Bolthole Index

Putnam County, Indiana

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

65Index Score / 100
#25 of 92 in Indiana

Unincorporated Putnam County, Indiana requires an Improvement Location Permit for covered construction and county zoning approval for land use12. Inside Roachdale and Bainbridge, confirm town approvals before relying on the county process34. Putnam County Health Department septic approval must precede the county construction permit; Roachdale also requires a town-signed private-sewage permit where public sewer is unavailable56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction in county-administered areas1
Zoning
County UDO governs unincorporated land; confirm municipal approvals inside town limits2
Septic permit
Required before septic construction and before the county construction permit5
Owner-builder
Allowed for personal use or occupancy with a Contractor Listing Exemption7
RV living
Living, sleeping, housekeeping and utility connections are prohibited for stored RVs in covered residential districts8
Manufactured or tiny home
Manufactured homes are recognized as dwellings, subject to state and local rules; no specific tiny-home rule confirmed910
Private well
A Putnam County permit requirement was not confirmed; ask the Health Department before drilling11

Who to call

Building permits

Putnam County Building and Planning Department

Building permits, zoning administration, inspections and floodplain administration in county-administered areas

(765) 301-9108

planning@co.putnam.in.us

1 W Washington St. 4th Floor. Room 46 Greencastle. IN

Septic permits

Putnam County Health Department, Environmental Services Division

On-site sewage permits, inspections and environmental complaints in Putnam County

(765) 653-0203

Online permits →

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 Putnam County, Indiana?

Covered construction in unincorporated Putnam County needs an Improvement Location Permit or other required building permit before work starts; starting early triggers twice the current permit fee1. In Roachdale, residences, business buildings and mobile or manufactured homes require a building-permit application, notice to adjacent owners and Town Council approval3. Putnam County Health Department handles county on-site sewage approval, and Roachdale also requires a Superintendent-signed private-sewage permit where public sewer is unavailable126. Commercial and other covered structures in Putnam County follow the statewide 2014 Indiana Building Code, based on the 2012 International Building Code with Indiana amendments13. Residential and mobile-structure codes are listed separately; ask Building and Planning which applies to the project14. An owner building for personal use or occupancy may execute a Contractor Listing Exemption but remains responsible for construction, building permits, fines and penalties15.

Who is the Putnam County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Putnam County Building and Planning Department issues building permits and handles zoning, inspections and floodplain administration for unincorporated land16. Call (765) 301-9108 or email planning@co.putnam.in.us16. The county lists Cloverdale, Bainbridge, Roachdale and Russellville in its building-permit territory, but Roachdale also requires Town Council approval for covered construction; ask both offices which approvals your project needs13. For Greencastle or Fillmore construction, confirm the building-permit authority locally rather than assuming county coverage2. Putnam County Health Department handles county on-site sewage approval; Roachdale's private-sewage rule adds a town-signed permit where public sewer is unavailable126. County building inspections require at least 24 hours' notice, with no same-day appointments; check the building permit for the project's required inspections17.

Does Putnam County have zoning?

Putnam County's Unified Development Ordinance governs unincorporated land and lists Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale and Russellville as participating towns2. Roachdale adopted the county UDO, while Bainbridge has an adopted town zoning ordinance and map; confirm town zoning approvals before using county standards inside either town184. Putnam County Health Department remains the septic authority in Bainbridge, while Roachdale requires a town-signed private-sewage permit where public sewer is unavailable196. For Greencastle property, the county directs zoning questions to the city20. On county-governed land, lot size, setbacks, coverage and height vary by district and use21222324. Agricultural residential setbacks are 50 feet in front and 25 feet at the side and rear22. The stated minimum dwelling sizes apply to multifamily units in specified residential districts, rather than every detached house25.

How do septic permits work in Putnam County?

The Putnam County Health Department administers both state and local on-site sewage rules12. A Health Department permit is required before construction begins on a new, repaired, replaced or upgraded septic system, and that approval must precede the county construction permit5. Call the Environmental Services Division at (765) 653-020326. The published packet lists a $225 fee for a new system along with an application, soil evaluation, plans, deed and plat5. A registered installer must notify the Health Department at least 2 business days before installation, and the department performs a final inspection27. Only about 4.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency28.

