Bolthole Index

Washington County, Indiana

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

67Index Score / 100
#21 of 92 in Indiana

Washington County, Indiana requires a site improvement application for a new home in county jurisdiction outside Salem city limits and its annex area.1 Start with the Highway Department if the project involves a new driveway, extension or culvert replacement, then secure septic approval before applying to the Building Department.2

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new homes in county jurisdiction outside Salem and its annex area1
Zoning
County zoning applies where Salem or Livonia ordinances do not; authority depends on the parcel34
Septic permit
Required through the Washington County Health Department56
RV or camper
Requires a site improvement application; flood-hazard areas add placement limits78
Tiny home
An off-site manufactured unit needs approved identification and a site improvement application9
Owner-builder
An owner may manage the project, but permits, code, inspections and occupancy approval still apply10
Private well
County permit requirement unconfirmed; ask Environmental Health before drilling1112

Who to call

Building permits

Washington County Building Department

Site improvement applications, residential inspections, certificates of occupancy, county zoning questions and local floodplain development review

812-883-0139

buildingdepartment@washingtoncounty.in.gov

601 Anson Street, Salem, IN 47167

Septic permits

Washington County Health Department Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal permits, septic plan review, inspections and environmental-health questions

(812) 883-5603 ext. 8

cboling@washingtoncounty.in.gov

806 Martinsburg Road, Suite 100, Salem, IN 47167

Roads & driveways

Washington County Highway Department

Driveway permits for new driveways, driveway extensions and culvert replacements on county-controlled roads

812-883-3538

600 Anson Street, Salem, IN 47167

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

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. Washington County requires a site improvement application for a new single-family or multifamily home in county jurisdiction outside Salem city limits and its annex area.1 Residential additions and remodels, attached garages, mobile, modular or manufactured homes, temporary structures, RVs and campers also appear on the required-project list.13 Decks, roofing, pools and remodeling that does not add living area are listed as not requiring that application, although another permit may still apply.1 Fees are based on gross project area, including basements and garages, and the published schedule runs from $50 through $500.14 Washington County enforces Indiana building code and county codes, and the Indiana residential code is in effect statewide.15

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

The Washington County Building Department handles site improvement applications and county building-code administration at 601 Anson Street, Salem, IN 47167; call 812-883-0139 or email buildingdepartment@washingtoncounty.in.gov.8 Give the office the project location first because the applicable authority depends on the parcel's municipal, township or county jurisdiction.4 Washington County requires evaluations at each phase of covered construction with at least 24 hours' notice; missed evaluations can bring fines or stop-work orders.16 A property owner may act as project manager or builder, but required permits, code compliance, evaluations, health requirements and the certificate of occupancy still apply.10 A final inspection determines compliance, and the certificate of occupancy must be issued before a new home is occupied.17

Does Washington County have zoning?

Yes. Washington County maintains zoning regulations and a Plan Commission, but the controlling authority varies by location: the county land-use chapter applies where Salem or Livonia ordinances do not, and subdivisions in the ordinance's specified Washington Township territory go to the Salem Plan Commission.4 The county publishes its zoning ordinance, amended zoning regulations, airport overlay ordinance and related planning documents.18 Ask the Building Department to identify the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district and controlling standards before designing the project.8 The Building Commissioner lists setbacks of 5 feet from a property line and 10 feet from a residence without saying whether they are universal or project-specific.19 Subdivision is regulated, though the specific thresholds and procedure were not confirmed.208

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

The Washington County Health Department's Environmental Health section issues residential private-sewage permits; commercial sites require state approval.21 For a new system, first receive the driveway permit, then submit the septic application, ownership documents and $100 fee.6 A certified soil scientist must test the site, and the installer must complete plan review before the construction permit is issued.6 County environmentalists inspect residential septic sites before construction and after installation.22 The office is at 806 Martinsburg Road, Suite 100, Salem, IN 47167; call (812) 883-5603 ext. 8 or email cboling@washingtoncounty.in.gov.12 Only about 29.9% of mapped soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so resolve septic feasibility before fixing the house site.23

