Bolthole Index

Henry County, Indiana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Henry County, Indiana

47Index Score / 100
#75 of 92 in Indiana

Unincorporated Henry County, Indiana requires a building permit before an owner or agent constructs, enlarges, alters or moves a structure1. Henry County also has zoning under its Development Code, administered by the Planning Commission2. Septic permits, inspections and approvals come from the Henry County Health Department3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction, enlargement, alteration or movement of a structure in unincorporated Henry County1
Zoning
County Development Code administered by the Planning Commission2
Septic authority
Henry County Health Department permits, inspects and approves onsite systems3
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed — ask Planning & Zoning4
Septic-friendly soil
0% of the county's soil is free of severe limits for a conventional drain field5
Farmland value
About $8,606 per acre6
Property tax
0.7% effective rate, about $1,050/yr median bill78
Residential building code
The statewide Indiana Residential Code applies to covered one- and two-family homes9

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Planning & Zoning Department

Building permits, zoning permits, plot-plan review, and staffing the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for Henry County; the county's 'Building Department' shares this same office

(765) 529-7408

hcpcpermits@henrycounty.in.gov

1201 Race Street, New Castle, IN 47362

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department — Environmental Health Division

On-site sewage system (septic) permit applications for Henry County

(765) 521-7059

environmental@henrycounty.in.gov

216 S. 12th St., New Castle, IN 47362

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department — Septic Permit Process

Publishes Henry County's septic permit process and fee schedule: soil test, application, technical specification data sheet, contractor plan, on-site evaluation, permit, final inspection

Roads & driveways

Henry County Highway Department

Driveway, field-entrance, excavation and oversize/overweight load permits on Henry County roads

765-529-4100

202 W County Road 50 North, New Castle, IN 47362

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

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

Unincorporated Henry County requires an owner or agent to obtain a building permit before constructing, enlarging, altering or moving a structure1. The statewide 2020 Indiana Residential Code applies to covered one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Henry County; other covered construction falls under Indiana’s building-code rules910. Henry County requires plot plans for additions, new structures, roofline alterations and other exterior remodeling11. Indiana’s agricultural exemption concerns the state Class 1 design-release requirement for qualifying farm-use buildings; we could not confirm a Henry County exemption from local building or zoning requirements, so ask Planning & Zoning before relying on it12.

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

Henry County’s Planning & Zoning Department handles county building and zoning applications at 1201 Race Street, New Castle, IN 47362; call (765) 529-740811. Bring a plot plan for a new structure, addition, roofline alteration or other exterior remodeling11. A complete and accurate application can take up to 10 days from acceptance to permit issuance11. The building application packet directs applicants to Henry County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division for septic installation and Henry County Highway Department for a driveway permit on a county road11. Ask Planning & Zoning which building and zoning authority serves the parcel before applying, especially inside municipal limits.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Henry County has a Development Code administered by its Planning Commission, with zoning districts and district-specific minimum lot sizes2. The county guidance here concerns unincorporated land; we could not confirm the complete boundary between county and municipal zoning authority. Ask Henry County Planning & Zoning which jurisdiction and district govern the parcel, then request the applicable setbacks, lot size and permitted uses11. We could not confirm Henry County’s rules for RV residence, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, minimum dwelling size, building height or lot coverage. Describe the proposed dwelling and use to Planning & Zoning before buying11.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

Henry County requires septic permits through the Henry County Health Department, which also inspects and approves onsite sewage systems133. Submit a soil test and application; the department prepares the Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours after receiving both14. A contractor must submit a system plan before the onsite evaluation; a compliant plan receives a septic permit, and the department conducts the final inspection1315. Published septic fees are $225 for new construction, $200 for replacement or expansion, $75 for component repair or replacement, $50 to connect to an existing system and $200 for commercial projects; conflicting renewal fees require confirmation with the Health Department16. Inside Shirley, where public sewer is unavailable, private sewage construction also requires notification through the Superintendent and Town Council permission; county health requirements still apply17. Henry County’s soil survey rates 0% of mapped land as free of severe limitations for conventional drain fields, making the parcel-specific soil test essential5.