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

In residential districts governed by the Putnam County UDO, a parked or stored recreational vehicle or trailer cannot be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping, and utility connections are prohibited8. The same rule allows one recreational vehicle or trailer to be stored in the open on a lot when the applicable side- or rear-yard setback is met8. Indiana recognizes manufactured homes as dwellings, but their placement remains subject to health, safety, zoning and building rules9. In unincorporated Putnam County, a manufactured-home park requires Planned Unit Development and site-plan approval, and placing a manufactured home requires an Improvement Location Permit29. We could not confirm a specific Putnam County tiny-home occupancy rule; ask the Building and Planning Department how the proposed foundation, construction type and use fit the parcel's zoning. An accessory dwelling is a separate option on a parcel with a principal single-family dwelling, subject to shared utilities, owner occupancy and other conditions30.

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

  1. Ask the Building and Planning Department to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and required zoning approval3116.
  1. Arrange the soil evaluation and obtain the Putnam County Health Department septic permit before seeking the county building permit5.
  1. Submit the Improvement Location Permit application before starting work; premature construction costs twice the current permit fee1. If building for your own use or occupancy, execute the Contractor Listing Exemption if applicable15.
  1. Secure a driveway permit from the authority controlling the road; an entrance on an Indiana state highway requires an INDOT permit32. Qualifying commercial-freight-oriented sites may have no more than two entrances, and their state-road entrances need INDOT approval before construction33.
  1. Schedule each required building inspection at least 24 hours ahead and have the septic installer give the Health Department at least 2 business days' notice1727.
  1. Obtain the required certificate of occupancy before using the completed building34.

What should you check before buying land in Putnam County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: the county UDO does not govern every municipality, and district standards change what and where you may build220. Make an offer contingent on septic feasibility because only about 4.2% of Putnam County soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation28. We could not confirm a separate Putnam County private-well permit requirement; Indiana warns that some local health departments require approval, so ask Environmental Services before drilling11. Check the flood map early because development in a special flood hazard area is subject to county flood-protection standards, including elevation requirements for new or substantially improved residences in Zone A or AE35. Confirm legal road access with the authority that controls the road, and remember that a state-highway connection needs INDOT permission32. If dividing land, county subdivision review may apply36.

Watch-outs

  • Starting covered construction before obtaining the required Putnam County permit triggers a fee equal to twice the current permit fee1.
  • A stored RV in a covered residential district cannot be occupied for living, sleeping or housekeeping or connected to utilities8.
  • Roachdale requires town construction approvals and Bainbridge has an adopted town zoning ordinance, even though the county lists both in its jurisdiction; confirm approvals with Building and Planning and the relevant town before proceeding2034.

Sources

  1. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Town of Roachdale: Roachdale Code § 151.02, Building Permit Policy and Variances (Putnam County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Bainbridge: § 153.03 Zoning Ordinance and Map Adopted (Putnam County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Putnam County: Environmental, quoted and re-checked
  6. Town of Roachdale: Roachdale Code § 53.03, Private Sewage Disposal System (Putnam County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. IC 16-41-27 Health Sanitation and Safety: Mobile homes and manufactured homes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance (2026 county census)
  11. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Putnam County: Environmental, quoted and re-checked
  13. DHS: Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  14. Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, quoted and re-checked
  15. co.putnam.in.us, quoted and re-checked
  16. Putnam County Building and Planning Department (co.putnam.in.us)
  17. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Town of Roachdale: Plan Commission | Town of Roachdale (Putnam County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Town of Bainbridge: Putnam County: Environmental (Putnam County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. irp.cdn-website.com, quoted and re-checked
  26. Putnam County Health Department, Environmental Services Division (in.gov)
  27. Information Packet for Obtaining a Permit for an On-Site Sewage Disposal System, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance Adopted Version, quoted and re-checked
  30. irp.cdn-website.com, quoted and re-checked
  31. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. irp.cdn-website.com, quoted and re-checked
  34. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. irp.cdn-website.com, quoted and re-checked
  36. Putnam County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RulePutnam CountyParke CountyHendricks CountyMontgomery CountyMorgan CountyClay CountyBoone County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Putnam County in Indiana

65
County map
Putnam County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Putnam County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency77100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$280kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$8,265Land / acre
44.8"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
4.9 / yr (+4.6)Mid-century 100°F days
13.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.84" (+10.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.85×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,564Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
35,691People within 30 min
3,803,489People within 2 hr
50,237Radius comparison (15 mi)
78.2People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
85.4%Land at 15% slope or less
4.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
12,660 acWorkable land screen
35.9%Wooded land
67.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Putnam 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: Clinton Township · Town of Cloverdale · Town of Fillmore · Floyd Township · Franklin Township · Greencastle · Greencastle Township · Jackson Township · Jefferson Township · Madison Township · Marion Township · Monroe Township · Russell Township · Town of Russellville · Warren Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Putnam County

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

Putnam County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction requiring an Improvement Location Permit or other required permit in county-administered areas.

