Bolthole Index

Posey County, Indiana

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

61Index Score / 100
#33 of 92 in Indiana

Posey County, Indiana requires building permits and inspections from the county Building Department in areas outside Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville and Griffin, which use their own city process12. Zoning approval and Improvement Location Permits start with the Area Plan Commission3. Septic permits come from the Posey County Health Department, city or not4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in county-administered areas outside Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville and Griffin12
Zoning
Yes within the Area Plan Commission jurisdiction; district and overlay rules control56
Septic permits
Required for new and repair systems through the Posey County Health Department78
RV living
Private-parcel residential use is unconfirmed; campgrounds and RV parks require development review910
Tiny homes
Tiny-home developments follow manufactured-home-park standards plus zoning, code and permit review11
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed by the county; ask the Building Department before relying on one12
Agricultural buildings
Qualifying farm buildings remain permit-required but are exempt from county building fees13
Subdivision
Subdivision approval is required unless a UDO exemption applies14

Who to call

Building permits

Posey County Building Department

Issues construction permits and inspects residential and commercial construction outside the listed city limits

812-838-1324

ed.batteiger@poseycountyin.gov

126 East Third St. Room 132- Mt. Vernon

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Posey County Area Plan Commission Office

Answers zoning and subdivision questions and processes land-use and Improvement Location Permits

(812) 838-1323

areaplancommission@poseycountyin.gov

126 E Third Street Rm 132 Mt. Vernon, IN 47620

Online permits →

Septic permits

Posey County Health Department

Issues county septic and sewer permits

(812) 838-1328

100 Vista Dr. Mount Vernon, IN 47620

Roads & driveways

Posey County Highway Department

Answers county-road and access questions

(812) 838-1334

pchdroads@yahoo.com

1203 O’Donnell Road Mt. Vernon, IN 47620

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Posey 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 Posey County, Indiana?

Yes. The Posey County Building Department issues construction permits in county-administered areas, while Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville and Griffin are outside that county process115. The department requires staged inspections for residential and commercial work in its jurisdiction16. Indiana’s current one- and two-family standard is the 2020 Indiana Residential Code17.

A qualifying agricultural building on a farm of at least 50 acres can be exempt from county building fees when primarily used for agriculture, but all proper permits are still required13. A final inspection and certificate of occupancy are required before a county-administered residential or commercial building may be occupied18.

Who issues Posey County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Posey County Building Department issues construction permits and conducts inspections in county-administered areas15. Reach the department at 126 East Third St. Room 132- Mt. Vernon, 812-838-1324 or ed.batteiger@poseycountyin.gov; applications can begin in its online portal15.

The Posey County Area Plan Commission Office handles zoning, subdivision questions and Improvement Location Permit applications19. Reach planning at 126 E Third Street Rm 132 Mt. Vernon, IN 47620, (812) 838-1323 or areaplancommission@poseycountyin.gov19. Published planning fees include $75 for a mobile home, $125 for a special use or variance, $125 plus a recording fee for rezoning, and $100 for a site development plan20. Parcels inside Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville or Griffin use the relevant city process rather than the county Building Department2. Even inside those four cities, septic permits come from the Posey County Health Department4.

Does Posey County, Indiana have zoning?

Yes. The Posey County Unified Development Ordinance applies throughout the Area Plan Commission jurisdiction, except land wholly owned by state or federal government and subject to participating municipal jurisdictions5. The ordinance publishes agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, community-service and flood-hazard-overlay districts, so the parcel’s district and overlays control6.

Setbacks are district-specific rather than one countywide number. The ordinance measures front setbacks from the road centerline unless a recorded subdivision establishes otherwise, measures side setbacks from the property line, and includes examples such as 45 feet for a local-street front setback, 5 feet for a primary-structure side setback and 25 feet for a primary-structure rear setback21. Confirm the actual district table with the Area Plan Commission before siting a structure. All subdivisions need approval unless exempt under the ordinance, and some projects may also need development-plan or Drainage Board approval14.

How do septic permits work in Posey County?

