Bolthole Index

Randolph County, Indiana

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Parker City, Indiana

The Town of Parker City, Indiana requires a town permit for a private septic system wherever no public sewer is available, with a $25 permit and inspection fee1. Zoning inside the town runs under the Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance2. We could not confirm the town's own rule for general building permits, so start with Randolph County Area Planning and the Building Commission3.

At a glance

Building permit
Randolph County requires a local permit for most building work; whether the town issues its own is unconfirmed4
Zoning
County Unified Zoning Ordinance map covers Parker City; parcel district not confirmed2
Septic
Town permit required where no sewer is available; $25 permit and inspection fee1
Sewer hookup
Required within 60 days of notice if public sewer is within 300 feet5
Septic lot size
No soil-absorption septic permit on lots under 20,000 square feet6
Owner-builder
A homeowner may be listed as general contractor on a county building permit7
Manufactured home
Mobile home on residentially zoned land outside a licensed park needs a Special Exception; RV and tiny home rules in town not confirmed8

Who to call

Building permits

Randolph County Building Commission

Building permits, contractor registration and construction inspections for Randolph County; whether it also covers addresses inside Parker City town limits is not confirmed

(765) 584-0275

325 S Oak Street, Suite #204 Winchester, IN 47394

Zoning

Randolph County Area Planning & Zoning

Zoning for Randolph County, including the county zoning map that covers Parker City, and Improvement Location Permits

(765) 584-8610

Septic permits

Randolph County Health Department

Residential on-site septic permits, plan review, inspection and final approval in Randolph County

(765) 584-1155

325 South Oak Street, Suite #202 Winchester, IN 47394

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 24, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Parker City means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Parker City, Indiana have zoning?

Parker City is covered by the Randolph County zoning map: the county's Unified Zoning Ordinance adopts its districts on a map of the county, its cities and its towns, and Parker City is among them2. That makes it a county rule applied inside the town, not a separate Parker City ordinance2.

We could not confirm which district any given Parker City parcel sits in, so lot size, setbacks and what a residential district allows are open. The county says other buildable lot sizes apply within city or town limits depending on the zoning district9. Randolph County Area Planning and Zoning can tell you the district and the setbacks for a parcel10.

The county's zoning office also states that placing a mobile home on residentially zoned property outside a licensed mobile home park needs Special Exception approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals8.

Do you need a building permit in Parker City, and who issues it?

Randolph County's Building Commission says the construction, alteration, demolition or repair of any building, except maintenance, requires a local permit4. Before a building permit, Area Planning issues an Improvement Location Permit3.

What we could not confirm is whether the Town of Parker City runs its own building permit process for addresses inside town limits. Indiana leaves the permit requirement to each local jurisdiction11, so ask the Parker City town office and the Randolph County Building Commission which one issues your permit12.

A homeowner may perform work on the homeowner's own home without contractor registration13, and a county building permit can list a homeowner as general contractor7. Permit fees come from the county's form BC5 fee schedule14; the Improvement Location Permit cost depends on the improvement and the zoning district15.

How do septic permits work inside Parker City?

Parker City's code makes privies, septic tanks and cesspools unlawful except as the code allows16. A private septic system is allowed only where no public sanitary sewer is available, and the owner must get a written permit signed by the town superintendent before construction starts17. The permit and inspection fee is $25, paid to the town when the application is filed1.

No permit is issued for a soil-absorption system on a lot under 20,000 square feet; that is a sanitary limit, not a zoning lot size6. Tell the superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portions are covered18.

The Randolph County Health Department also recommends the septic system suitable for each site19, and its permit fee is $85.00 when the approved plans are picked up20. We could not confirm how the town and county steps are sequenced, so call both21.

Do you have to connect to the Parker City sewer?

Parker City's code requires the owner of a house or building used for human occupancy that abuts a street, alley or right-of-way with a public town sewer to connect, within 60 days after official notice, if the public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line5. Sewer connection work needs a written permit from the clerk-treasurer on a special town form22. The residential building sewer permit and inspection fee is $15, paid to the clerk-treasurer when the application is filed23.

