districts require a development plan2425. MF development also requires public water and sanitary sewer connections2627.

How do septic permits work in Floyd County, Indiana?

The Floyd County Health Department administers onsite sewage systems under Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and local ordinances5. Septic permits are required for new systems and most repairs and replacements; published fees are $150 for a new system, $75 for a repair, $100 for a replacement, and $250 for either a mound or subsurface-drip system8. For direct questions, call (812) 948-4726 or visit 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, IN 4715019. A new dwelling application must include Health Department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt1. Site feasibility deserves attention before purchase because 0% of mapped Floyd County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13. Multi-Family Residential development must connect to a sanitary sewer system, so an onsite system is not an alternative in that district27. Drywells and cesspools are not allowed, and temporary holding tanks are restricted rather than a general off-grid substitute28. We could not confirm Floyd County’s treatment of other non-septic sanitation systems; take such a proposal to the Health Department before purchase19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Floyd County, Indiana?

Floyd County prohibits using a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping or housekeeping in districts covered by the county ordinance’s RV restriction10. We could not confirm separate temporary-camping rules; ask the Plan Commission before relying on a short stay18. A tiny home used as a primary dwelling in the Agricultural-Residential, Rural Residential, Residential Suburban or Residential Urban district must provide at least 950 square feet of ground-floor area11. A unit in the Multi-Family Residential district instead has a confirmed minimum living area of 800 square feet29. A tiny home proposed as a residence also needs the required building permit and must satisfy the applicable zoning provisions111. Ask Building and Development Services how a proposed unit will be classified, and ask the Health Department how wastewater service must be approved1719.

What are the steps to build a home in Floyd County, Indiana?

  1. Confirm which planning jurisdiction controls the parcel because county zoning excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land2.
  1. Ask the controlling planning office for the zoning district, allowed use, minimum lot area, setbacks, height and utility rules721223031.
  1. If the project divides land, take the proposal through Plan Commission subdivision review before assuming lots can be created or served32.
  1. Start wastewater planning early: a new dwelling application needs Health Department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt1.
  1. Assemble the site plan, deed or purchase contract, building plans and wastewater approval, then submit online or in person to Building and Development Services1417.
  1. Allow 5–7 business days for residential application review and budget from the published septic fee schedule1433.
  1. If the driveway connects to an Indiana state highway, obtain INDOT approval for the connection and work in the state right-of-way34. Ask Building and Development Services who approves county-road access; we could not confirm that local requirement17.
  1. Request final inspection and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before moving into the building16.

What should you check before buying land in Floyd County, Indiana?

County zoning excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land, so the correct planning office depends on location35. Minimum lot area varies by zoning district rather than following one countywide figure21. Conventional septic conditions are difficult: 0% of mapped county soils are rated free of severe drain-field limits13. Terrain and clearing also affect cost because 69% of the county is at a 15% slope or less and 61.1% is wooded3637. Development in an Indiana floodway usually needs state DNR approval, while floodplain-fringe work may avoid a state permit but remain subject to local floodplain rules3839. Floyd County's private-well permit rule was not confirmed; Indiana notes that some local health departments require permits, so ask the Health Department before drilling or installing a pump40. Typical figures are a 0.7% effective property-tax rate and a $1,656 median annual bill, but verify the parcel's actual assessment and taxing district4142.

Watch-outs

  • Floyd County zoning does not cover New Albany's planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, or state or federal land; identify the correct authority before relying on county standards43.
  • No explicit owner-builder exemption was confirmed for Floyd County, so ask Building and Development Services before assuming owner-performed work avoids permits or inspections9.
  • Floyd County prohibits RV living, sleeping or housekeeping in districts covered by the county ordinance’s RV restriction; ask the Plan Commission how the restriction applies to your parcel1018.