The Posey County Health Department issues permits for new and repair private sewage systems78. Reach the department at 100 Vista Dr. Mount Vernon, IN 47620 or (812) 838-132822. A residential sewage permit costs $75 and a septic-repair permit costs $50; card transactions carry the published convenience fee23. A septic permit is required before the county issues the building or Improvement Location Permit for a septic-served structure unless the Health Officer has authorized an approved system24.

Indiana requires a compliant septic tank and soil absorption system when a dwelling cannot connect to sanitary sewer; drywells and cesspools are prohibited25. Only about 28.6% of Posey County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so test the intended homesite before finalizing a layout26. Ask the Health Department when notification and inspection must occur before covering the system because a standalone county inspection rule could not be confirmed.

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

Posey County does not provide a confirmed answer for long-term residential RV use on an individual private parcel. The county ordinance allows temporary lodging in tents, RVs and camping trailers within a campground or RV park, but establishing that use requires development-plan review and it cannot be in a floodplain or periodically flooded area9. Indiana’s campground rule does not authorize residential RV occupancy on an individually deeded lot10. Ask the Area Plan Commission about the parcel and intended duration before moving an RV onto it.

Tiny-home development projects are subject to Posey County’s manufactured-home-park standards as well as applicable zoning, development-plan, building-code and permit requirements11. A countywide minimum dwelling size and owner-builder exemption could not be confirmed, so ask planning about size and use and the Building Department about doing the work yourself1215.

Building a home in Posey County, Indiana: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is county-administered or inside Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville or Griffin2.
  2. Start with the Area Plan Commission for zoning and an Improvement Location Permit; planning may ask for a legal description, plot plan, existing-building locations, property-line distances and a fee273.
  3. If the home will use septic, obtain Health Department approval before the building or location permit is issued24.
  4. Submit the building application with the site plan, construction plans and state release when applicable3.
  5. Schedule required inspections during construction, preferably at least 24 hours ahead, with the address, owner, work and permit number23.
  6. Finish all applicable inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in28.

What should you check before buying land in Posey County?

Confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction, zoning district, overlays, setbacks and subdivision status with the Area Plan Commission before closing62129. Ask whether public sewer or water is available: certain developments must connect, and the jurisdiction may require sewer connection when a sanitary line is available within 300 feet of the property line30. Test the septic area early because only about 28.6% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field26.

Ask the Posey County Highway Department at (812) 838-1334 about county-road access because a local driveway-permit rule could not be confirmed31. A state-highway driveway needs INDOT permission32. Indiana DNR regulates most floodway development, while floodplain-fringe work has no state permit but may still need local approval3334. Countywide benchmarks are about $7,200 per acre for farmland, a 0.6% effective property-tax rate and a $1,370 median annual tax bill353637.

Watch-outs

  • The county Building Department does not administer construction inside Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville or Griffin, so use the relevant city’s process for a parcel within those limits2.
  • A qualifying agricultural building may avoid county permit fees, but it does not avoid the county’s permit requirement13.
  • Posey County requires the final inspection and certificate of occupancy before anyone moves into a county-administered residential or commercial building18.
  • A short-term rental must be a lawful dwelling that meets building-code requirements; an RV, travel trailer, motor vehicle or other structure not intended for permanent occupancy cannot be used for that purpose38.

Sources

  1. Posey County Building Commissioner (2026 county census)
  2. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  5. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  8. Posey County: Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  9. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Environmental Public Health: 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance 2026, quoted and re-checked
  12. (2026 county census)
  13. Posey County Building Commissioner Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  14. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Posey County Building Department (poseycountyin.gov)
  16. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  17. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Commissioner - Posey County Government Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  19. Posey County Area Plan Commission Office (poseycountyin.gov)
  20. Area Plan Commission, quoted and re-checked
  21. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Posey County Health Department (in.gov)
  23. Posey County: Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  24. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. 410 IAC 6-8.3 Residential On-Site Sewage Systems (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. Building Commissioner’s Office, quoted and re-checked
  28. poseycountyin.gov, quoted and re-checked
  29. poseycountyin.gov, quoted and re-checked
  30. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Posey County Highway Department (poseycountyin.gov)
  32. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Water: Community Assistance & Information (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  36. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Posey County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 its 6 neighbors, Posey County has countywide zoning.