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

We could not confirm a Henry County rule that generally allows long-term RV residence or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Henry County does have zoning districts under its Development Code, so the Planning & Zoning Department should confirm the permitted use and dimensional rules for the specific parcel2. Indiana's campground rule addresses RV occupancy at regulated campground campsites, not residential occupancy on an individually deeded lot, so it does not answer whether you may live in an RV on your own Henry County land18. Before buying for either use, describe the structure, foundation, utilities, duration of occupancy and parcel location to Planning & Zoning at (765) 529-740811. Ask the Health Department separately how the proposed dwelling will satisfy sewage requirements3.

Building on land in Henry County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Henry County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction, zoning district, proposed use, setbacks and lot standards2.
  1. Order the required soil test and submit it with the septic application to Henry County Health Department13.
  1. Have the septic contractor submit a system plan, complete the onsite evaluation, obtain the septic permit and arrange the final inspection1315.
  1. Obtain a Henry County Highway Department permit for a new or modified driveway on a county road; an approach on a state highway instead requires permission through INDOT's permit system1920.
  1. Submit the county building and zoning application with a plot plan for new construction or exterior remodeling; a complete, accurate application may take up to 10 days for permit issuance11.
  1. If the site is in a floodway, determine whether Indiana DNR approval is required before construction21.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: 0% of Henry County's mapped soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, but only a parcel-specific soil test can determine a workable design5. Identify whether access is from a county road or state highway because separate driveway authorities apply1920. Check flood maps as well: Indiana DNR oversees most floodway development, while flood-fringe work has no state permit but may still require local approval2122. Henry County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median yearly bill near $1,05078. Typical home insurance is about $1,529 per year23. The land is largely gentle: 98.9% is at a slope of 15% or less, while 12.4% is wooded2425. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 31 miles from the county center26.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm an owner-builder exemption from Henry County’s building permit requirement; ask Planning & Zoning what permits and contractor requirements apply to your project4.
  • The soil survey rates 0% of Henry County land as free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so require a parcel-specific soil test before assuming a lot can support the proposed system5.
  • Indiana's campground and RV-park rules govern licensed campgrounds, not year-round RV living on your own deeded lot — confirm your specific rule with Henry County Planning & Zoning instead18.

Sources

  1. Henry County Building/Zoning Permit Application (2026 county census)
  2. Henry County Planning Department (2026 county census)
  3. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. (2026 county census)
  5. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  6. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  7. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  8. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  9. DHS: Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  10. DHS: Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  11. Henry County Planning & Zoning Department (henrycounty.in.gov)
  12. Plan Review FAQs (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  14. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  15. Henry County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  16. Henry County: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  17. Town of Shirley: Shirley Code § 52.05 Private Treatment or Disposal of Wastewater (Henry County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Henry County Highway Department (henrycounty.in.gov)
  20. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

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

RuleHenry CountyDelaware CountyRush CountyWayne CountyHancock CountyFayette CountyMadison County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Wayne CountyCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Henry County in Indiana

47
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency49100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability84100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →

$195kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$8,606Land / acre
44.3"Annual rain
1.8% of yrsSevere drought
2.9 / yr (+2.9)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.78" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,529Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.99%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
123,484People within 30 min
6,421,011People within 2 hr
104,405Radius comparison (15 mi)
124.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
98.9%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
12.4%Wooded land
40.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Henry 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: Town of Blountsville · Blue River Township · Town of Cadiz · Dudley Township · Town of Dunreith · Fall Creek Township · Franklin Township · Town of Greensboro · Greensboro Township · Harrison Township · Henry Township · Jefferson Township · Town of Kennard · Town of Knightstown · Town of Lewisville · Liberty Township · Town of Middletown · Town of Mooreland · Town of Mount Summit · New Castle · Prairie Township · Town of Spiceland · Spiceland Township · Town of Springport · Stoney Creek Township · Town of Straughn · Town of Sulphur Springs · Wayne Township

Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage disposal systems in Henry County.

    • The Health Department administers permitting, inspection, and approval while ensuring compliance with state and local regulations.
    “The Henry County Health Department oversees the permitting, inspection, and approval of on-site sewage disposal systems to ensure they meet state and local regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal systems in Henry County.
      “The Henry County Health Department oversees the permitting, inspection, and approval of on-site sewage disposal systems to ensure they meet state and local regulations.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site sewage disposal systems in Henry County.

