Bolthole Index

Harrison County, Indiana

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

63Index Score / 100
#30 of 92 in Indiana

Harrison County, Indiana requires an Improvement Location Permit before construction, alterations or additions begin1. Harrison County has countywide zoning administered by the Plan Commission, while Environmental Health issues residential septic permits234.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction, alterations or additions begin1
Building code
Harrison County adopted Building Code Ordinance No. 2021-35
Zoning
Yes; district standards govern lots, setbacks, coverage and height67891011
Septic permit
Required for new residential systems and repairs through Environmental Health4
Manufactured home
Permit and safety inspection required; permanent residences must have at least 320 square feet1213
RV living
Countywide rules outside regulated campgrounds could not be confirmed; ask the Plan Commission143
Owner-builder
No building-permit exemption was confirmed; homeowner septic installation is a separate option1516
County-road driveway
A permit is required and the driveway permit fee is $017

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Harrison County Plan Commission

Improvement location permits, building inspections, certificates of occupancy, zoning requests, subdivisions, addresses and sign permits

(812) 738-8927

245 Atwood St. NE, Suite 215, Corydon IN 47112

Online permits →

Septic permits

Harrison County Health Department, Environmental Health

Residential septic-system permitting and inspection questions

812-738-3237, Option 3

241 Atwood Street, Corydon, Indiana

Septic permits

Harrison County Health Department — Septic Systems

Septic applications, inspections, fee information and installer resources

(812) 738-3237, Option 3

Septic permits

Harrison County Health Department — Homeowner Installation

Explains the exam required for a person who wants to install their own septic system

Roads & driveways

Harrison County Highway Department

County right-of-way and driveway permits

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 4, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Harrison 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 Harrison County, Indiana?

Yes. Harrison County requires an Improvement Location Permit before construction, alterations or additions begin, and a sewage-disposal permit and road cut-in permit may be prerequisites1. Harrison County also adopted Building Code Ordinance No. 2021-3, which the state commission approved in 20215. Applicants must complete the building-permit application and submit it to the Planner's Office, which provides an online permit portal and plan-review checklist183. The available county material does not establish that the same authority serves every incorporated municipality, so confirm jurisdiction with the Plan Commission before filing5.

Who handles Harrison County building permits and inspections?

The Harrison County Plan Commission handles Improvement Location Permits, building inspections, certificates of occupancy, zoning requests, subdivisions, address issuance and sign permits3. The office is at 245 Atwood St. NE, Suite 215, Corydon, and the phone number is (812) 738-89273. Permit applications can be submitted through the county's online Permit Management Portal3. Harrison County requires building inspections, and a manufactured or mobile home used as a residence must pass an inspection of its electrical, heating and plumbing systems before residential use19. The complete certificate-of-occupancy requirement and current county building-permit fees could not be confirmed; ask the Plan Commission when discussing the permit sequence3.

Does Harrison County, Indiana have zoning?

Yes. Harrison County has countywide zoning, an official zoning map and mapped zoning districts, and the Plan Commission processes rezoning, variance and special-exception requests2673. Minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height all vary by zoning district, with additional conditions tied to such details as lot type, right-of-way width, subdivision lines, septic service and proposed use891011. Public wastewater can change residential minimum-lot standards, and major subdivisions must use public water20. Land divisions also follow different procedures for major, minor, private and exempt subdivisions21. Ask the Plan Commission to confirm the parcel's mapped district and dimensional table before choosing a building site73.

How do septic permits work in Harrison County?

Harrison County Environmental Health requires a permit for new residential septic construction and repairs4. The department needs the owner's contact information, soil report, completed application and a flagged site, and a severe site problem can prevent issuance4. New-construction permits cost $150 and repair permits cost $504. County personnel inspect residential septic sites before construction and after installation, while commercial sites require state approval2223. Only about 14.8% of Harrison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle septic feasibility before fixing the house location24. A homeowner may install a septic system after passing the county installer exam, but that does not establish an exemption from the building permit1615.