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

Washington County requires a site improvement application for an RV, camper or temporary structure in county jurisdiction, and those temporary units do not receive a permanent emergency-service address.78 In a special flood-hazard area, an RV must be on site for less than 180 days and remain licensed and highway-ready, or it must meet the requirements for a manufactured home.7 That floodplain rule does not answer how long an RV may be occupied on every private parcel, so ask the Building Department about the proposed location, duration, utilities and residential use.8 An off-site manufactured tiny home or cabin in county jurisdiction needs a HUD identification plate or Indiana industrialized-building or modular marking, plus a site improvement application and any applicable septic, driveway, stormwater and inspection approvals.9 Washington County's available rules do not establish a general minimum dwelling size or temporary-camping allowance.24

Building a home in Washington County: what are the steps?

  1. Give the Washington County Building Department the project location and plans so it can confirm jurisdiction, zoning, setbacks and required permits.25
  1. If installing a driveway, adding an extension or replacing a culvert, obtain the Highway Department permit before applying for the building permit; a driveway permit also comes before the septic permit and permanent address when applicable.126
  1. Apply to Environmental Health for septic approval, arrange the certified soil test and have the installer complete plan review.6
  1. Submit the site improvement application to the Building Department; soil disturbance above 1 acre also requires a Construction Stormwater General Permit.2
  1. Request each construction evaluation at least 24 hours ahead, then complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in.2
  1. For a state-highway entrance, apply through Indiana's electronic permit system.27

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Confirm whether county, municipal or township authority governs the parcel before relying on a listing's description of permitted use.4 If the tract may be divided, ask the Building Department which plan commission must review it before committing to a layout.208 Indiana DNR approval is required before regulated structures, excavation or other development begins in a state-waterway floodway, and other permits may still apply.28 Commission a soil evaluation before fixing a homesite because only about 29.9% of mapped soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field.23 Confirm legal road access and the correct driveway authority; state-highway access needs Indiana permission, while applicable county access work goes through the Highway Department.2726 The standalone private-well permit requirement could not be confirmed, so ask Environmental Health before drilling.1112

Watch-outs

  • Washington County requires construction evaluations at least 24 hours in advance, and missed evaluations may lead to fines or stop-work orders.16
  • A new Washington County home cannot be occupied until the final inspection is complete and the certificate of occupancy has been issued.17
  • A Washington County property owner may manage or build a residential project, but that role does not waive required permits, code compliance, inspections, health requirements or occupancy approval.10
  • No general private-land camping rule, minimum dwelling size or standalone well-permit answer was confirmed; ask the Building Department and Environmental Health before relying on any of them.11812

Sources

  1. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  2. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  4. Washington County, Indiana Title XV Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  5. Washington County: Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  6. Washington County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. cms7files1.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  8. Washington County Building Department (washingtoncounty.in.gov)
  9. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  10. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  11. Recommended Standards For Private Water Wells (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Washington County Health Department Environmental Health (in.gov)
  13. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  14. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  15. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  16. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  17. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  18. Washington County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  19. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  21. Washington County: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. Septic System Information, quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Planning Commission (2026 county census)
  25. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  26. Washington County Building Commissioner, quoted and re-checked
  27. INDOT Driveway Permit Guide 2024 (Indiana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Water: Regulatory Programs, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Washington County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleWashington CountyJackson CountyScott CountyClark CountyOrange CountyLawrence CountyFloyd County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesNot publishedNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Washington County in Indiana

67
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Indiana counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion36100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency78100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$226kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,753Land / acre
48.6"Annual rain
2.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.4 / yr (+6.1)Mid-century 100°F days
13.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+9.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,493Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.45%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
37,149People within 30 min
3,973,200People within 2 hr
50,376Radius comparison (15 mi)
54.9People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
82.2%Land at 15% slope or less
29.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
97,753 acWorkable land screen
46.2%Wooded land
54 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington 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.

Brown Township · Town of Campbellsburg · Franklin Township · Gibson Township · Howard Township · Jackson Township · Jefferson Township · Town of Little York · Town of Livonia · Madison Township · Monroe Township · Town of New Pekin · Pierce Township · Polk Township · Posey Township · Salem · Town of Saltillo · Vernon Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Site improvement applications for new residential structures and listed construction in county jurisdiction.