RulePosey CountyVanderburgh CountyGibson CountyWarrick CountyPike CountySpencer CountyKnox County
Building permitRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Posey County in Indiana

61
County map
Posey County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Posey County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% 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 →

$242kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$7,200Land / acre
47.3"Annual rain
3.1% of yrsSevere drought
10.2 / yr (+9.3)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.12" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,642Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.71%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
122,972People within 30 min
1,780,350People within 2 hr
85,344Radius comparison (15 mi)
61.2People / sq mi
1.9%Federal land
93.3%Land at 15% slope or less
28.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
72,498 acWorkable land screen
20.3%Wooded land
58.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Posey 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: Bethel Township · Black Township · Center Township · Town of Cynthiana · Town of Griffin · Harmony Township · Lynn Township · Marrs Township · Mount Vernon · Point Township · Robb Township · Robinson Township · Smith Township

Answers from the rulebook for Posey County

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

Posey County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction permits administered by the Posey County Building Department in Posey County areas outside the city limits of Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville, and Griffin.

    • The county Building Department's process typically includes permit issuance and inspections from ground up.
    • The Building Department also handles code adoption, amendment, and enforcement for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural codes for both new and some existing construction.
    • For a building permit application, the county page states that an Improvement Location Permit from the Area Plan Commission is the first stop; that permit is not necessary for improvements without changing the present building footprint, subject to checking with the Area Plan Commission.
    • Applications must be filled out completely; the page lists site plans, construction plans, and a state release if applicable among potentially required materials.
    • Septic/sewer permits are obtained from the County Health Department.
    “The Building Department is responsible for issuing construction permits within the limits of Posey County. (Exceptions: city limits of Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville, and Griffin.) This process typically includes permit issuance and inspections from ground up.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction and residential or commercial structures built or remodeled in unincorporated Posey County.
      “The Building Department is responsible for issuing construction permits within the limits of Posey County. (Exceptions: city limits of Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville, and Griffin.) This process typically includes permit issuance and inspections from ground up.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential and commercial structures built or remodeled in Posey County outside the city limits of Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, Poseyville, and Griffin.

    • The county building department lists required inspections including soil and footings, foundation wall, underground electrical and plumbing, concrete slab, rough plumbing, rough-in electrical and mechanical, rough framing, insulation and caulking, and final inspection.
    • The cited county inspection responsibility excludes the listed city limits.
    “The Building Department is responsible for the inspection of all residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within Posey County (except the cities of Mt. Vernon, Poseyville, New Harmony, and Griffin.)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within Posey County outside the listed incorporated-city exceptions.
      “The Building Department is responsible for the inspection of all residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within Posey County (except the cities of Mt. Vernon, Poseyville, New Harmony, and Griffin.)”
    • Required — Residential and commercial structures built or remodeled in county-administered areas.
      “The Building Department is responsible for the inspection of all residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within Posey County (except the cities of Mt. Vernon, Poseyville, New Harmony, and Griffin.)”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings or premises created, erected, changed, converted, altered, or enlarged under the UDO.

    • No certificate may issue until all work is completed and all applicable inspections are completed.
    • The required driveway must be professionally installed and inspected by the appropriate street department before issuance.
    “A FINAL INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy of residential and commercial buildings administered by the Posey County Building Department.
      “A FINAL INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY. YOU CANNOT MOVE IN WITHOUT ONE — THAT INCLUDES BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning under the Posey County Area Plan Commission UDO, excluding wholly state- or federally-owned land and subject to participating municipal jurisdictions.

    • The UDO applies to all land within the APC jurisdiction except land wholly owned by State and Federal Governments.
    • Other required jurisdictional, state, and federal approvals remain necessary.
    “This UDO is enacted by the Posey County Commissioners and the legislative body(s) of the participating municipalities, including the Mount Vernon City Council, the Cynthiana Town Council, and the Poseyville Town Council [...] The UDO shall apply to all land within the jurisdiction of the APC except for wholly owned by State and Federal Governments.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and overlay district standards in the Posey County UDO.

