Monroe County, Indiana

The Monroe County Planning Department performs a vital role in creating and communicating a vision of the county and acts as the primary coordinating agency in the development, adoption, and implementation of the county's land use plans and policies. The department provides both current and long range planning services to the various County boards, including the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and County Commissioners, as well as to the general public. Staff also provides assistance to outside agencies focusing on development opportunities in Monroe County. The Plan Commission jurisdiction is that area outside the former Two-Mile Fringe and the areas previously governed by the City of Bloomington's Planning Jurisdiction.

Permits are required for most any construction projects over 120 square feet or on a permanent foundation. There are different permitting requirements for different projects so it is best to contact the Monroe County Building Department at 349-2580 for the permit application type you should file.

Monroe County (unincorporated) has several different zoning districts. To find your zoning, you may visit https://monroein.elevatemaps.io/ or call our office at 812-349-2560.

A "Permitted Land Use Table" specifies whether a specific use is allowed in a specific zoning district. A staff member will help you determine the specific uses for your zoning district.

Call our office at 812-349-2560 to determine if your property is eligible for subdividing. Before you call, make sure you have a specific property in mind and note whether the property has access to sewer or septic.

The zoning district in which the lot is located will determine the required number acres. This will vary from five (5) acres in a Forest Reserve zone, to less than one (1) acre in some residential zones. A staff member will help you determine the required number of acres for your lot.

If you are cutting trees for commercial profit, you will most likely need a logging permit. Trees can be removed for the building of a home or business, though generally only those trees that are located where the structure is to be placed and for access to that structure. Contact the County Planning office to determine if a logging permit is needed.

A sign permit must be obtained for the placement of any new sign. Existing signs may be repaired or replaced as long as the size, design and location remain the same. There are special provisions for political, yard sale and temporary signs. Contact the County Planning office for assistance before you place any sign.

Any land disturbance activity (vegetation removal, filling, disturbance of the soil) may require a grading permit. Contact the County Planning office before you begin your grading project at 812-349-2560.

Setbacks from the roadway, rear yard and side property lines will be different depending upon your zoning district. A staff member will help you in determining the required setbacks for your lot.

Monroe County has two land use designations for home businesses, a "Home Occupation" and a "Home Based Business." The home based business is conducted in the primary residential structure or one accessory structure. The home occupation is based entirely within the primary residential structure. Both home businesses are only permitted in certain zoning districts and with additional restrictions. A staff member will help you determine if a home business is allowed in your zoning district.

Contact the Monroe County Planning Department to see if your property is eligible for an accessory dwelling unit 812-349-2560.

Monroe County does not permit junkyards. The ordinance defines a junkyard as "an open area where junk, waste, scrape, discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled, or handled, including but not limited to scrap iron and other metals, paper, rags, rubber tires, bottles, and inoperable equipment or machines or motor vehicles. A junkyard includes automobile wrecking or salvage yards, house wrecking yards, used lumber yards and places or yards for storage of salvaged house wrecking and structural steel materials and equipment."

Local flood plain information can be obtained through the County Planning office. Additional information regarding the National Flood Insurance Program can be found through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Livestock, such as cattle, horses, llamas, goats, sheep, fowl and hogs, are permitted in Agricultural and Forest Reserve zoning districts. There are specific restrictions on confined feeding operations. Commercial non-farm animals, such as bees, fur animals and exotic animals are permitted in Agricultural zoning districts. Livestock and non-farm animals are permitted in some residential zones with certain restrictions and conditions. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are permitted in all districts, provided they are not bred, boarded, sold, trained or groomed for commercial purposes. Contact the County Planning office to obtain the exact zoning regulations for your property.

An Environmental Constraints Overlay Zone that encompasses all of Polk and Salt Creek Townships, and portions of South Benton, Perry and Clear Creek Townships. The purpose of the overlay zone is to preserve and enhance the quality of our drinking water, while also preserving the fish, wildlife and forest for current and future appreciation. Private Lands within this overlay zone may be used as their individual zoning districts (residential, agricultural, business, etc.) permits. However, there are specifics restrictions that will apply. A staff member can provide you with detailed information.