Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023 Wabash County Zoning Ordinance Book is available online here or an Ordinance Binder is available for purchase in the Plan Commission Office during regular business hours. The cost of the Ordinance Binder is $50.

The Wabash County Plan Commission covers most of the unincorporated area of Wabash County, as well as the incorporated towns of LaFontaine, Lagro, and Roann.

An Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required whenever you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. This includes (but is not limited to):

• New construction: Houses, garages, additions, sheds, fences, swimming pools, patios, decks, etc
• Renovations and alterations: Remodeling projects, room additions
• Changes in occupancy: Converting a residential building to commercial use, or vice versa

Essentially, if you're making any significant changes to your property that affect buildings, structures, or land use, you'll likely need an ILP.

If you are unsure if your project will require an Improvement Location Permit, it is best to contact the Wabash County Plan Commission office directly to discuss your specific project. We are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

The cost of an Improvement Location Permit varies depending on the type and scope of your project. Most projects are calculated based on the square footage of the proposed improvement.

You can find our Schdule of Fees here. This document provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with different types of projects.

If you have questions about the fees or how they apply to your specific project, please don't hesitate to contact the Wabash County Plan Commission for assistance.

Note: All buildings requiring state approval also require a county permit.

If you plan to build a pond, lake, or any earthen structure that has a water surface area of 400 square feet or larger, you'll need to obtain a Special Exception Permit before starting construction. This permit ensures your project meets important zoning and safety standards.

Special Exception applications cost $50, plus the cost of the legal ad and mailers. The average total cost is typically $100. The application fee is due by the day prior to the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

Setbacks:

Your pond must meet the following setback requirements from:

• 105 feet from any adjoining side or rear property line and from any public roadway
• 75 feet from any public or private easement
• 100 feet from a regulated drain

The setback boundary of a pond, lake, or earthen structure, shall be measured from the toe of the slope of the bank of the pond, or to the high-water level of the pond, whichever is closer to the adjoining property line.

To ensure safety, ponds located near public roadways must include a protective barrier if the pond, lake, or earthen structure is within 150 feet of the center of a public roadway and the water level is at or below the road grade, or less than 6 feet above the road grade. The barrier must be designed to effectively deter vehicles from entering the pond. This could include options such as a strong guardrails along the edge of the pond, earthen berms or sloped embankments that create a physical obstacle, or dense plantings of shrubs or trees that discourage vehicle access. The specific type of barrier required will depend on factors like the pond's size, location, and surrounding terrain.

It's important to manage water discharge from your pond responsibly. Water should not be allowed to flow across neighboring properties, public roads, or directly into roadside ditches. This helps prevent erosion, property damage, and safety hazards.

Additionally, you are not permitted to place any fill within 10 feet of any road right-of-way without first obtaining approval from both the Wabash County Highway Department and the Board of Commissioners of Wabash County. This restriction helps ensure the integrity and safety of our roadways.

The Wabash County Zoning Ordinance covers ponds, lakes, and earthen structures in chapter 6, section 6.1.15.

Yes, chapter 6, section 6.2.5 covers swimming pools.

If your pool will have a water surface area larger than 100 square feet, or a diameter of 12 feet or more for round pools, and a depth greater than 24 inches, you'll need to obtain an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) before you begin.

Pools are considered accessory structures and must meet the setback requirements of the zoning district where they are located. This includes any related structures like pool houses, decks, filtration systems, lounging areas, and heat exchangers.

For safety and security, all pools requiring an ILP must comply with state standards for pool safety.

These are options for how you can meet the safety requirements for your pool barrier:

1. Fencing: Install a fence that is at least 4 feet high. This fence must completely surround your pool and deck area. You can have gates and doors for access, but they must be self-closing and latching, and you must be able to lock them.
2. Other Barriers: If you don't want a traditional fence, you can use other types of barriers. These could include walls, solid landscaping, or other structures.  The important thing is that the barrier is at least 4 feet high and the enforcing authority (like your local building inspector) approves it. This barrier also needs to completely enclose the pool and deck when the pool is not in use.
3. Combination: You can also combine a fence with other barrier types. For example, you might have a fence around most of the pool area and a wall along one side.  Just like the other options, any gates or doors must be self-closing, latching, and lockable.

No matter which option you choose, the goal is to prevent unsupervised access to your pool and keep everyone safe.

Yes, a permit is required for all structures 100 square feet or larger.

Cell Tower Requirements for Wabash County

Requires a Special Exception

See the 2023 Zoning Ordinance for detailed information on the placement of cell towers.