    • The county Building Department issues permits for all unincorporated areas and the Towns of Cloverdale, Bainbridge, Roachdale, and Russellville.
    • Construction started before obtaining the required permit incurs twice the current permit fee.

    premature-construction fee multiplier: 2 times current permit fee

    “Any person initiating construction of a structure BEFORE obtaining an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) or other required permits must pay TWICE the amount of the current permit fee.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual constructing a dwelling or structure for personal use or occupancy in areas served by the Putnam County Building Department.

    • The individual must execute a Contractor Listing Exemption.
    • The individual signing the exemption accepts all responsibility for construction, permits, fines and penalties.
    • The general rule requires any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity engaging in construction activity requiring a building permit to be a listed contractor.
    • The Putnam County Building Department issues permits for all unincorporated areas and the Towns of Cloverdale, Bainbridge, Roachdale, and Russellville.
    “However, an individual constructing a dwelling or structure for personal use or occupancy shall execute a “Contractor Listing Exemption”.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An individual constructing a dwelling or structure for personal use or occupancy.
      “However, an individual constructing a dwelling or structure for personal use or occupancy shall execute a “Contractor Listing Exemption”. The individual signing the contractor listing exemption accepts all responsibility for construction, permits, fines and penalties.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building inspections for projects administered by the Putnam County Building Department.

    • At least 24 hours' notice is required.
    • Same-day inspections are not accommodated.
    • Applicants must check the building permit for the inspections required for the particular project.

    minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours (same-day inspections unavailable)

    “Please provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice for all inspections. We cannot accommodate same-day inspections. Please book in advance, as availability is not guaranteed.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings and structures subject to the Putnam County UDO.

    • No building or structure erected or altered after adoption may be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy is issued upon completion.
    • The certificate confirms compliance with the UDO and imposed approval conditions.
    “No building or structure erected or altered after the date of adoption of this Ordinance can be occupied or used unless a certificate of occupancy has been issued for that building or structure upon completion of construction.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning and development regulation in Putnam County unincorporated areas.

    • The UDO also applies in the incorporated Towns of Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale, and Russellville.
    • The UDO does not establish county administration of zoning inside the City of Greencastle or Town of Fillmore.
    “This Ordinance applies to all real property located within the unincorporated areas of Putnam County, Indiana, and the incorporated areas of the Town of Bainbridge, Indiana, the Town of Cloverdale, Indiana, the Town of Roachdale, Indiana, and the Town of Russellville, Indiana.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Putnam County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and participating towns.

    • The county UDO applies to unincorporated areas and the Towns of Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale, and Russellville.
    • The City of Greencastle directs zoning questions to its City Planner; municipal rules therefore vary by jurisdiction.
    “The Zoning Department reviews all zoning issues for the unincorporated areas of the County as well as the Towns of Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale, and Russellville. For properties within the City of Greencastle, please reach out to the City for more information.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and district standards under the Putnam County UDO.

    • The official UDO identifies A1, A2, R1-R5, C1-C3, I1-I2, NR, DT, IN, and PUD districts.
    • The official current zoning map is maintained by the Planning Department and may be periodically amended.
    “The zoning map classifies land into different zoning districts. Those districts are described in CHAPTER 2: ZONING DISTRICTS.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Multifamily dwelling units in the R3, R4, and R5 residential districts.

    • Minimum living area varies by dwelling type.
    • The UDO table lists efficiency, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and additional-bedroom thresholds.

    efficiency unit minimum living area: >= 550 square feet · one-bedroom unit minimum living area: >= 650 square feet · two-bedroom unit minimum living area: >= 800 square feet · three-bedroom unit minimum living area: >= 1000 square feet · additional bedroom minimum living area: per 100 square feet per bedroom over three

    “The multifamily dwelling minimum living area requirement is based upon the type of dwelling: • Efficiency unit – 550sf • One-bedroom unit – 650sf • Two-bedroom unit – 800sf • Three-bedroom unit – 1,000sf • For each additional bedroom over three add an additional 100sf”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and dwelling types in Putnam County zoning districts.

    • Minimum lot size varies by zoning district and use.
    • Agricultural districts require 43,560 square feet; residential single-family minimums range from 3,500 to 15,000 square feet.

