Code Enforcement
Hours
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
except state-observed holidays
Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security
Indiana Government Center-South, Room E208
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
Call us: 317-232-1407
Email us: codequestions@dhs.in.gov
Please allow 48 hours for a response, and do not leave multiple voicemails or send multiple emails.
Visit us: Schedule an appointment online before you visit to conduct business with IDHS. No walk-ins will be accepted.
News/Updates
At a Glance
- Phase 1 will involve all Code Enforcement operations currently conducted in PSP.
- Phase 1 will launch in early Q2 2022.
- All previous Access Indiana credentials remain valid.
- Code Enforcement business in the DFBS system is not impacted.
Coming Soon: New Customer Service Platform
In the coming weeks, business conducted within the Public Safety Portal (PSP) related to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's (IDHS) Code Enforcement operations will be transitioned to a new Salesforce-based technology platform: IDHS Services Gateway. Once this transition is complete, any Code Enforcement customer activities that are currently performed in PSP will be discontinued, and customers will be required to use their Access Indiana accounts to perform those activities in IDHS Services Gateway. ...
While planning is underway to eventually transfer all transactional business with IDHS to the Salesforce platform, the first phase of this project deals specifically with only the Code Enforcement operations now taking place in PSP, including but not limited to: amusement and entertainment permits, fireworks permits, and building inspections and violations.
Note: Any Code Enforcement operations or customer activity currently conducted in the DFBS system will continue unchanged for now.
The IDHS Services Gateway will provide IDHS with an array of exciting new tools to deliver the quality service and system dependability that represent the core mission of IDHS. We look forward to providing Hoosiers with an intuitive, user-friendly experience and offering solid engagement with IDHS and its staff through this new platform.
Thank you for your patience during this transition. More detailed information will be shared over the coming weeks.
At a Glance
- Phase 1 will involve all Code Enforcement operations currently conducted in PSP.
- Phase 1 will launch in early Q2 2022.
- All previous Access Indiana credentials remain valid.
- Code Enforcement business in the DFBS system is not impacted.
Emergency Orders Policy
IDHS and fire departments under Indiana Code 36-8-17-9 enforce fire safety laws. Enforcement may result in emergency orders being issued, and IDHS has established guidelines for these orders. View the policy
About the Code Enforcement Section
The Code Enforcement Section provides building and fire-safety related inspections, training and guidance throughout the state of Indiana. Code officials work with local building, fire and enforcement departments to provide continuous educational training, building and fire code interpretation and on-site inspection assistance.
In jurisdictions where there is not an approved building department, Code Enforcement inspects Class I structures for construction compliance. When a Construction Design Release is applied for through the Building Plan Review Section, Code Enforcement will conduct inspections during the construction process and provide a final inspection.
Agricultural buildings and residential structures (one- and two-family dwellings) fall under the jurisdiction of the local government entity. If there is no local government entity, then the local county government may provide inspections. Designated via Home Rule in state statute, residential dwellings fall to the responsibility of the local government entity if there is one. In the event there is no local, the residential issue becomes a private civil matter.
Apply for a Permit
Coming Soon: Code Enforcement operations will be transitioned to a new Salesforce-based customer service platform: IDHS Services Gateway. Read more
Please use the Public Safety Portal for permit applications and status requests relating to fireworks, amusement and entertainment and outdoor event equipment. If applying for amusement and entertainment permits, visit the Application for Amusement & Entertainment Permit page for instructions before using the Public Safety Portal. Visit the Public Safety Portal Help page for tutorials on using the portal.
Public Safety Portal
Note: When completing an online application, please use browsers Chrome or Edge; other browsers may experience issues.
Code Areas and Other Resources
- Child Care Facilities
The Code Enforcement Section inspects many different forms of child care facilities within Indiana. Whether a facility is a licensed child care center, an unlicensed registered child care ministry or a licensed child care home, code officials work with Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) licensing to increase public knowledge and safety. Together, the two units form a partnership with child care facilities for the safety of Indiana’s children. Below are resources to aid child care providers with fire code compliance.