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

Harrison County's complete countywide rule for living in an RV on an individually owned parcel could not be confirmed; Indiana's campground rule does not answer residential occupancy on individually deeded land14. A manufactured or mobile home may be placed only in a district that permits a dwelling, requires an Improvement Location Permit, and must be inspected before residential use12. A manufactured or mobile home with less than 320 square feet of living space cannot serve as a permanent residence in any Harrison County zoning district25. That threshold does not establish a general minimum size or complete occupancy rule for every tiny-home type, so give the Plan Commission the parcel, unit type, foundation and proposed use before purchase253.

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

  1. Ask the Plan Commission to confirm the zoning district, permitted dwelling type, dimensional standards and permitting jurisdiction783.
  1. Secure the soil report and residential septic permit from Environmental Health before relying on a house location4.
  1. Submit the Improvement Location Permit application and plan-review materials through the county portal before work begins1183.
  1. Apply online to the Harrison County Highway Department for a county-road driveway permit, which has no fee; INDOT handles connections to state highways1726.
  1. Obtain a county Floodplain Development Permit before work in an area of special flood hazard, with state floodway review where applicable2728.
  1. Schedule the required building and septic inspections with the Plan Commission and Environmental Health1922.

What should you check before buying land in Harrison County?

Start with the parcel's zoning district, minimum lot size, setbacks, coverage limit and height limit because Harrison County varies each standard by district7891011. Check septic feasibility early because only about 14.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field24. Confirm whether the tract is in a special flood-hazard area, where a county Floodplain Development Permit is required before development begins27. Verify legal access and the correct road authority because county-road access requires a county driveway permit and state-highway connections require INDOT permission1726. Ask Environmental Health whether the parcel needs a private-well permit because the available statewide source does not identify Harrison County's local rule2930.

Watch-outs

  • A manufactured or mobile home cannot be used as a residence until its electrical, heating and plumbing systems have been inspected13.
  • Major subdivisions must have public water, while wastewater service can change residential lot-size requirements20.
  • Harrison County building-permit fees, the complete certificate-of-occupancy requirement and the general tiny-home rule could not be confirmed; ask the Plan Commission before committing to a design3.

Sources

  1. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  2. Harrison County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  3. Harrison County Plan Commission (in.gov)
  4. How to get a septic permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission Meeting Minutes, quoted and re-checked
  6. Harrison County: Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  7. Harrison County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  8. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  9. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  10. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  11. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  12. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  13. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  14. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. (2026 county census)
  16. Harrison County Health Department — Homeowner Installation (in.gov)
  17. Harrison County: Right of Way & Driveway Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Harrison County Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. Harrison County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  20. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  21. Harrison County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Harrison County Environmental Health: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  23. Harrison County Environmental Health: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  26. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Harrison County Zoning Ordinance Amended 9/15/2025, quoted and re-checked
  28. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Harrison County Health Department, Environmental Health (in.gov)

Written October 4, 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, Harrison County has countywide zoning.

RuleHarrison CountyFloyd CountyCrawford CountyClark CountyWashington CountyPerry CountyOrange County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesNot 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

Harrison County in Indiana

63
County map
Harrison County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Harrison County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% 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 →

$272kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,877Land / acre
49.4"Annual rain
1.9% of yrsSevere drought
8.7 / yr (+8.3)Mid-century 100°F days
13.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.03" (+10.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,512Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.3%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
53,929People within 30 min
3,548,958People within 2 hr
119,857Radius comparison (15 mi)
82.6People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
58.9%Land at 15% slope or less
14.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
44,825 acWorkable land screen
52.4%Wooded land
50.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Harrison 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.

Blue River Township · Boone Township · Town of Corydon · Town of Crandall · Town of Elizabeth · Franklin Township · Harrison Township · Heth Township · Jackson Township · Town of Laconia · Town of Lanesville · Town of Mauckport · Morgan Township · Town of New Amsterdam · Town of New Middletown · Town of Palmyra · Posey Township · Spencer Township · Taylor Township · Washington Township · Webster Township

Answers from the rulebook for Harrison County

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

Harrison County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alterations, and additions subject to the Harrison County Improvement Location Permit requirement.

    • No construction, alterations, or additions may begin without an Improvement Location Permit issued by the Administrator.
    • A sewage-disposal permit and road cut-in permit may also be required before issuance.
    “No construction, alterations or additions of any kind may begin without an Improvement Location Permit issued by the Administrator.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Harrison County Ordinance No. 2021-3, Building Code of Harrison County, Indiana.