The county adds that a sewer tap permit or approval from the city or town may be required for utility connections24. Water connection and private well rules inside town limits are unconfirmed; ask the town office.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Parker City?

We could not confirm Parker City's rules for living in an RV, a tiny home or a manufactured home on a lot inside town limits. The county zoning use tables that would answer this were not confirmed for the town, so ask Randolph County Area Planning and Zoning before you buy10.

Two county facts are worth knowing. In the Agricultural Limited district, a one-story residence needs at least 950 square feet of ground-floor living area, which rules out most tiny homes there25. And a recreational vehicle installed on a site in a floodplain area for more than 180 days triggers the floodplain development provisions26. Neither is confirmed to be the rule for a given Parker City lot.

Building a home in Parker City: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Randolph County Area Planning which zoning district your parcel is in and what setbacks apply10.
  2. Find out whether public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line; if so, plan on a sewer connection through the town5.
  3. If no sewer is available, get the town superintendent's septic permit1 and the Randolph County Health Department's septic approval20.
  4. Obtain an Improvement Location Permit from Area Planning3.
  5. Apply for the building permit and confirm with the Building Commission and the town office which of them issues it4.
  6. Schedule inspections: the county asks that you call (765) 584-0275 for inspections27, and the septic system needs inspection and final approval from the Health Department28.

What stays with Randolph County, and what to check before you buy

For land outside the town limits, see the Randolph County page. Inside Parker City, floodplain rules, the Health Department's septic review and the county zoning ordinance all still matter. Randolph County requires a Floodplain Development Permit before development in areas of special flood hazard29.

The county says you do not need a permit for a driveway on your property30; a driveway onto a state highway needs INDOT permission31.

Randolph County's effective property tax rate is 0.8%32, with a median bill of $881 a year33. USDA rates 0% of Randolph County soils as not limited for a conventional septic drain field, so expect a site evaluation or an engineered system on lots without sewer34.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether Parker City issues its own building permits or whether the Randolph County Building Commission does for addresses in town; ask both before you pay for plans4.
  • Parker City's septic permit comes from the town superintendent, and the Randolph County Health Department separately reviews on-site systems, so budget for two sets of fees and inspections120.
  • A septic system with soil absorption cannot be permitted on a Parker City lot under 20,000 square feet6.
  • Sites with unsuitable moraine soils or more than 50% clay may need additional testing or may be rejected by the county Health Department19.

Sources

  1. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  2. Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance (March 2026 version), Area Planning Commission (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  3. Randolph County: Apply Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Randolph County: Home Owner Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  6. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  7. Randolph County: Home Owner Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Randolph County: Area Planning Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Randolph County: Area Planning Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  10. Randolph County Area Planning & Zoning (in.gov)
  11. in.gov (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Randolph County Building Commission (in.gov)
  13. Randolph County: Area Planning Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  14. Randolph County: Review Building Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  15. Randolph County: Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  16. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  17. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  18. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  19. Randolph County: Septic System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. Randolph County: Septic System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Randolph County Health Department (in.gov)
  22. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  23. Parker City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51: Sewers (sections 51.25 to 51.42) (Town of Parker City), quoted and re-checked
  24. Randolph County: Obtain Improvement Location Permit, quoted and re-checked
  25. Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance, March 2026, quoted and re-checked
  26. Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance 2026, quoted and re-checked
  27. Randolph County: Building Commission, quoted and re-checked
  28. Randolph County: Septic System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  29. Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance, March 2026, quoted and re-checked
  30. Randolph County: Area Planning Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  31. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  34. 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

Written October 24, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Parker City

Town of Parker City’s own rules

  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots inside Parker City town limits served by a private sewage system using subsurface soil absorption. This is a sanitary permit limit, not a zoning lot-size rule.

    • No permit may be issued for a subsurface soil absorption system on a lot under 20,000 square feet.
    • Zoning minimum lot area for residential districts was not reviewed and is not answered by this claim.

    lot area for subsurface soil absorption permit: >= 20000 square feet (no permit shall be issued where the area of the lot is less than this value)

    “no permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than 20,000 square feet.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems on lots inside Parker City town limits where no public sanitary sewer is available.

