ADU Design in Shipshewana, IN

ADU Design in Indiana: what governs your project

Indiana has no statewide ADU statute; ADU rules are set by cities, towns, and counties. Some municipalities permit accessory units while others prohibit them outright.

Energy code

Local plan review covers setbacks, lot coverage, and building permits. Impact fees, utility tap fees, and size or occupancy limits vary by jurisdiction.

Permitting & plan check

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security reviews building plans for Class 1 structures at the state level, which covers most commercial and multi-family construction. Local building departments issue permits and perform inspections under the Indiana Building Code. Filing with the state plan review office early is standard practice on commercial projects.

Good to know

• Southwest Indiana sits near the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone, giving that region higher seismic design requirements than the rest of the state.
• Indiana's construction stormwater permit under IDEM is widely known as the Rule 5 permit.
• The Indiana Department of Homeland Security performs state-level plan review for Class 1 structures, a category that covers most commercial buildings.

Every discipline, one team