    • The ordinance was approved by the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission on April 6, 2021.
    • The approval record states that Ordinance No. 2021-3 was approved as submitted by a 10-0 vote.
    • The cited record does not establish that the ordinance is the only building-code authority applicable in every incorporated municipality.

    ordinance number: 2021-3 · approval date: 2021-04-06

    “Ordinance No. 2021-3 of Harrison County was approved as submitted, with a vote of 10-0.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Manufactured or mobile homes placed on Harrison County property and used as residences.

    • The inspection concerns the safety of the electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.
    • The inspection must occur before the home is placed on property and used as a residence.
    • This source does not establish an inspection requirement for every category of construction.
    “electrical, heating and plumbing systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building inspections administered through the Harrison County Plan Commission, including manufactured-home residential use.
      “No mobile or manufactured home may be placed on property in Harrison County and used as a residence until the designated Administrator has inspected, or caused to be made, an inspection of the home as to the safety of the electrical, heating and plumbing systems.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and land-use administration in Harrison County.

    • The Plan Commission processes change-of-zone applications, variances, and special exceptions.
    • Parcel zoning should be confirmed with the Plan Commission before land-use decisions.
    “The Official Zoning Map identifies the location and boundaries of the zoning districts and is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County zoning districts and zoning-map administration in Harrison County, Indiana.

    • The official zoning map identifies the location and boundaries of zoning districts.
    • The Planning Commission Administrator maintains the Official Zoning Map.
    • The Harrison County Plan Commission processes change-of-zone, variance, and special-exception requests.

    original zone map adoption date: 1974-06-03

    “The Official Zoning Map identifies the location and boundaries of the zoning districts and is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and dimensional standards.

    • The zoning map is a reference copy and parcel zoning should be confirmed with the Plan Commission.
    • Dimensional standards vary by zoning district.
    “The Official Zoning Map identifies the location and boundaries of the zoning districts and is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Ordinance.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Permanent manufactured or mobile-home residences.

    • The 320-square-foot minimum applies to mobile or manufactured homes used as permanent residences; this research did not establish a general minimum floor area for every dwelling type.

    minimum living space: >= 320 square feet (mobile or manufactured homes used as permanent residences)

    “No mobile or manufactured home of less than 320 square feet of living space shall be permitted as permanent residence in any zoning district.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots subject to Harrison County zoning dimensional standards.

    • Standards vary by zoning district.
    • The ordinance includes special septic-related lot-size notes and exceptions in the dimensional table.
    “Table 1b DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS MINIMUM MAXIMUM ZONE LOT SIZE LOT FRONTAGE* FRONT YARD EACH SIDE YARD REAR YARD LOT COVERAGE HEIGHT OF STRUCTURES”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks in Harrison County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and may change based on lot type, right-of-way width, recorded subdivision lines, and special uses.

    A-R front/side/rear yards: 50/25/25 feet · R-1 front/side/rear yards: 35/8/25 feet · B-1 front/side/rear yards: 15/15/15 feet

    “B-1 9,000 square feet 60' 15' 15' 15' 50% 30'”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum lot coverage in Harrison County zoning districts.

    • Coverage varies by zoning district.

    A-R lot coverage: 20 percent · R-1 lot coverage: 30 percent · B-1 lot coverage: 50 percent · I-1a lot coverage: 75 percent

    “I-1a No restrictions None 15' 15' 15' 75% 50'”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum structure height in Harrison County zoning districts.

    • Height varies by district; certain single-family dwellings may exceed 30 feet with increased side yards, and commercial or industrial increases may require increased yards.

    A-R height: 30 feet · R-3 height: 35 feet · I-2 height: 80 feet

    “I-2 No restrictions None 40' 30' 30' 75% 80'”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home placement and occupancy as scattered-site residences or temporary residences in Harrison County.

