Elkhart County, IN Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Indiana Plumbing Code, 675 I.A.C. 16
- Standalone plumbing permit fee
- $40
- Included in residential permit
- Yes, no extra charge
- Permit required by
- § 151.06(B)(2)
- Max civil penalty
- $2,500 per violation/day
- Issuing office
- Building Commissioner
Summary
Elkhart County adopts the Indiana Plumbing Code, 675 I.A.C. 16, as part of its own County Building Code under § 151.02, and requires a permit before any plumbing work under § 151.06. A standalone plumbing permit costs $40, and plumbing work performed as part of a standard residential build is already folded into that build's permit fee.
(A) In the event that any of the requirements of this subchapter are found to be in conflict with any of the rules, regulations and statutes of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, the requirements of the rules, regulations and statutes of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission shall control and govern. Pursuant to I.C. 22-13-2-3(b), the following rules and regulations adopted by the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission are hereby adopted as part of this code which adoption shall be construed to include all amendments as of the date of this chapter and any later amendments to these provisions: (1) Indiana Building Codes (675 I.A.C. 13); (2) Indiana One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code (675 I.A.C. 14); (3) Indiana Plumbing Code (675 I.A.C. 16);
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-23: Supplement contains: Current through local legislation passed on or before July 31, 2025; and State Legislation current through 2025 Indiana Legislative Service, Pamphlet #3).
Full Breakdown
C. 16, alongside the Indiana Building Codes, the One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code and others, and states that where a county requirement conflicts with a state rule, the state rule controls. C. 22-13-2-3(b) and automatically pulls in later state amendments. 06(B)(2) then makes plumbing work a permitted activity: no one may perform plumbing work for which the subchapter establishes applicable codes, rules or standards before submitting a written application and getting the Building Commissioner's approval and permit. 11(A)(2) prices a standalone plumbing permit, covering remodeling, additions, detached garages, accessory structures or an individual service permit, at $40.
02 per square foot over 5,000 square feet, already covers the footing, structural, mechanical and plumbing permits and inspections for a single- or two-family home. 08 in the required rough-in and final sequence for plumbing work.
Violations & Fines
Doing plumbing work without the required permit is a violation of the County Building Code subchapter and, under § 151.99(A)(1), draws a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate violation. The Building Department may also recover its attorney fees, court costs and other enforcement expenses from the violator under § 151.99(A)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate permit just for plumbing work?
Which plumbing code applies to construction in Elkhart County?
What happens if I do plumbing work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elkhart County
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