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Building Safety in Vanderburgh County, IN (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Verified from official government sources

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

Elevator Maintenance

Vanderburgh County adopts the Indiana Elevator Code by reference to govern elevator, dumbwaiter, and escalator work under County Code Section 15.12.010(A)(10). Anyone who constructs, installs, maintains, or repairs an elevator must hold an Elevator and Escalator Contractor license from the joint department of building commissioners, which costs $180.00 new and $90.00 to renew under Section 15.36.100(G).

Vanderburgh County Elevator Code and Licensing

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.12.010(A)(10); § 15.36.010; § 15.36.100(G)

10. Elevator Codes. a. Indiana Elevator Code. ... “Elevator and Escalator Contractor” (EEC) - A person qualified to construct, install, maintain and repair any elevator, dumbwaiter or escalator. ... Elevator and Escalator Contractor New: $180.00 Renewal: $90.00

Childcare Center Rules

The County Property Maintenance Code singles out child and day care facilities alongside dwellings for lead-based paint control, requiring peeling or flaking lead paint above set thresholds to be repaired, removed or covered under a plan on file with the Health Department.

Vanderburgh County Lead Paint Rule for Day Cares

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.15.130(D)

Lead-Based Paint. Interior and exterior painted surfaces of dwellings and child and day care facilities, including fences and outbuildings, which contain lead levels equal to or greater than 1.0 milligram per square centimeter or in excess of 0.50 percent lead by weight shall be maintained in a condition free from peeling, chipping and flaking paint or removed or covered in an approved manner o...

Building Permits

Vanderburgh County requires a building permit before any structure, equipment, or sewer connection is installed, constructed, repaired, or altered, per County Code Section 15.08.030(A). The owner and the person doing the work are jointly responsible for obtaining it, and no permit issues until the Area Plan Commission and the water and sewer utility department sign off on the project.

Vanderburgh County Building Permit Requirement

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.08.030(A)

No building or any part thereof, nor equipment for any building or part thereof, or any sewer connection or part thereof, or any sewer connection or part thereof, shall be installed, constructed, repaired, or altered, except in conformity with this title nor before a permit has been issued for the work. No work shall be started, nor shall materials be stored on any premises for the construction...

Electrical Permits

Vanderburgh County adopts the Indiana Electrical Code by reference to govern all wiring, panel, and equipment work under County Code Section 15.12.010(A)(4). Electrical work needs a permit from the joint department of building commissioners, priced under Section 15.08.080(B) starting at $30.00 for a service under 400 amps, plus a per-circuit charge and separate fees for temporary service and repairs.

Vanderburgh County Electrical Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.12.010(A)(4); § 15.08.080(B)(1)

Building rules and regulations of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as set out in the following articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code are hereby incorporated by reference in this Chapter 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 fixe...

Plumbing Permits

Vanderburgh County adopts the Indiana Plumbing Code by reference to govern fixture, sewer, and water-service work under County Code Section 15.12.010(A)(3). Plumbing installation needs a permit from the joint department of building commissioners, priced under Section 15.08.080(C) at $6.00 per fixture or opening, including sanitary sewer, water service, water heater, and gas piping connections.

Vanderburgh County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.12.010(A)(3); § 15.08.080(C)

Building rules and regulations of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as set out in the following articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code are hereby incorporated by reference in this Chapter... 3. Article 16 - Plumbing Codes. a. Indiana Plumbing Code. ... (C) Plumbing Permits and Inspection Fees (1) Fixtures and openings (each) $6.00 (2) Sanitary sewer $6...

Building Inspections

Vanderburgh County requires every permitted job to be inspected before work is covered, and the joint department of building commissioners must respond to an inspection request within sixteen working hours, under County Code Section 15.12.090. Contractors who cover work before it's inspected are in violation and must uncover it if the inspector cannot otherwise verify code compliance.

Vanderburgh County Building Inspection Timeline

Some Restrictions

Vanderburgh County Code § 15.12.090

All work which requires a permit under Section 15.08.030A shall be inspected by the building commission. Work which shall be covered shall be inspected prior to installing any material which would not allow a visible inspection. The contractor for the trade of the affected installation shall contact the building commission and request an inspection prior to work being covered. Any contractor fa...

Building Safety by City in Vanderburgh County

1 cities in Vanderburgh County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All Vanderburgh County ordinances

See every category we cover for Vanderburgh County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Vanderburgh County Ordinance Hub →