DHS: Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement

News

New Platform: IDHS Services Gateway

Beginning on Jan. 22, 2024, the IDHS Services Gateway now serves customers seeking to file for fireworks permits, amusement and entertainment permits and building inspections and violations. These services previously were housed in the Public Safety Portal system, but they are now handled by the IDHS Services Gateway. This first phase only includes the three areas mentioned. Users seeking fireworks or amusement/entertainment permits, or to request or review a Code Enforcement inspection report or violation, should use the IDHS Services Gateway link for new business. All previously acquired Access Indiana credentials remain the same.

Permits, Inspection Reports and Fines

New Online System
effective Jan. 22, 2024

Fireworks and Amusement and Entertainment Permits

All new fireworks permitting and amusement and entertainment permitting now occur in the IDHS Services Gateway.

Other Permit Types

All other types of permits continue to be in their current system until moving to the IDHS Services Gateway system during later phases. See the list in the Other tab below for details.

Inspection Reports and Fine Payments

General building and fire safety inspection reports and new fines are now in the IDHS Services Gateway. However, fine balances for violations prior to the new system launch should be paid in the Public Safety Portal, not the new system.

To apply for a permit, pay a fine or find an inspection report, select a tab below to be directed to the proper system.

Fireworks
Amusement and Entertainment
Building and Fire Safety
Other

Fireworks Permits

Use the IDHS Services Gateway for permit and inspections relating to fireworks.

IDHS Services Gateway

Note: Use browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari; other browsers may experience issues.

Fines Before Launch (Jan. 22, 2024)

If you have an outstanding fine balance for a violation prior to the new system launch, use the Public Safety Portal to make the payments.

Amusement and Entertainment Permits

Use the IDHS Services Gateway for permit and inspections relating to amusement and entertainment.

IDHS Services Gateway

Note: Use browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari; other browsers may experience issues.

Fines Before Launch (Jan. 22, 2024)

If you have an outstanding fine balance for a violation prior to the new system launch, use the Public Safety Portal to make the payments.

Building and Fire Safety Inspections Reports and Fines

Use the IDHS Services Gateway for building and fire safety inspection reports and fines.

IDHS Services Gateway

Note: Use browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari; other browsers may experience issues.

Fines Before Launch (Jan. 22, 2024)

If you have an outstanding fine balance for a violation prior to the new system launch, use the Public Safety Portal to make the payments.

Other Permits and Payments

Use the Division of Fire and Building Safety system (DFBS) for permits and licenses related to the following:

Use the Design Release Service for building plan reviews.

Use the Public Safety Portal for permits, licenses and fines related to the following:
- Amusement rides
- Boilers and pressure vessels
- Elevators, escalators and other regulated lift devices
Public Safety Portal
Note: Use browsers Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari; other browsers may experience issues. Visit the Public Safety Portal Help page for tutorials on using the portal.

Code Enforcement Staff
(select for contacts)

Code Enforcement Staff (select for contacts)

About the Code Enforcement Section

The Code Enforcement Section provides construction and fire-safety related inspections, training and guidance throughout the state of Indiana. Code officials work with local building and fire departments to provide educational training, 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.

Find local code officials

Frequently asked questions

View codes

Code Areas and Other Resources

Child Care Facilities
The Code Enforcement Section inspects many different forms of child care facilities within Indiana and works with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to increase public knowledge and safety. Together, the two units form a partnership with child care facilities for the safety of Indiana’s children.
Explosives, Blasters and Magazines
The Code Enforcement Section administers permits for explosive magazines, which are used to store explosive materials. The Hazmat Section handles licensing for blasters and operators.
- Explosives Magazine Permits (Code Enforcement)
- Blasters and Operators Licenses (Hazmat)
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.
Fireworks
I-BEAM
Outdoor Event Equipment
Outdoor event equipment, which is equipment not attached to a stage, is regulated and subject to inspection through IDHS. To apply for a permit for outdoor event equipment, use the IDHS Services Gateway.
Professional Development
Certifications in the International Building Code and International Fire Code are required of all inspectors within the IDHS Code Enforcement Section within three years of hire. The section also works with and encourages professional development of code officials, local building officials, local fire officials and related professional organizations.
Indiana Builders Association (IBA)
International Code Council (ICC)
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)
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 and Building Code Classes (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
Tents and other membrane structures, which are commonly made of tensioned fabric or foils, are regulated according to Indiana Administrative Code, Title 675, Article 22, Chapter 31 for fire prevention and safety.
Oftentimes, tents and membrane structures are set up for events like fairs and festivals, which require amusement and entertainment permits. The Anchorage Documentation form below should be included when applying for amusement and entertainment permits for events that include tents or other membrane structures.
- Anchorage Documentation Form
Amusement and Entertainment
The Code Enforcement Section administers permits for regulated places of amusement or entertainment, which are locations that host events and gatherings involving amusement and entertainment.
Amusement and entertainment permits
Food Truck Resources
IDHS does not regulate or inspect food trucks. For informational purposes, the following fire safety requirements for food trucks are from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- NFPA Food Trucks Resources
- NFPA Food Truck Fact Sheet
Industrialized Buildings and Mobile Structures
IDHS code officials inspect mobile structures and industrialized building systems.
Industrialized buildings program
- Construction Design Release Applications for Industrialized Buildings and Mobile Structures (Building Plan Review)
- Seal Purchases
Underground Storage Tanks
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regulates underground storage tanks and also handles most of the process for tank system closures and removals. As of July 1, 2023, IDHS no longer certifies UST workers. All applications for new or renewed certification must be filed with IDEM. However, IDHS notification and approval of tank closures and removals is still required in some circumstances.
- Storage Tanks (IDEM)
- Underground Storage Tank Certification, Closures and Removals (IDHS)
Agritourism
Hundreds of agritourism sites operate in Indiana, allowing or inviting the general public to participate in, view or enjoy activities at agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations. Agritourism activities include but are not limited to: self-pick farms, farmers' markets, petting zoos, farm tours, hayrides, corn mazes, horse rides, alcohol tastings and animal exhibitions at agricultural fairs.
Agritourism providers must obtain amusement and entertainment permits for purposes regulated by Indiana Code 22-12 and 22-14 and in accordance with 675 IAC 12-9-2. IDHS Code Enforcement will inspect the location to ensure it is in compliance with all applicable fire safety laws. Permits and inspections are also needed for amusement rides and if there will be a public display of fireworks.
- Agritourism Guidance