    • Required for new residential structures, residential additions and remodels, attached garages, mobile/modular/manufactured homes, temporary structures, RVs, and campers.
    • The list is not exhaustive and other permits may be required.
    • The project manager or property owner remains responsible for evaluations and conditions.
    “A site improvement application is required for: New residential structures (single or multifamily) Residential additions and remodels Attached garages Placement of mobile, modular, or manufactured homes Temporary structures, RVs, campers”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Site improvement applications for new residential structures, residential additions and remodels, attached garages, mobile/modular/manufactured homes, temporary structures, RVs, and campers in county jurisdiction outside City of Salem limits and annex area.
      “A site improvement application is required for: New residential structures (single or multifamily) Residential additions and remodels Attached garages”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Property owners acting as project managers or builders for residential construction in county jurisdiction outside incorporated city limits and annex areas.

    • The property owner may obtain the site improvement permit, but remains responsible for ensuring evaluations are requested and conditions are met.
    • If not using a general contractor, additional detailed plans may be required, including contractor information, foundation type, and framing materials.
    • Washington County accepts hand-drawn plans if they include all information necessary for permit review.
    • Washington County does not require contractor licensing, except plumbers and mobile home installers must be bonded and licensed by the State of Indiana.
    • Required permits, inspections, evaluations, building codes, health requirements, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements remain applicable.
    “The permit can be obtained by the project manager, property owner, contractor, architect, engineer, or a permitting company.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A property owner seeking a Washington County site improvement application for construction in county jurisdiction.
      “The permit can be obtained by the project manager, property owner, contractor, architect, engineer, or a permitting company.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction subject to Washington County administration.

    • The page identifies International Residential Codes with current Indiana Amendments, Indiana Administrative Code 675, and Washington County Codes with current Amendments.
    “Washington County enforces building codes and ordinances, including: International Residential Codes with current Indiana Amendments Indiana Administrative Code 675 Washington County Codes with current Amendments”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County-administered building construction.

    • Evaluations are required at each phase of construction.
    • Evaluations must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
    • Failure to request evaluations may result in fines or stop-work orders.
    “Evaluations are required at each phase of construction to ensure compliance with building codes. You must request evaluations at least 24 hours in advance. Failing to do so may result in fines or stop work orders.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New homes subject to the county building process.

    • A final inspection is required to determine code compliance.
    • The certificate must be obtained before occupying the new home.
    • Required inspections must be completed before issuance.
    “A final inspection is required to determine code compliance. Upon compliance, the Building Commission will issue a Certificate of Occupancy, which must be obtained before you can occupy your new home.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations in Washington County outside incorporated municipalities and other separately administered jurisdictions.

    • The county planning page identifies a Washington County zoning ordinance and zoning documents.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
    “Additionally, the enforcement of Washington County Zoning Regulations supports orderly community growth.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local land-use regulation in Washington County, including county zoning and documented municipal or township-administered variations.

    • Washington County maintains county zoning regulations and a Plan Commission.
    • The county code states that subdivisions in the Washington Township territory described in the ordinance must be reviewed and approved by the Salem Plan Commission.
    • The applicable authority depends on the property's municipal, township, or county jurisdiction.
    “This chapter shall apply to all land within Washington County not covered by the ordinances of Salem, or Livonia.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of county, municipal, and other local zoning administration within Washington County; this is not a claim that the county administers every local ordinance.
      “Contact the City of Salem Building Department at 812-883-5060 if your project is within the city limits or the city annex area (approximately a 2-mile radius).”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Washington County zoning ordinance and related planning documents made available through the county Planning Commission webpage.

    • The page provides links to the Washington County Zoning PDF, the ordinance adopting amended zoning regulations, the airport overlay district ordinance, published codes, and other planning documents.
    • The accessible webpage does not itself enumerate every district or provide the zoning map contents.
    “Planning Commission Documents: Washington County Published Codes Washington Co Zoning (.pdf) Ordinance Adopting Amended Zoning Ordinance Regs for Washington County Ind. (.pdf)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Availability of the county zoning document and zoning materials.
      “Planning Commission Documents: Washington Co Zoning (.pdf)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks stated on the Washington County Building Commissioner page.

