Barndominiums are widely accepted across most counties.
Indiana DHS Fire and Building Safety enforces commercial codes. Local jurisdictions handle residential inspections. Class 1 structures (commercial, multi-family) have state-level oversight.
Primary Code
Indiana Building Code / Indiana Residential Code
Code Version
2012 IBC / 2012 IRC with IN amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
Commercial plan review handled at state level. Residential handled locally.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.
Farm buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes are generally exempt from building permits.
Accessory structures under 200 sq ft typically exempt.
Southern Indiana near the Wabash Valley has moderate seismic risk. Snow loads moderate throughout. Tornado risk statewide.
Wind Load
90–115 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
15–30 psf
Seismic
A–C
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC
Version
2012 IECC
Energy code enforcement varies. Residential energy code applies to new homes.
License Type
No state license required
Indiana does not require a state-level general contractor license. Some municipalities require local registration.
Front
25–35 ft
Side
5–15 ft
Rear
15–25 ft
Setbacks set by local zoning ordinances.
Frost depth of 36 inches. Basements and crawl spaces are common.
Very popular in rural Indiana. Straightforward permitting.
Agricultural exemptions available. Indiana is a major agricultural state.
Growing popularity. Most rural counties accept barndominiums. Lenders are becoming more familiar.
Standard permit requirements in cities.
State-level plan review through DHS for Class 1 structures.
HOAs are present in suburban developments around Indianapolis. Rural land is generally unrestricted.
Flood zones along the Wabash, White, and Ohio rivers. FEMA flood zone maps apply.
Key counties with specific permit information for Indiana.
Full code enforcement through Indy Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
Typical fees: $400 – $3,000
Suburban county with thorough plan review.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,500
College town. Standard enforcement.
Typical fees: $250 – $2,000
Rural county. More flexible. Good for barndominiums.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