Sources

  1. Floyd County: Building Permit Processes, quoted and re-checked
  2. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. New Albany: New Albany Code §150.060, Building Permit Required (Floyd County), quoted and re-checked
  4. New Albany: New Albany Code §156.01, Adopted by Reference (Floyd County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Floyd County Health Department: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. New Albany: New Albany Code §51.022, Permit Required Before Construction Commences (Floyd County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. Floyd County Health Department: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 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
  14. Floyd County: Building Permit Processes, quoted and re-checked
  15. Important Information on the Adoption and Implementation of the 2020 Indiana Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  16. Floyd County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  17. Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services (in.gov)
  18. Floyd County Plan Commission (in.gov)
  19. Floyd County Health Department (in.gov)
  20. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  24. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  25. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  26. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  27. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  28. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance Development Standards Guide, quoted and re-checked
  30. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Floyd County Subdivision Control Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Floyd County Health Department: Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  34. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  36. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Floyd County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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 4 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Floyd County has countywide zoning.

RuleFloyd CountyClark CountyHarrison CountyWashington CountyScott CountyCrawford CountyOrange County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoNot 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

Floyd County in Indiana

52
County map
Floyd County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Floyd County scores

Seclusion20100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% 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 →

$292kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$9,135Land / acre
49.5"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
8.5 / yr (+8)Mid-century 100°F days
13.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.1" (+10.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,570Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.27%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
548,444People within 30 min
5,263,578People within 2 hr
681,842Radius comparison (15 mi)
544.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
69%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
61.1%Wooded land
57.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Floyd 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: Franklin Township · Town of Georgetown · Town of Greenville · Lafayette Township · New Albany Township

Answers from the rulebook for Floyd County

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

Floyd County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family dwellings, additions, renovations/rehabilitations, and accessory structures in Floyd County.

    • Applications require the listed documents and attachments; new dwellings require health-department approval or a sewer tap-in receipt; new single-family dwellings require a site plan from an Indiana licensed surveyor or engineer.
    “Start of construction prior to permit issuance”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings subject to Floyd County Zoning Ordinance 2006-6.

    • The application states that there are no exceptions; final inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy are required before occupancy.
    “As the applicant for a building permit, I understand that I am required to request all inspections before a building can be occupied. Under Floyd County Zoning Ordinance 2006-6, it is unlawful to occupy a building until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Floyd County Building Commissioner. There are no exceptions to this rule.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning ordinance within Floyd County, excluding the City of New Albany planning jurisdiction, incorporated Georgetown and Greenville, and state or federal land.

    • The ordinance applies to all county land except the stated exclusions.
    • More restrictive applicable state, federal, or other governmental regulations control.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Floyd County zoning within the county planning jurisdiction.
      “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County, Indiana except”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in Floyd County's planning jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance excludes land within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany and the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville.
    • The ordinance also excludes land owned by the State of Indiana or United States.
    • Where other applicable regulations impose greater restrictions, the more restrictive provision controls.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County, Indiana except that which lies within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany, the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville or which is owned by the State of Indiana or United States.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County zoning within the Floyd County Plan Commission jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.
      “This Ordinance shall apply to all land within the Floyd County, Indiana except that which lies within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany, the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville or which is owned by the State of Indiana or United States.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Official Floyd County zoning districts and zoning map.

    • The Official Zoning Map is part of the ordinance and is located in the offices of the Floyd County Plan Commission and County Planner.
    • The ordinance identifies districts including AR, RR, RS, RU, MF, NC, GC, HS, OB, GI, and PR.
    • The map should be formally revised annually or as the Plan Commission determines necessary.
    “The Zoning Map for Floyd County is hereby included as part of this ordinance. The Zoning Map shall be formally known as the “Floyd County Zoning Map” and it may be cited as “Official Zoning Map” or “Zoning Map or “Official Zoning Atlas”.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Floyd County zoning districts and district-specific development standards.
      “General Industrial (GI) Development Standards”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwelling units in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.

    • A development plan is required in the MF district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.

    minimum living area per unit: >= 800 square feet

    “Minimum Living Area per unit 800 Square Feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Floyd County zoning districts.

    • Minimum lot area varies by district and use.

    minimum lot area: 87120 square feet (Agricultural Residential district; 2 acres) · minimum lot area: 37000 square feet (Rural Residential district) · minimum lot area: 12000 square feet (Residential Suburban district)

    “Minimum Lot Area 87,120 Square Feet ( 2 Acres) Minimum Lot Width 100 Feet Minimum Lot Frontage 100 Feet”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary and accessory structures in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.