    A1/A2 minimum lot size: >= 43560 square feet · R1 single-family minimum lot size: >= 15000 square feet · R5 single-family minimum lot size: >= 3500 square feet

    “Single-Family Detached Dwelling Minimum Lot Size (square feet) 15,000 7,200 6,000 4,200 3,500”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks in Putnam County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district and use.
    • Agricultural residential setbacks are 50 feet front, 25 feet side, and 25 feet rear; agricultural nonresidential setbacks are 60 feet front, 50 feet side, and 50 feet rear.

    agricultural residential front setback: >= 50 feet · agricultural residential side setback: >= 25 feet · agricultural residential rear setback: >= 25 feet

    “Residential Uses Minimum Front Setback 50’ 50’ Minimum Side Setback 25’ 25’ Minimum Rear Setback 25’ 25’”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot coverage in Putnam County zoning districts.

    • Lot coverage varies by district and use.
    • Residential maximum lot coverage ranges from 35% in R1 to 80% in R5.
    • Agricultural districts list maximum lot coverage as not applicable.

    R1 maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent · R5 maximum lot coverage: <= 80 percent

    “Maximum Building Height 35’ 35’ 40’ 45’ 55’ Maximum Lot Coverage 35% 50% 60% 70% 80%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building height in Putnam County zoning districts.

    • Height varies by district and use.
    • Agricultural residential uses are limited to 35 feet and agricultural nonresidential uses to 55 feet.
    • Residential district maximums range from 35 to 55 feet.

    agricultural residential maximum height: <= 35 feet · agricultural nonresidential maximum height: <= 55 feet

    “Maximum Building Height – Residential Uses 35’ 35’ Maximum Building Height – Non-Residential Uses 55’ 55’”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles and trailers in residential districts governed by the Putnam County UDO.

    • One recreational vehicle or trailer may be stored in the open on a lot, subject to side-yard or rear-yard setback compliance.
    • Storage inside accessory buildings is allowed.
    • Living, sleeping, housekeeping, and utility connections are prohibited.

    open-storage RV limit: 1 vehicle or trailer per lot

    “Parked or stored recreational vehicles and trailers cannot be occupied or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes. Connections to gas, electric, water, or sanitary sewer service are prohibited.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Long-term placement and occupancy of manufactured-home dwellings in a manufactured home park in Putnam County’s unincorporated areas.

    • The UDO applies to all real property in the unincorporated areas of Putnam County and to the incorporated areas of Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale, and Russellville.
    • A manufactured home park is a parcel containing two or more dwelling sites with required improvements and utilities leased for long-term placement of manufactured-home dwellings.
    • The park must be at least 5 acres.
    • The park must be approved as a Planned Unit Development.
    • Site plan approval is required.
    • The park must be developed under the applicable UDO article.
    • The PUD ordinance must include the listed provisions unless otherwise approved by the Legislative Body.
    • An Improvement Location Permit is required for placement of any manufactured home.
    • A manufactured home may not be located under overhead electric lines.
    • Manufactured homes must be skirted before occupancy.
    • Accessory structures must meet setback requirements and require an Improvement Location Permit.
    • Parking must be provided on the manufactured-home site or in common parking facilities and must not interfere with pedestrian walkways.
    • Sidewalks at least 5 feet wide must be provided along at least one side of the street.
    • Covenants must be submitted with the PUD and recorded before issuance of an Improvement Location Permit for the site.
    • The county’s manufactured-dwelling permit requirements require a permit application, building plans, plot plan, septic or municipal sewer permit, HOA approval letter, and driveway cut permit; HUD homes additionally require foundation plans, floor plans, a licensed Indiana installer, HUD label and data plate photographs, and a transfer/moving permit.
    • The UDO states that its effective date is the latest of statutory publication, filing, and December 1, 2023; December 1, 2023 is therefore not asserted as the exact effective date.

    minimum park area: >= 5 acres · minimum dwelling sites: >= 2 sites · sidewalk width: >= 5 feet

    “Manufactured home parks must: • Be a minimum of 5 acres; • Be approved as a Planned Unit Development; • Require site plan approval; and • Be developed in accordance with the requirements of this Article.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units on a lot or parcel with a principal single-family dwelling.

    • No more than one accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot or parcel.
    • It must share the principal dwelling's sewage disposal and water supply systems.
    • Its living area cannot exceed 50% of the principal dwelling's square footage.
    • The owner must live on the premises and maintain it as the primary residence.
    • No new access point or driveway may be created for the accessory dwelling.
    • A detached unit must meet principal-building setbacks and applicable design standards.
    • A deed restriction or other legal instrument must be approved and recorded.

    maximum accessory dwelling floor area: <= 50 percent of principal dwelling square footage

    “An accessory dwelling unit is permitted within a single-family detached dwelling or as a separate dwelling unit on the same lot or parcel with a principal dwelling unit. No more than one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on any lot or parcel.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage disposal in Putnam County.