    • The UDO lists agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, community-service, and flood-hazard-overlay districts.
    • The applicable district and overlay standards control.
    “Chapter 2: Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Front, side, and rear setbacks under the UDO zoning district standards.

    • Front setbacks are measured from the road centerline unless established otherwise by a recorded platted subdivision.
    • Side setbacks are measured from the property line.
    • The applicable district table controls.

    example local-street front setback: 45 feet from road centerline (District and road-class dependent) · example primary-structure side setback: 5 feet (District dependent) · example primary-structure rear setback: 25 feet (District dependent)

    “determined by the Development Standards table for the subject zoning district”
  • Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)

    Camping in a campground or recreational-vehicle park.

    • A development plan is required before establishing a campground or RV park or obtaining an ILP/building permit.
    • Permitted temporary lodging includes tents, RVs, camping trailers, and similar structures.
    • Campgrounds cannot be located in a floodplain or area subject to periodic flooding.
    “Temporary, non-permanent lodging structures, such as tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), camping trailers”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny-home development projects regulated by the Posey County UDO.

    • The UDO applies the manufactured-home-park standards to tiny-home development projects.
    • Applicable zoning, development-plan, building-code, and permit requirements therefore apply.
    “shall apply to tiny home development projects.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic and sewage-permit administration by the Posey County Health Department.

    • The county Building Department page directs applicants to the County Health Department for septic/sewer permits.
    “Septic/ Sewer Permits from the County is obtained from the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Sewage and septic permitting administered by the Posey County Health Department.
      “Septic/ Sewer Permits from the County is obtained from the Health Department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New and repair private sewage disposal systems administered by the Posey County Health Department.

    • The application must be filled out completely before submission.
    • The source lists separate residential, industrial, and repair fees.

    new sewage permit residential fee: 75 USD · new sewage permit industrial fee: 100 USD · septic system repair permit fee: 50 USD

    “POSEY COUNTY HEALTH DEF'-ARTMENT APPLICATION FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL PERMIT [...] private sewage disposal system for this residence will be installed strictly as defined on the application”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Development subject to Posey County UDO utility-connection provisions.

    • Certain development types must connect to public sewer and water.
    • The jurisdiction may require connection to sanitary sewer and discontinuance of privies, cesspools, septic tanks, and similar structures when sanitary sewer is available within 300 feet of the property line.
    • Subdivision sewer connection is subject to provider acceptance or approval.

    available sanitary sewer distance: <= 300 feet from property line (The subdivision provision includes an exception when the sewer district/provider does not accept or approve the connection.)

    “within three hundred (300) feet of the property line”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings on farms in Posey County that meet the county fee-schedule definition.

    • The agricultural building must be located on a farm of not less than fifty acres.
    • It must be primarily used for an agricultural purpose, including raising livestock, storing livestock products, storing agricultural products, or storing farm equipment or machinery.
    • All proper permits must still be obtained; the exemption is from fees, not from permits.
    • The fee schedule also defines churches separately and includes them in the fee exemption.

    minimum farm size: >= 50 acres

    “AGRICULTURAL BUILDING: A building which will be located on a farm of not LESS THAN FIFTY (50) ACRES, primarily used for an agricultural purpose, including but not limited to the raising of livestock, storing of livestock products, storing of agricultural products, or the storing of farm equipment or machinery. [...] While all proper permits must be obtained for the construction of Agricultural Buildings and Churches, as previously defined, said buildings shall be EXEMPT from ANY FEE set out in this “Schedule of Fees.””
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions within the APC UDO jurisdiction.

    • The APC decides plats, replats, and amendments to plats.
    • Primary and secondary plat approval are separate phases.
    • Primary plat approval is effective for five years, with a possible one-year extension if requested at least 30 days before expiration and an automatic two-year extension upon partial secondary plat approval.

    primary plat approval period: 5 years (subject to stated extension provisions)

    “Because subdivisions are subject to two (2) phases of approval (primary plat and secondary plat), the following policies for transition apply:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision activity within the APC jurisdiction.
      “The regulations established for the administration of a Subdivision Control Ordinance under IC 36-7-4-700 series are covered specifically in this UDO by Chapters 6, 7, and 8. [...] The APC shall make decisions regarding plats, replats, and amendments to plats in accordance with Chapter 8: Subdivision Administration and Procedures, the APC Rules and Procedures, and IC 36-7-4-700 series”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals under the Posey County UDO.