    • A development plan is required in the MF district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.
    • Front-yard setbacks differ by street type.

    primary structure front-yard setback on arterial, collector, or local street: 60 feet · primary structure front-yard setback on subdivision street: 40 feet · primary and accessory structure side-yard setback: 20 feet · primary and accessory structure rear-yard setback: 25 feet

    “Primary Structure Front Yard Setback 60 Feet – Arterial, Collector or Local Street 40 Feet – Subdivision Street Primary and Accessory Structure Side Yard Setback 20 Feet Primary and Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback 25 Feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Primary and accessory structures in Floyd County zoning districts.
      “Primary and Accessory Structure Side Yard Setback 20 Feet”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surfaces in Floyd County's General Commercial (GC) district.

    • A development plan is required in the GC district under section 9.01 of the Floyd County Zoning Ordinance.
    • The cap applies to the square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surface.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 70 percent

    “Maximum Lot Coverage (Square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures and impervious surface shall not exceed: ) 70 Percent”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Primary structures, accessory structures, and impervious surfaces in Floyd County's Multi-Family Residential (MF) district.
      “Maximum Lot Coverage (Square footage of all primary structures, accessory structures and impervious surface shall not exceed: ) 65 Percent”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures in Floyd County zoning districts.

    • Maximum height is set by the applicable zoning district.
    • Church steeples, water towers, public utility transmission towers, and athletic-field lighting standards may exceed the district limit by twofold but may not exceed 70 feet total height.
    • Telecommunication towers and small wind turbines follow separate standards.

    maximum exception height: <= 70 feet (Certain listed structures may exceed the permitted height regulation by twofold)

    “The maximum height permitted shall be as noted”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Occupancy or use of a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes.

    • The rule is in the county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction, which excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, Georgetown, Greenville, and state or federal land.
    “At no time may anyone occupy a recreational vehicle”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles for living, sleeping, or housekeeping in the districts covered by Section 5.38.
      “At no time may anyone occupy a recreational vehicle or use a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home used as a primary dwelling in the Agricultural-Residential, Rural Residential, Residential Suburban, or Residential Urban zoning districts within the Floyd County zoning jurisdiction.

    • The zoning ordinance applies to all land in Floyd County except land within the planning jurisdiction of the City of New Albany, the incorporated towns of Georgetown and Greenville, and land owned by the State of Indiana or United States.
    • The ordinance does not use or define the term tiny home; this claim applies the district minimum ground-floor-area rules to a small dwelling proposed as a primary structure.
    • The proposed dwelling must satisfy all applicable zoning provisions and permits or certifications issued by the proper authority.

    minimum ground floor area: >= 950 square feet (Agricultural-Residential, Rural Residential, Residential Suburban, and Residential Urban districts)

    “Section 4.09 Agricultural-Residential District (AR) Development Standards [...] Minimum Ground Floor Area 950 square feet (Amended 5) [...] Section 4.14 Rural Residential District (RR) Development Standards [...] Minimum Ground Floor Area 950 Square feet (Amended 5) [...] Section 4.19 Residential Suburban District (RS) Development Standards: [...] Minimum Ground Floor Area 950 Square feet (Amended 5) [...] Section 4.24 Residential Urban District (RU) Development Standards [...] Minimum Ground Floor Area 950 Square feet (Amended 5)”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Residential and commercial onsite sewage systems administered by the Floyd County Health Department.

    • The program is governed by Indiana Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 and local ordinances.
    “Floyd County Health Department requires permits (Repair $75.00 fee/ Replacement $100.00 fee) for most repairs to your septic system and/or replacement septic system, including pump replacements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, repair, replacement, mound, and subsurface-drip onsite sewage systems in Floyd County.