    • The page states the measurements without identifying a separate district or use-specific exception; municipal jurisdiction may differ.

    property-line setback: 5 feet · residence setback: 10 feet

    “What are the setback requirements? The required setbacks are: 5 feet from the property line 10 feet from the residence”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Placement or occupancy of RVs and campers under county jurisdiction.

    • A site improvement application is required for temporary structures, RVs, and campers.
    • Temporary structures, RVs, and campers will not be assigned a permanent 911 address.
    • In flood-hazard areas, recreational vehicles must either be onsite for less than 180 days and fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet manufactured-home requirements.

    maximum floodplain placement period: < 180 days (Alternatively, the recreational vehicle may meet the manufactured-home requirements.)

    “Recreational vehicles placed on a site shall either: 1. Be on site for less than 180 days; and 2. Be fully licensed and ready for highway use”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Manufactured off-site tiny homes or cabins in Washington County jurisdiction outside incorporated municipal limits.

    • Any manufactured off-site tiny home or cabin requires a HUD Identification Plate or Indiana Industrialized Building or Modular Stickers.
    • A site improvement application is required for new residential structures and for placement of mobile, modular, or manufactured homes.
    • The county page states that City of Salem residents should contact the City of Salem Building Department for projects within city limits or the city annex area; county jurisdiction applies outside those areas.
    • A septic permit, driveway permit, applicable stormwater permit, building site improvement permit, and required inspections may also apply.
    “Any manufactured off-site tiny home or cabin requires a HUD Identification Plate or Indiana Industrialized Building or Modular Stickers.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Washington County.

    • The county Health Department works with IDEM and the Indiana State Department of Health.
    • Commercial sites require state approval before proceeding.
    “The Environmental Health section issues permit for private sewage disposal systems and inspect new construction of private sewage septic disposal systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New private septic systems in Washington County.

    • A driveway permit must be obtained before the septic permit.
    • The owner or agent must submit an application and pay a $100 septic permit fee.
    • A legal description and current recorded deed copy are required.
    • A certified soil scientist must perform a soil test.
    • The installer must complete plan review before the septic construction permit is issued.
    • A building permit and 911 address are also required in the listed process.

    septic permit fee: 100 USD

    “Property owner or agent must fill out an application for the Septic Permit and pay the Septic Permit Fee of $100.00, before the permit may be issued.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Residential septic system sites in Washington County.

    • Residential septic sites are inspected before construction and after installation.
    • Existing-system inspections require exposed tank ports or risers and removable lids.
    • Commercial sites require state approval before proceeding.
    “The Washington County Environmentalists inspect all residential septic system sites in the county prior to construction and after installation. If you are dealing with a commercial site, State approval must be granted before proceeding.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and planning/development regulation in Washington County.

    • The county planning page lists a Washington County Subdivision Control Ordinance for public review and a Planning and Development code title.
    • Specific subdivision thresholds and procedures were not extracted from the ordinance.
    “Washington County IN Subdivision Control Ordinance - 4 November 2025”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New driveways, driveway extensions, and culvert replacements in county jurisdiction.

    • A driveway permit must be obtained before applying for a building permit or obtaining a 911 address.
    “Driveway permits are required for installing a new driveway, adding a driveway extension, or replacing a culvert. A driveway permit must be obtained before applying for a building permit or obtaining a 911 address.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County site improvement permit application fees.

    • The fee is based on gross project square footage, including basements and garages.
    • Payment may be cash, check, or money order payable to the Treasurer of Washington County.

    application fee: $50-$500 USD ($50 for 0-500 ft²; $100 for 501-1000 ft²; $150 for 1001-1500 ft²; $200 for 1501-2000 ft²; $250 for 2001-2500 ft²; $300 for 2501-3000 ft²; $350 for 3001-4000 ft²; $400 for 4001-5000 ft²; $450 for 5001-6000 ft²; $500 for 6001 ft² and above.)