    • Short-term rentals are allowed only in lawfully built dwelling units meeting building-code requirements.
    • An accessory dwelling unit may qualify under the ADU standards.
    • RVs, travel trailers, similar structures, motor vehicles, and structures not intended for permanent human occupancy are prohibited as short-term-rental structures.
    “Short-term rental units shall only be allowed in lawfully built dwelling units”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Area Plan Commission land-use, special-use, mobile-home, variance, rezoning, and site-development-plan applications.

    • The Area Plan Commission page states a filing fee is required at filing.
    • The page lists fees of $125 for special use, $75 for mobile homes, $125 for variance, $125 plus recording fee for rezoning, and $100 for site development plan.

    special use fee: 125 USD · mobile home fee: 75 USD · variance fee: 125 USD · rezoning fee: 125 plus recording fee USD (recording fee to be determined) · site development plan fee: 100 USD

    “Filing Fee required at time of filing. Fees: Special Use $125.00 Mobile Homes $ 75.00 Variance $125.00 Rezoning $125.00 + Recording Fee (to be determined) Site Development Plan $100.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published Posey County environmental-health and Area Plan Commission permit fees.
      “New Sewage Permit- Residential: $75.00 New Sewage Permit- Industrial: $100.00 Septic System Repair Permit: $50.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building permit application and inspection process in Posey County outside the listed city limits.

    • Before a building permit application is issued, the applicant may need an Improvement Location Permit from the Area Plan Commission, unless the improvement does not change the present building footprint.
    • Applications must be completed fully and accurately.
    • The county page lists a site plan, construction plans, and state release if applicable.
    • Inspections should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance when possible and require the site address, owner name, specific work, and permit number if available.
    “Before a building permit application is issued, you may need to provide some or all of the information below. First stop is the Area Plan Commission to acquire an Improvement Location Permit. If you are doing improvements without changing your present foot print of the building, the Improvement Location Permit is not necessary. (Check with the Area Plan Commission.) Application forms must be filled out completely and to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and land-use permit processes outside the listed incorporated-city exceptions.
      “Before a building permit application is issued, you may need to provide some or all of the information below. First stop is the Area Plan Commission to acquire an Improvement Location Permit.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and land-use permit process in county-administered areas.
      “Before a building permit application is issued, you may need to provide some or all of the information below. First stop is the Area Plan Commission to acquire an Improvement Location Permit. If you are doing improvements without changing your present foot print of the building, the Improvement Location Permit is not necessary. (Check with the Area Plan Commission.)”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Statewide Indiana construction subject to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission's adopted building codes, including the Indiana Building Code and Indiana Residential Code.

    • The adopted codes consist of model codes amended for Indiana.
    • The 2014 Indiana Building Code under 675 IAC 13-2.6 is currently in effect and became effective December 1, 2014.
    • The 2020 Indiana Residential Code under 675 IAC 14-4.4 is currently in effect and became effective December 26, 2019.
    • Specific applicability depends on the structure and code category.

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

    “The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission creates Indiana codes by adopting model codes and amending them to apply in Indiana.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Indiana one- and two-family residential construction, including applicable Posey County projects.
      “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 codes applicable in Posey County.
      “675 IAC 14-4.4 | 2020 Indiana Residential Code [...] 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 [...]”
  • 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.”
  • 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 — Whether an owner-builder exemption from Posey County building-permit or contractor requirements is available for construction in unincorporated Posey County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Posey County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Posey County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Posey County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits under the Posey County UDO.
5 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection

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 Posey County, Indiana

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

Posey County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 122,972 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

Land in Posey County runs about $7,200 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Posey County?

Posey County gets about 47.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.1% of years.

How remote is Posey County?

A representative private-land location has about 122,972 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,780,350 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 Posey compares in Indiana

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