Indiana, White County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
White County Building & Safety Jurisdiction
In White County, Indiana, the Building and Planning / Building Inspector's Office is responsible for administering building and floodplain permits for projects within the unincorporated areas of the county. This office is located at 110 N Main Street, 2nd Floor, White Co. Government Center, Monticello, IN 47960, and can be reached at (574) 583-7355.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of White County, permits are generally required for:
- Plumbing work that involves the reconstruction or movement of sewer, water, or gas lines within a structure.
- New construction, additions, and remodels that affect the structure or footprint of a building.
- Accessory structures over 120 square feet or more than 30 inches above adjacent grade.
- Structural repairs or modifications.
- Mechanical work involving the movement or alteration of gas lines or significant changes to furnace or air conditioner size.
- Electrical work that modifies the existing system, such as installing a disconnect, upgrading an interior panel box, adding a generator, or rewiring a room or more.
- Replacing windows or doors when the existing opening size is changed.
- Removal of drywall in an entire room or rooms where utilities are in the wall cavity.
Permits are typically not required for minor changes like replacing windows of the same size, re-roofing without altering the roofline, or painting. The county enforces building codes adopted by reference from the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, including the Indiana Plumbing Code.
When applying for a permit, you will need to submit a completed application form, estimated construction value, contractor information, property record card, site plan, and construction drawings. Additional documentation may be required depending on the project, such as energy code documentation, septic confirmation, or approvals from the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District (TLRSD) if applicable. Fees for permits are calculated based on the project type and square footage.