    • Scattered-site manufactured or mobile homes are permitted only in zones permitting installation of a dwelling unit and remain subject to the residential requirements and limitations of that zoning district.
    • An Improvement Location Permit is required before location, relocation, or establishment of a manufactured or mobile home.
    • No mobile or manufactured home under 320 square feet of living space may be used as a permanent residence in any zoning district.
    • A designated Administrator inspection addressing electrical, heating, and plumbing safety is required before residential use.
    • Temporary-use permits are subject to ordinance conditions, fees, and standards; construction-site temporary use requires that the conventional dwelling permit already have been issued.
    • Mobile home parks are special exceptions in the A-R district, require at least five acres, and require applicable health approvals.

    minimum living space for permanent residence: >= 320 square feet · mobile home park minimum tract size: >= 5 acres

    “less than 320 square feet of living space”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential onsite sewage systems in Harrison County.

    • Commercial sites require State approval before proceeding.
    “Qualified health department personnel inspect all residential septic system sites in the county prior to construction and after installation. They try to help make sure your septic system will perform properly and have a long life. If you are dealing with a commercial site, State approval must be granted before proceeding.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New residential septic construction and repairs in Harrison County.

    • The Health Department must receive the owner contact, soil report, completed application, and flagged site; issuance may be denied for a severe site problem.
    • Commercial sites require State approval.

    new construction fee: 150 USD · repair fee: 50 USD

    “your septic permit will be issued, unless there is a severe problem that prevents your site from being used.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Residential septic sites before construction and after installation.

    • Commercial sites require State approval before proceeding.
    “Qualified health department personnel inspect all residential septic system sites in the county prior to construction and after installation.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential zoning districts and major subdivisions where public wastewater or public water conditions apply.

    • The zoning table distinguishes public wastewater from onsite septic; major subdivisions must be served by public water.
    • Specific district, subdivision, and parcel conditions control.

    R-1 minimum lot size with public sewer: 10800 square feet (one acre if not on an approved sewage collection system) · R-2 single-family minimum lot size on public wastewater: 8000 square feet (onsite wastewater alternative is addressed in footnote 32,670 square feet) · major subdivision water service: public water supply

    “All major subdivisions shall be served by a public water supply.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Major, minor, private, and exempt land divisions subject to the Harrison County Subdivision Control Ordinance.

    • Major, minor, private, and exempt divisions have different procedures.
    • Subdivisions must also comply with zoning, building codes, floodplain, health, IDEM, and applicable INDOT rules.
    “The procedures for minor subdivisions shall be the same as for a major subdivision with the exception of primary plat approval. The sketch plan serves as the primary plat for minor subdivisions. All other requirements of section 3.3 are to be followed.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway or road access associated with an Improvement Location Permit and access to county roads.

    • A road cut-in permit issued by the state highway commission, county supervisor, or town must be submitted with an Improvement Location Permit application.
    • The Highway Department states driveway permits have no fee; right-of-way permits have a $50 fee.

    driveway permit fee: 0 USD · right-of-way permit fee: 50 USD

    “The Harrison County Highway Department issues Right-of-Way Permits and Driveway Permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Driveway access requiring a permit from the Harrison County Highway Department, including access involving county rights-of-way and county roads.
      “The Harrison County Highway Department issues Right-of-Way Permits and Driveway Permits. Right-of-Way and Driveway permit applications must now be submitted through an online application. The online application can be found at: https://harrisoncountyinhighway.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/harrisoncountyinhighway There is no fee for Driveway Permits.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities in areas of special flood hazard.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit is required before development activities commence in areas of special flood hazard.
    • Applications may require duplicate plans, site information, legal descriptions, development plans, and elevation information.
    • Failure to obtain the permit or comply with permit conditions is a violation.
    “A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit application process administered by the Harrison County Planner's Office.

    • Applicants must complete the application and submit it to the Planner's Office.
    • The Plan Commission provides a permit-management portal and a building-code plan-review checklist.
    “Please complete the "Application for Building Permits" form provided below and submit to the Harrison County Planner's Office.”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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 exemption from building permits or inspections.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Harrison County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside the floodplain-specific RV provisions.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Harrison County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Harrison County.
1 more unanswered
  • 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 Harrison County, Indiana

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

Harrison County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.4″/yr rainfall plus 52.4% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 53,929 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

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

How much does land cost in Harrison County, Indiana?

Land in Harrison County runs about $5,877 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Harrison County?

Harrison County gets about 49.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.

How remote is Harrison County?

A representative private-land location has about 53,929 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,548,958 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 Harrison compares in Indiana

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