    • A soil test and application are required.
    • The contractor must submit a septic system plan before an on-site evaluation.
    • The permit is issued if the plan complies with code.
    • Fees vary by project type.

    new construction fee: 225 USD · replacement and/or expansion fee: 200 USD · repair of system component only fee: 75 USD · connect to existing system fee: 50 USD · renew expired permit fee: 200 USD · commercial project fee: 200 USD

    “Your contractor must submit a septic system plan to the Health Department before an on-site evaluation can be scheduled. [...] If the plan complies with code, your septic permit will be issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage systems in Henry County.
      “Your contractor must submit a septic system plan to the Health Department before an on-site evaluation can be scheduled.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of septic systems in Henry County.

    • The Henry County Health Department conducts the final inspection.
    • A copy of the inspection approval is kept on file.
    “The Henry County Health Department will conduct the final inspection of your septic system. A copy of the inspection approval will be kept on file at our office.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Henry County Health Department septic-permit fees.

    • The page lists fees by project type; the renewal amount differs between the detailed process page and the general permits page, so the current renewal fee requires confirmation before reliance.

    new construction: 225 USD · replacement and/or expansion: 200 USD · repair/replacement of system component: 75 USD · connect to existing system: 50 USD · commercial projects: 200 USD

    “New Construction | $225 Replacement and/or expansion | $200 Repair/ Replacement of a system component | $75 Connect to an existing system | $50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Henry County Health Department septic permit fees.
      “Permit fees are as follows: New construction – $225.00 Replacement and/or expansion – $200.00 Repair of a system component only – $75.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Henry County Health Department septic permit process.

    • Soil testing is required.
    • The applicant obtains a septic permit application from the Health Department.
    • The office prepares a Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours after receiving soil-test results and the completed application.
    • The contractor submits a septic system plan before an on-site evaluation.
    • The permit is issued if the plan complies with code.
    • A final inspection is conducted.

    technical specification data sheet turnaround: 48 hours (after receipt of soil test results and completed application)

    “Once we receive your soil test results and completed application, our office will prepare your Technical Specification Data Sheet within 48 hours.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Henry County has adopted a Development Code (zoning) administered by its Planning Commission, with zoning districts such as the RR district and minimum lot sizes.

    Henry County Planning Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

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

    • Whether a building permit or plan review is required depends on the applicable local jurisdiction's administrative ordinance or process.
    • The cited IDHS statement says local jurisdictions retain authority to establish departments, create inspection schedules, establish fines, and create an order-review process.
    • IDHS states its summary represents the agency's position and is not binding; initial determinations about enforceability of a specific ordinance are left to the local unit administering it.
    “However, HEA 1575 did not eliminate the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce administrative provisions in building and fire safety ordinances, which include, among other things: (1) the establishment of departments; (2) the requirement to obtain a building permit or plan review; (3) the creation of inspection schedules; (4) the establishment of fines; or (5) the creation of an order review process.”
  • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses subject to the statewide Indiana Residential Code, including those in Henry County.
      “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code | 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/26/2019”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Indiana building and residential construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rules.
      “675 IAC 13-2.6 | 2014 Indiana Building Code | International Building Code, 2012 Edition, First Printing ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2009 Edition, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/1/2014”
    • Adopted — Indiana building and residential codes applicable to building work in Henry County under state authority.
      “675 IAC 13-2.6 | 2014 Indiana Building Code | International Building Code, 2012 Edition, First Printing ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2009 Edition, First Printing | Currently in Effect Effective: 12/1/2014 [...] 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

    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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    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-occupant of a single-family residence seeking to construct or perform work in Henry County, Indiana.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Henry County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Henry County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and maps in Henry County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Henry County.
10 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • 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 Henry County, Indiana

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

Henry County scores 47/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 123,484 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

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

How much does land cost in Henry County, Indiana?

Land in Henry County runs about $8,606 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 44.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.8% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 123,484 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,421,011 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 Henry compares in Indiana

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