Fencing It is recommended the fence be off the property line 2-3 feet so maintenance can be completed on both sides without being on adjoining property. (By law fences can be on the property line). The post should be on the side of the fence of the property owner putting the fence up. No solid fencing on property line fences or perimeter fences. There should be some visibility through the fence. Privacy fencing for pools, hot tubs, etc may be solid around the immediate structure. Set back from roads, streets, and walks to give adequate visibility. Preferably not forward of the front of the house. The fence should not be over 8ft tall. The township trustee is to enforce fencing laws in the event of a dispute. Boundary fences: The right-hand rule is customary but does not have the force of the law unless specified by landowners. A permit is required to install a fence. Call the plan commission office for details. Indiana Code Regarding Fence 32-10-9 Old IC Book Reference 32-26-9 Partition Fences (NET) 32-10-10-1 Description of "Spite Fence" (BOOK) 32-26-10-1 Description of "Spite Fence" (NET) Sec.1 Any fence or other structure like a fence unnecessarily exceeding 6 feet in height, maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property, shall be deemed a nuisance.

Sign Requirements for Wabash County
See 2023 Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6, Section 6.1.12 for detailed information for signs.

Basic Outline for New Construction Building Permit

Review the deed of the property you are thinking of purchasing to see if there are any restrictions on the plot before you make the purchase.
Verify if the proposed site is under city or county jurisdiction for permitting purposes.

A minimum lot size of 65,340 sq feet or (1 1/2 acres). County Health Dept Requirement.
The minimum road frontage is 150 FT (Width of Lot)
Through driveway right of way must be 50 feet wide if the home site is not on road frontage.

Check with the Surveyor's office to verify that no county drains are involved or will be affected by the construction site. All parcels that are being built must check with the county surveyor for any drainage issues regulated by the county before completing the building permit. Concerning old lots or rebuilds contact the county surveyor with any questions about county drains.

Cheri Slee: (260) 563-0661 Ext. 258

Verify zoning for property.

Is the property located in or near a flood plain or any flowage easement?
911 address issued by the Count Plan Commission. This must be addressed before public utilities will install temporary electrical service.
Drive entrance culvert pipe sized by County Highway Dept.
(260) 563-2091 Form available at Plan Commission Office.
STATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR DRIVEWAY FROM A STATE ROAD.
(260) 563-0681

Must have a Septic permit before a building permit can be issued.
County Health Dept. 260-563-0661 Ext 1251 Jennifer Scott
If the contractor is not sure contact the County Plan Commission to get setback requirements for property lines, distances from roads, and right of way.

Mike Howard: (260) 563-0661 Ext 1267

Apply for a building permit at the County Plan Commission Office
The cost is $0.07 / foot, ground floor square footage.
Must provide a copy or drawing of the plot listing all setbacks and showing any other structures on the parcel. Must also provide the floor plan for the structure being built.

The County Plan Commission Office is located on the top floor of the Wabash County Court House.
Please call or stop in any time with questions.

AG Zone

Setbacks Residence

• State roads 105 ft
• Primary County Roads 95 ft
• Secondary County Roads 65 ft
• Side lot line (residence) 10 ft *
• Rear lot line (residence) 25 ft
• The minimum aggregate depth of both side yards for residential use is 25 ft

Setbacks Accessory Buildings

• State roads 105 ft
• Primary County Roads 95 ft
• Secondary County Roads 65 ft
• Side lot line (residence) 6 ft
• Rear lot line (residence) 10 ft
• Streams 100 ft

Setbacks from CAFO's

• All Confined Feeding Operations 1320 ft

Mobile Homes

• All Mobile Homes Require A Special Exception
• Must be at least 800 square feet
• Must have a gable roof
• Each must have its own septic system unless in a mobile home park
• No structures can be attached to the mobile home

Road Right of Way

• A County Roads
  • 40 feet total which would be 20 feet from the center each way.
• State Roads
  • 80 feet total which would be 40 feet from center
    each way
    b some state roads are more some are less (i.e. State Road16 is 60 feet)
  • 4 lanes
• The only permittable fixture closer to the road is the mailbox.
• Other restrictions vary according to zoning or subdivision covenants.

Permit fees must be paid at the time of application or before any hearings before the BZA for a Special Exception or Variance application.

Permit fees can be paid by card, cash, or check. The current card fee is 4% or $1.00 minimum.

To determine the zoning for your property, use the Wabash County GIS beacon website.

1. Select your parcel on the ortho map.
2. In the layer selection column near the bottom check the zoning box.
3. At the top select legends.
4. Identify the color of your property and compare it to the matching color in the legend column to determine the zoning.