    “Square Foot | Application Fee 0-500 ft² | $50 [...] 6001 ft² and above | $500”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Published site improvement application process for projects in county jurisdiction outside City of Salem limits and annex area.

    • A driveway permit must be obtained before applying for a building permit or obtaining a 911 address when applicable.
    • The Health Department issues private sewage disposal permits and inspects new construction.
    • A Construction Stormwater General Permit is required if the project disturbs more than one acre of soil.
    • A site improvement application is completed through the Washington County Building Department.
    • A permanent 911 address requires prior approval from the Highway Department when applicable, Health Department, and Building Department.
    • Temporary structures, RVs, and campers will not be assigned an address.
    • Permit fees are based on gross project square footage, including basements and garages.
    • Acceptable payment methods are cash, check, or money order payable to Treasurer of Washington County.
    • Evaluations are required at each phase of construction and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance; failure may result in fines or stop-work orders.
    • A final inspection is required before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, and the certificate must be obtained before occupying a new home.

    soil disturbance threshold: > 1 acre · evaluation notice: >= 24 hours · permit fee for 0-500 square feet: 50 USD · permit fee for 501-1000 square feet: 100 USD · permit fee for 1001-1500 square feet: 150 USD · permit fee for 1501-2000 square feet: 200 USD · permit fee for 2001-2500 square feet: 250 USD · permit fee for 2501-3000 square feet: 300 USD · permit fee for 3001-4000 square feet: 350 USD · permit fee for 4001-5000 square feet: 400 USD · permit fee for 5001-6000 square feet: 450 USD · permit fee for 6001 square feet and above: 500 USD

    “5-Step Process to Obtain a Site Improvement Application: 1. Driveway Permit [...] 4. Building Site Improvement Permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County site improvement application process.
      “5-Step Process to Obtain a Site Improvement Application: 1. Driveway Permit [...] 2. Septic Permit [...] 3. Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) [...] 4. Building Site Improvement Permit [...] 5. Addressing/911 Address Office”

Indiana rules that apply here

  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitation in Indiana where a dwelling is not connected, or cannot be connected, to a sanitary sewerage system.

    • The dwelling must be provided with a compliant residential on-site sewage system including a septic tank and a soil absorption system that has not failed.
    • A temporary sewage holding tank is subject to written Indiana Department of Health approval, with specified exceptions for failed systems, soil conditions after a construction permit, and certain district, utility, or municipal sewage plans.
    • A holding tank operated as a primary residential disposal method for a sewer connection plan is limited to not more than one year unless the period is extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation.
    • Drywells and cesspools are not allowed for construction or use as on-site sewage treatment in Indiana.

    holding-tank sewer-connection period: <= 1 year (may be extended upon documentation of satisfactory operation)

    “septic tank and a soil absorption system”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of residential water-supply wells and installation of well pumps in Indiana.

    • Indiana Department of Health standards state that several local health departments require a permit before residential water-supply well construction or well-pump installation.
    • The cited statewide source does not identify which local health departments require permits; local requirements must therefore be checked for the specific property.
    • Water-well drillers must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
    “Several local health departments now require that a permit be obtained before construction of a residential water supply well or installation of a well pump.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development in the floodway of State waterways, including applicable areas of Washington County.
      “The Flood Control Act regulates various development activities (e.g. structures, obstructions, deposits, and/or excavations) within the floodway of any State waterway by requiring DNR approval prior to the beginning of the project.”
    • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage.
  • Building height — Building height.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Washington County.
3 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Washington County, Indiana

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

Washington County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 48.6″/yr rainfall plus 46.2% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 37,149 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Washington County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Washington County Health Department (Environmental Health). 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 Washington County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Washington County is limited to specific cases: Placement or occupancy of RVs and campers under county jurisdiction. A site improvement application is required for temporary structures, RVs, and campers. Temporary structures, RVs, and campers will not be assigned a permanent 911 address. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Washington County, Indiana?

Land in Washington County runs about $5,753 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 48.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.8% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 37,149 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,973,200 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 Washington compares in Indiana

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