    • Town superintendent issues the written permit and inspects the system.
    • Type, capacity, location and layout must comply with state board of health recommendations.
    • Health officer may impose additional requirements.
    “before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the superintendent.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A private sewage disposal system built inside Parker City town limits where no public sanitary sewer is available under § 51.26(g).

    • Permit must be obtained before construction of the private system begins.
    • Subsurface soil absorption systems require at least 20,000 square feet of lot area (see minimum_lot_size claim).

    private sewage disposal system permit and inspection fee: 25 USD (paid to the town at the time the application is filed)

    “before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the superintendent. a permit and inspection fee of $25 shall be paid to the town at the time the application is filed.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    A private sewage disposal system built inside Parker City town limits.

    • Applicant must notify the superintendent when work is ready for final inspection and before underground portions are covered.
    • Inspection must be made within 24 hours of the superintendent receiving notice.
    • Permit does not take effect until installation is completed to the superintendent's satisfaction.
    “the applicant for the permit shall notify the superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies, septic tanks, cesspools and similar sewage disposal facilities inside Parker City town limits.

    • Such facilities are unlawful except as the code provides.
    • Permitted only where no public sanitary sewer is available under § 51.26(g), and then only as a private sewage disposal system under § 51.27.
    • Septic tanks and cesspools may not discharge to any natural outlet.
    “except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Houses and buildings used for human occupancy inside Parker City town limits that abut a street, alley or right-of-way with a public town sanitary sewer.

    • Connection is required only where the public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line.
    • Owner must connect within 60 days after official notice.
    • Owner must grant a right of access easement to the building sewer for repair and inspection.
    • Water connection is not addressed in this record; see followups.

    distance from property line to public sanitary sewer: <= 300 feet · connection period after official notice: 60 days

    “is required at his or her expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, within 60 days after the date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building sewer connection permits and private sewage disposal system permits inside Parker City town limits. Building and zoning permit fees were not found.

    • Residential or commercial building sewer permit and inspection fee is $15.
    • Industrial building sewer permit fee is $25.
    • Private sewage disposal system permit and inspection fee is $25.
    • Fees are paid when the application is filed; the sewer fees are paid to the clerk-treasurer.

    residential or commercial building sewer permit and inspection fee: 15 USD (clerk-treasurer, at time of application) · industrial building sewer permit fee: 25 USD (clerk-treasurer, at time of application) · private sewage disposal system permit and inspection fee: 25 USD (paid to the town at time of application)

    “a permit and inspection fees of $15 for residential or commercial building sewer permit and $25 for an industrial building sewer permit shall be paid to the clerk-treasurer at the time the application is filed.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Sewer connection and private septic permits inside Parker City town limits. The general building and zoning permit process was not found.

    • Building sewer work requires a written permit from the clerk-treasurer on a special town form before any connection.
    • The applicant must request inspection before connection to the public sewer.
    • Excavations must be barricaded and lit, and disturbed streets and sidewalks restored.
    “the applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the superintendent when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Parker City

Town of Parker City does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts that apply to land inside Parker City town limits under the Randolph County Unified Zoning Ordinance. This is a county rule, not a Parker City ordinance.

    • The county zoning map covers its two cities and seven towns, including Parker City.
    • The district assignment for individual parcels inside Parker City was not verified; the district tables were not opened.
    “the zoning district classifications and symbols listed in table 1.01.1 are hereby adopted and established as designated on the “zoning map of randolph county, indiana, its two cities and seven towns””

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Parker City or Randolph County directly.

  • Building permit — New residential construction inside Parker City town limits (general building permit, not sewer or septic)
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from building permits inside Parker City town limits
  • Building code adopted — Residential building code adopted for construction inside Parker City town limits
  • Inspections — General building inspections for construction inside Parker City town limits
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy for new buildings inside Parker City town limits
15 more unanswered
  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Parker City publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Randolph County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Randolph County: county rules, score and offices