- Become a Child Care Provider: Apply with FSSA to become a licensed child care home or center, or an unlicensed registered child care ministry.
- Application for Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministries: Registrations are required every two years for child care ministries. Annual inspections by Division of Fire and Building Safety staff are required.
- Provider Regulations and Standards: Child care providers that accept Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers are required to meet standards of health and safety by following specific laws and rules.
- Evacuation Drill Log: Download this log sheet to keep records of your regular evacuation drills.
- Introduction to Fire and Building Codes: View these presentations for an overview of code requirements that are applicable to child care facilities.
- Explosives, Blasters and Magazines
The Code Enforcement Section administers permits for explosive magazines in the state. How to apply is available online.
- Fire and Building Code Enforcement
IDHS code officials perform inspections related to Class I structures, amusement and entertainment permits, fireworks permits, haunted houses, industrialized buildings and mobile structures, registered child care ministries, registered day cares, outdoor event equipment, temporary stages and more.
- Amusement and Entertainment Permit Application
- Emergency Orders Policy
- Industrialized Buildings and Mobile Structures
- Occupant Load Requests
- Seal Applications
- Underground Storage Tanks
Food Truck Resources
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has addressed fire safety requirements for food trucks:
- Fireworks
The Code Enforcement Section provides permits to fireworks wholesale and retail operations, enforcing laws that only consumer-grade fireworks are available for purchase within Indiana. The section also provides permits for professional firework shows.
- I-BEAM
The Code Enforcement Section oversees I-BEAM (Indiana Building Emergency Assessment and Monitoring Team). This team consists of trained and qualified volunteers within the Code Enforcement Section, other divisions within IDHS and volunteer design professionals.
- Outdoor Event Equipment
To apply for a permit for outdoor event equipment, please apply through the Public Safety Portal. For questions on permit applications or general questions, call 317-232-1407 or email codequestions@dhs.in.gov. - Professional Development
Certifications in the International Building Code and International Fire Code are required of all inspectors within the section within three years of hire. Indiana has adopted the 2012 International Fire and Building codes with the 2014 Indiana Amendments.
The Code Enforcement Section works with and encourages professional development of code officials, local building officials, local fire officials and related professional organizations such as the Indiana Association of Building Officials and the Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana.
- Administrative Law Services
- Fire Service Safety & Risk Management - Indiana Fire Incident Reporting (INFRS)
- Indiana Administrative Code
- Indiana Builders Association (IBA)
- International Code Council (I.C.C.)
- Indiana Association of Building Officials (IABO)
- Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana (FIAI)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
- Report of State Fire Marshal Inspection - School Heating System and Supporting Lines
- Rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission
Classes
The Code Enforcement Section offers education classes for building and code enforcement officials.
- Funding Guidance Manual for 675 IAC 12-11
- Register for Fire & Building Code Classes (New: Search for classes under "International Code Council" in Acadis Portal)
- Schools
The Code Enforcement Section inspects schools in Indiana in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education. Schools can take many actions to reduce risk and be in compliance with applicable codes between visits by IDHS inspectors.
- Tents and Other Membrane Structures
IFC Chapter 31, 2014 Edition, Tents and Other Membrane Structures
The presentations listed below were created by the Division of Fire and Building Safety to help event coordinators, vendors and code enforcement officials understand the requirements of Chapter 31 in the 2014 edition of the Indiana Fire Code. Each link below will take you to the subject you wish to study. For best viewing, use "Slide Show" mode.
- Intro, General Overview, Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Section 1: The Elimination of Canopies
- Section 2: The “Scope” and how it effects Chapter 31
- Section 3: Cooking
- Section 4: Merchandise Display
- Section 5: Anchorage Required
- Section 6: Compound Scenarios
- Section 7: Flame Propagation Performance Treatment and Smoking
- Section 8: Seating Arrangements and Means of Egress
- Section 9: Separation of Generators
- Section 10: Exit Signs and Means of Egress Illumination
- Section 11: Use Period
- Section 12: Location
- Section 13: Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Appendix A - Staking Analysis: Vertical vs. "At An Angle."
If you have questions, please contact Code Enforcement at 317-232-1407.