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Environmental Rules in Clark County, IN (2026)

4 rules for unincorporated Clark County, Indiana.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Clark County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Unincorporated Clark County bans nearly all non-stormwater discharges into its MS4 storm sewer system under Code § 53.07, and any development disturbing one acre or more of land must file a post-construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan under § 51.01 before the county will issue a Stormwater Quality Management Permit.

Clark County Stormwater Discharge Rules

Significant Restrictions

Clark County Code of Ordinances § 53.07(A)(2)-(3)

(2) Except as hereinafter provided, all non-stormwater discharges into the MS4 are prohibited and declared to be unlawful. (3) It is unlawful for any person to connect any pipe, open channel or any other conveyance system that discharges anything except stormwater or unpolluted water, which is approved by the county based on exemptions listed in division (B) below, to the stormwater system.

Erosion Control

Clark County requires a grading permit and an approved erosion and sediment control plan before any land disturbing activity of 40,000 square feet or 400 cubic yards or more, or activity tied to a subdivision plat. The County Drainage Board administers and enforces the rule under Code § 150.10.

Erosion & Sediment Control, Clark County IN

Some Restrictions

Clark County Code of Ordinances § 150.10(B); § 150.99

No person shall begin a land disturbing activity subject to this chapter without receiving approval of an erosion and sediment control plan for the site and a grading permit from the office or the County Plan Commission. ... Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture or fine of not more than $2,500 and the costs of prosecution for each violation....

Flood Zones

Any development activity in a Clark County special flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit before work begins, and development inside a mapped floodway also needs a separate state DNR permit first. Unpermitted work is treated as a nuisance under the county's zoning code.

Clark County Indiana Floodplain Development Permit

Significant Restrictions

Clark County Code of Ordinances § 153.027

A floodplain development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard.

Flood Elevation Requirements

New or substantially improved buildings in Clark County's mapped flood hazard areas must have their lowest floor at or above the Flood Protection Grade, two feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation. The rule applies countywide, including the Town of Borden's flood study area.

Clark County Indiana Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule

Significant Restrictions

Clark County Code of Ordinances § 153.061(B)

(B) Residential structures. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor; including basement, at or above the FPG (two feet above the base flood elevation). Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movements of floodwaters shall be provide...

All Clark County ordinances

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