    • Most repairs and replacements require permits.
    • The official fee schedule lists separate permit categories and fees.

    new septic system permit fee: 150 USD · repair permit fee: 75 USD · replacement permit fee: 100 USD · mound permit fee: 250 USD · subsurface drip permit fee: 250 USD

    “Floyd County Health Department requires permits (Repair $75.00 fee/ Replacement $100.00 fee) for most repairs to your septic system and/or replacement septic system, including pump replacements.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Development in Floyd County zoning districts; utility requirements vary by district.

    • Some districts require public water and sanitary sewer; other districts permit septic or sanitary sewer.
    • The ordinance's district-specific standards control.
    “Water Required connection to public water Sanitary Sewer May use either septic or sanitary sewer system”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    All land within the jurisdiction of the Floyd County Plan Commission.

    • The Plan Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove subdivision of land.
    • Infrastructure and services for drainage, water, sewage, and streets must exist or be guaranteed before subdivision.
    “The Plan Commission of Floyd County is vested under this statute with the authority to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove subdivision of land.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Floyd County Health Department environmental and septic fees.

    • The fee schedule includes separate fees for new, repair, replacement, mound, and subsurface-drip systems.

    new septic system permit: 150 USD · site approval: 40 USD · final re-inspection fee: 25 USD (per additional required inspection)

    “Septic System Related Fees Site Survey for New Septic System - $50.00 New Septic System Permit - $150.00 Septic System Repair Permit - $75.00 Septic Permit for System Replacement - $100.00 Mound Septic System Permit - $250.00 Subsurface Drip System Permit - $250.00 Final Re-Inspection Fee (per additional required) - $25.00 Site Approval - $40.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial building-permit process administered by Floyd County Building and Development Services.

    • Residential applications may be submitted online or in person; required attachments include health approval or sewer tap-in receipt, site plan, deed or purchase contract, and building plans; commercial development plans are required in listed zoning districts.

    residential application review time: 5-7 business days

    “The following materials shall be submitted and reviewed by the Floyd County Department of Building & Development Services PRIOR to the approval of a residential building permit. If any of the materials are absent, the building permit WILL NOT BE ISSUED until all required materials are submitted. Please allow 5-7 business days for review of your permit application.”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules, including one- and two-family residential construction administered locally.

    • The 2020 Indiana Residential Code is currently in effect for one- and two-family dwellings.
    • Indiana local units must require compliance with the building and fire-safety codes adopted in the Commission rules.
    • The cited state page separately lists the 2014 Indiana Building Code as currently in effect for applicable building-code projects.
    • Local enforcement and project-specific applicability remain subject to the applicable Indiana code rules and local administrative procedures.

    2020 Indiana Residential Code effective date: 2019-12-26 · 2014 Indiana Building Code effective date: 2014-12-01

    “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code [...] Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction on Class 2 structures and their accessory structures in Floyd County, Indiana, including one- and two-family residential construction governed by the Indiana Residential Code.
      “The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (675 IAC 14-4.4) went into effect on December 26, 2019. It applies to all construction on Class 2 structures and their accessory structures. The document consists of the International Code Council's (ICC) model 2018 International Residential Code, as modified by Indiana state amendments. Since that date, the 2020 Indiana Residential Code has been in full force and effect in every location within the state of Indiana.”
    • Adopted (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 Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
    • 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

    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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Most development activities in Indiana floodways, including fills, excavations, bridges, utilities, and non-residential structures.
      “The DNR Division of Water has jurisdiction in Indiana's floodways for most development activities.”
  • 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 exemption from Floyd County building requirements.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Floyd County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Floyd County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Floyd County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Floyd County.

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 Floyd County, Indiana

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

Floyd County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.5″/yr rainfall plus 61.1% wooded land and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 548,444 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Floyd County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Floyd County Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Floyd County is prohibited: Occupancy or use of a parked or stored recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes. The rule is in the county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction, which excludes New Albany's planning jurisdiction, Georgetown, Greenville, and state or federal land. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Floyd County, Indiana?

Land in Floyd County runs about $9,135 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Floyd County?

Floyd County gets about 49.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Floyd County?

A representative private-land location has about 548,444 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,263,578 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 Floyd compares in Indiana

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