Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County, IN Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential plumbing fee
$60 first inspection + $60/additional (§150.20(J))
Commercial plumbing fee
$75 first inspection + $75/additional (§150.21(I))
Adopted plumbing code
Indiana Plumbing Code, 675 IAC Art. 16 (§150.06)
Permit threshold
Required once job cost exceeds $300 (§150.36)
Permit validity
Void after 6 months unused (§150.40)
Unpermitted work penalty
Min $5 fee, doubles permit cost (§150.38)

Summary

Unincorporated Bartholomew County requires a permit before plumbing work that costs more than $300, and the county's Building Code adopts the Indiana Plumbing Code, Article 16 of 675 IAC, by reference. The Department of Code Enforcement charges a plumbing-only permit fee of $60 for the first inspection plus $60 for each additional inspection on residential jobs, and $75 per inspection on commercial, industrial or multi-family plumbing work.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bartholomew County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 150.06 ADOPTION OF RULES BY REFERENCE. ... (A) Building rules of the Department of Fire and Building Services as set out in the following Articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administration Code are incorporated by reference in this Code and shall include later amendments to those articles as the same are published in the Indiana Register or the Indiana Administrative Code with effective dates as fixed therein: ... (3) Article 16 - Plumbing Codes: Indiana Plumbing Code; ... § 150.20 RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES. ... (J) Plumbing permit only. Minimum fee is $60 for first inspection, plus $60 for each additional inspection.

View official code

Full Breakdown

36 requires a permit before beginning any construction, alteration or repair whose cost exceeds $300, using forms furnished by the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, with all fees paid to the Department of Code Enforcement. 35 sets the application requirements: payment of the fee, plans and specifications, and, for new construction, a plot plan showing the structure's location and existing improvements, though the Chief Code Enforcement Officer may waive the plot plan for good cause. 21(I) for commercial, industrial or multi-family plumbing work ($75 per inspection).

06, the county has adopted the Indiana Plumbing Code, Article 16 of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code, along with later state amendments, as the technical standard plumbing work must meet; the Department keeps copies of the adopted rules on file. 40 if work has not begun or is not proceeding at a reasonable rate, though the Chief Code Enforcement Officer may grant an extension. 41, and incomplete work found on inspection is subject to a reinspection fee.

Violations & Fines

Starting plumbing work before the permit issues carries a minimum $5 fee under section 150.38, and the county generally doubles the permit cost that should have been paid. Continuing construction contrary to the Building Code, including unpermitted plumbing work, brings the general section 150.99 penalty: a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, with each day of the violation counted as a separate offense and each offense treated as a Class C infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in unincorporated Bartholomew County?
Yes. Any construction or plumbing work whose cost exceeds $300 requires a permit under section 150.36 before work begins, and the Department of Code Enforcement charges a plumbing-only permit fee under section 150.20(J), which is $60 for the first inspection plus $60 for each additional inspection on a residential job.
What plumbing code applies in the unincorporated county?
The county has adopted the Indiana Plumbing Code, Article 16 of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code, by reference under section 150.06, along with any later state amendments published in the Indiana Register, so plumbing installations must meet that state technical standard as administered locally by the Chief Code Enforcement Officer.
What happens if I start plumbing work before getting a permit?
Section 150.38 imposes a minimum $5 fee for starting work before a permit is issued, and generally doubles the cost of the permit that should have been obtained. Continuing unpermitted construction can also draw the general section 150.99 fine of $100 to $500 per day, with each day counted as a separate Class C infraction.
How long is a Bartholomew County plumbing permit valid?
Per section 150.40, any permit issued under the Building Code, including a plumbing-only permit, becomes void after six months if the work has not begun or is not proceeding at a reasonable rate, though the Chief Code Enforcement Officer may grant an extension if it is requested before the permit expires.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bartholomew County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Bartholomew County rules

Compare Bartholomew County to another location·View the Indiana building safety overview

Get notified when Plumbing Permits in Bartholomew County, IN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.