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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Bartholomew County.

Current Indiana codes listed by the department: 2014 Indiana Building Code (2012 IBC with Indiana amendments); 2020 Indiana Residential Code (2018 IRC with amendments); 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code (2006 IPC with amendments); 2009 Indiana Electrical Code (2008 NEC with amendments); 2014 Indiana Mechanical Code (2012 IMC with amendments); 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code; Indiana Swimming Pool Code; 2014 Indiana Fire Code (2012 IFC with amendments); and 2014 Indiana Fuel Gas Code (2012 IFGC with amendments).

Inspection lane

All inspections require 24-hour advance scheduling by calling 812-379-1535, generally by 4:30 p.m. the day before. Footing inspection is scheduled the prior day and confirmed by phone between 8:00-9:00 a.m. on inspection day; inspectors work between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Final inspection requires all fees and fines paid, and occupancy is prohibited before final approval.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

A permit is required before construction, alteration, or repair costing more than $300. Most improvements require permits, including buildings, sheds, garages, pools, decks, porches, remodeling, roofing, siding, windows, tanks, demolition, house moving, and signs. The department does not publish a broader cosmetic-work exemption list.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    All inspections require 24-hour advance scheduling by calling 812-379-1535, generally by 4:30 p.m. the day before. Footing inspection is scheduled the prior day and confirmed by phone between 8:00-9:00 a.m. on inspection day; inspectors work between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Final inspection requires all fees and fines paid, and occupancy is prohibited before final approval.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Bartholomew County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Columbus/Bartholomew County Department of Technical Code Enforcement is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact 812-379-1535 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

Residential guidance asks applicants to allow 3-5 days for permit review.

How are inspections scheduled?

All inspections require 24-hour advance scheduling by calling 812-379-1535, generally by 4:30 p.m. the day before. Footing inspection is scheduled the prior day and confirmed by phone between 8:00-9:00 a.m. on inspection day; inspectors work between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Final inspection requires all fees and fines paid, and occupancy is prohibited before final approval.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Current Indiana codes listed by the department: 2014 Indiana Building Code (2012 IBC with Indiana amendments); 2020 Indiana Residential Code (2018 IRC with amendments); 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code (2006 IPC with amendments); 2009 Indiana Electrical Code (2008 NEC with amendments); 2014 Indiana Mechanical Code (2012 IMC with amendments); 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code; Indiana Swimming Pool Code; 2014 Indiana Fire Code (2012 IFC with amendments); and 2014 Indiana Fuel Gas Code (2012 IFGC with amendments). A permit is required before construction, alteration, or repair costing more than $300. Most improvements require permits, including buildings, sheds, garages, pools, decks, porches, remodeling, roofing, siding, windows, tanks, demolition, house moving, and signs. The department does not publish a broader cosmetic-work exemption list.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.