Bartholomew County, IN Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Post-permit review
- Application reviewed for compliance, flood risk (§150.39)
- Inspection duty
- Dept. of Code Enforcement inspects work (§150.41)
- Reinspection fee
- $50, $100 or $200 per inspection (§150.20(P))
- Entry authority
- Inspectors may enter with credentials, reasonable times (§150.42)
- Stop order
- Written notice halts noncompliant work (§150.43)
- Occupancy
- No certificate of occupancy unless compliant (§150.44)
Summary
Once a building permit issues in unincorporated Bartholomew County, section 150.41 requires the Department of Code Enforcement to inspect the construction for compliance with the Building Code and the permit's terms, and incomplete work draws a reinspection fee. Inspectors may enter any construction or premises with proper credentials under section 150.42, and section 150.43 lets the Department stop noncompliant work with a written order until it is corrected.
§ 150.41 INSPECTION. ... After the issuance of a permit, the Department shall make or shall cause to be made, inspection of the construction to insure full compliance with the provisions of this Building Code and the terms of the permit. Inspections of construction found to be incomplete are subject to assessment of reinspection fees as set by the county. ... § 150.42 ENTRY. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer, or any Assistant Chief Code Enforcement Officer, upon presentation of proper credentials, may enter, at reasonable times, any construction, structure or premises in the county to perform any duty imposed by the Building Code. ... § 150.43 STOP ORDER. Whenever any construction is being accomplished contrary to the provisions of this Building Code, the Department may order the work stopped by written notice being served upon any person engaged in the accomplishment of the construction activity.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 150 sets out a defined inspection sequence after a permit is issued. 39 requires the Department, its Chief Code Enforcement Officer or an Assistant Code Enforcement Officer to review every permit application for compliance with the Building Code before work begins, including a flood-prone review of proposed construction sites to confirm materials and methods resist flood damage. 20(P). 42 gives the Chief Code Enforcement Officer and any Assistant Code Enforcement Officer the right to enter any construction, structure or premises in the county at reasonable times, after presenting proper credentials, to carry out any duty the Building Code imposes.
43 lets the Department order it stopped by written notice served on the person doing the work, and construction must halt until the Department authorizes it to resume. 46 makes it unlawful to occupy or continue construction contrary to any Building Code provision.
Violations & Fines
Continuing work after a stop order under section 150.43, or occupying construction that has not passed inspection, violates section 150.46 and is punishable under the general section 150.99 penalty: a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense, and each offense is treated as a Class C infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I get a Bartholomew County building permit?
Can a county building inspector enter my property?
What is a stop order?
Can I occupy a new building before final inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bartholomew County
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