    • The Putnam County Health Department enforces both state and local onsite sewage rules.
    “The Putnam County Health Department enforces all state and local rules governing on-site sewage disposal with the goal of safeguarding public health and assuring that residential and commercial on-site sewage disposal systems (septic systems) in Putnam County are properly permitted, installed, maintained, and operated in an environmentally safe manner.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, repair, replacement, or upgrade work on septic systems in Putnam County.

    • A permit from the Putnam County Health Department must be obtained before construction begins on the septic system.
    • The septic permit is required before obtaining a county construction permit.
    • The 2025 packet requires an application, $225 fee for a new system, soil evaluation, plans, deed, and plat.

    new system permit fee: 225 USD (other permit types have separate fees)

    “A permit from this office must be obtained before any construction begins on a septic system and is required prior to obtaining a construction permit from the Putnam County Planning and Building Office.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of permitted septic systems in Putnam County.

    • The Health Department conducts a final inspection after the required steps are completed.
    • The registered installer must contact the Health Department two business days before starting installation.

    installer notice: >= 2 business days before installation

    “Upon completion of all the steps the septic system may be installed. A final inspection conducted by the Putnam County Health Department will be completed and a copy will be provided for the homeowner, and a copy will be kept on file in our office. The registered installer is to contact the Health Department two (2) business days PRIOR TO STARTING THE INSTALLATION.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and subdivisions governed by the Putnam County UDO.

    • Administrative subdivisions involve lot-line adjustments or mergers.
    • Minor subdivisions create four or fewer lots including the parent parcel and use a one-step secondary-plat process.
    • Major subdivisions use primary- and secondary-plat approval, with primary-plat approval delegated to the Plan Commission.

    minor subdivision lot limit: <= 4 lots including parent parcel (subdivisions exceeding the limit require major-subdivision approval)

    “A minor subdivision results in four or fewer lots (including the parent parcel) and does not involve the creation of new interior streets, adjustments to design standards, or the creation of common areas.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access serving qualifying commercial-freight-oriented sites and entrances on State Highways or State Roads.

    • A CFO site may have up to two entrances.
    • If an entrance is on a State Highway or State Road, an INDOT driveway permit must be obtained before constructing the entrance.
    • Other access restrictions, including no-access easements, may apply near intersections.

    maximum CFO site entrances: <= 2 entrances

    “A CFO site may have up to 2 entrances. Entrances must meet 5.10(E)(5) Access Point requirements. If an entrance is on a State Highway or State Road, a driveway permit from INDOT must be obtained prior to constructing the entrances.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Putnam County special flood hazard areas and floodplain overlay areas.

    • Structures in the special flood hazard area must be protected from flood damage below the flood protection grade.
    • The requirement applies to residential and nonresidential construction, qualifying additions or improvements, qualifying repairs, new manufactured homes, and RVs or travel trailers installed for more than 180 days.
    • New residential construction or substantial improvement in Zone A or AE must have the lowest floor, including basement, at or above the flood protection grade.

    substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of existing structure value excluding land (addition or improvement cost)

    “In Zone A and Zone AE, new construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure must have the lowest floor; including basement, at or above the FPG.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and development applications under the Putnam County UDO.

    • Applicants check the zoning map and district text, determine required approvals, obtain the applicable form, submit the application package, and undergo staff review.
    • Depending on the application, the matter is forwarded to the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals.
    “Once you complete the application package, submit it to the County Planning Department. Staff then begins the review process. Typically, the first step is an administrative review by the Committee (representatives of different departments).”

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 — Commercial and other structures governed by the Indiana Building Code throughout Indiana, including Putnam County.
      “675 IAC 13-2.6 | 2014 Indiana Building Code [...] Currently in Effect Effective: 12/1/2014”
    • Adopted — Indiana building construction governed by the Indiana Building Code, including construction in Putnam County where that code applies.
      “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'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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private property in Putnam County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Putnam County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Putnam County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Putnam County, Indiana

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

Putnam County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics: 44.8″/yr rainfall and 35.9% wooded land and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 35,691 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Putnam County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Putnam County Health Department, Environmental Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Putnam County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles and trailers in residential districts governed by the Putnam County UDO. One recreational vehicle or trailer may be stored in the open on a lot, subject to side-yard or rear-yard setback compliance. Storage inside accessory buildings is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Putnam County, Indiana?

Land in Putnam County runs about $8,265 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Putnam County?

Putnam County gets about 44.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Putnam County?

A representative private-land location has about 35,691 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,803,489 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 Putnam compares in Indiana

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