Indiana § 36-7-8-3 - Establishment of building, heating, ventilating, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards; ordinances
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-7-8-3 — Establishment of building, heating, ventilating, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards; ordinances, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-7-8-3. Establishment of building, heating, ventilating, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards; ordinances
Note: This version of section effective until 7-1-2027. See also following version of this section, effective 7-1-2027.
Sec. 3. (a) The legislative body of a county having a county department of buildings or joint city-county building department may, by ordinance, adopt building, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards for unincorporated areas of the county. These standards take effect only on the legislative body's receipt of written approval from the fire prevention and building safety commission.
(b) An ordinance adopted under this section must be based on occupancy, and it applies to:
(1) the construction, alteration, equipment, use, occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings, structures, and appurtenances that are on land or over water and are:
(A) erected after the ordinance takes effect; and
(B) if expressly provided by the ordinance, existing when the ordinance takes effect;
(2) conversions of buildings and structures, or parts of them, from one occupancy classification to another; and
(3) the movement or demolition of buildings, structures, and equipment for the operation of buildings and structures.
(c) The rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission are the minimum standards upon which ordinances adopted under this section must be based.
(d) An ordinance adopted under this section does not apply to private homes that are built by individuals and used for their own occupancy. However, onsite sewage systems of a private home described in this subsection must comply with state laws and rules.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-2-72-1 part.]
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.27. Amended by P.L.8-1984, SEC.125; P.L.208-2015, SEC.19.
IC 36-7-8-3Establishment of building, heating, ventilating, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards; ordinances Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2027.
Sec. 3. (a) The legislative body of a county having a county department of buildings or joint city-county building department may, by ordinance, adopt building, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards for unincorporated areas of the county. These standards take effect only on the legislative body's receipt of written approval from the department of homeland security.
(b) An ordinance adopted under this section must be based on occupancy, and it applies to:
(1) the construction, alteration, equipment, use, occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings, structures, and appurtenances that are on land or over water and are:
(A) erected after the ordinance takes effect; and
(B) if expressly provided by the ordinance, existing when the ordinance takes effect;
(2) conversions of buildings and structures, or parts of them, from one occupancy classification to another; and
(3) the movement or demolition of buildings, structures, and equipment for the operation of buildings and structures.
(c) The rules of the department of homeland security are the minimum standards upon which ordinances adopted under this section must be based.
(d) An ordinance adopted under this section does not apply to private homes that are built by individuals and used for their own occupancy. However, onsite sewage systems of a private home described in this subsection must comply with state laws and rules.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-2-72-1 part.]
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.27. Amended by P.L.8-1984, SEC.125; P.L.208-2015, SEC.19; P.L.152-2026, SEC.499.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-7-8-3
What does Indiana Code § 36-7-8-3 cover?
Section 36-7-8-3 ("Establishment of building, heating, ventilating, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation standards; ordinances") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 36-7-8-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-7-8-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 36-7-8-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.