The Department of Technical Code Enforcement of Columbus/Bartholomew County is responsible for assuring that all construction meets minimum health and life standards, building codes and zoning requirements as specified or referenced in the Ordinances of Bartholomew County and the City of Columbus, Indiana.
The department issues permits for a variety of activities (including commercial and residential new construction, remodeling and swimming pools), reviews building plans, assigns addresses, answers requests for information on zoning, code requirements, flood plain coverage and number and type of permits issued. Code Enforcement is also responsible for fire inspections of businesses, schools and other public buildings located out of the city limits. We also investigate nuisance complaints and zoning violations outside of the city limits.
Staff
Asst. Chief Code Enforcement Officer: Brian Thompson
Inspectors
Commerical Building Inspector: Levi Brown
Residential Building Inspector: Chad Stevens
Residential Building Inspector: Randy Hundley
County Fire Inspector: Gene Wever
Zoning Enforcement Officer: Tony Darnall
Administrative
Office Manager: Holly Harris
Permit Clerk: Robin Klakamp
Permit Clerk: Amy Rixmann
The following items may be required by The Department of Technical Code Enforcement prior to the issuance of the permit:
Please contact our office for the specific items required for your project.
The "Building Code of Bartholomew County, Indiana", and the "Building Code of the City of Columbus, Indiana", both state:
"A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure, the cost of which exceeds Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00), using the forms furnished by the Department of Technical Code Enforcement".
If you are thinking of making additions, improvements or alterations to your home or property, a permit is required for most improvements, including but not limited to:
New Homes; New Accessory Buildings (larger than 200 square feet); In-ground swimming pools; and Above ground swimming pools constructed on lots less than two (2) acres are Required to have a Site plan certified by a Registered Land Surveyor.
All inspections require 24-hour advance scheduling. All scheduling must be made by calling the office at 812-379-1535. Inspections may be phoned in until 5 PM the day before the inspection is needed. Please call the office with any questions. General information is as follows (more information on Residential and Commercial Inspections can be found in the documents at the bottom of the page):
Footing: Inspections are required before concrete is poured. Footing Inspections must be scheduled through the office the day before the inspection is needed. Then, on the morning of the inspection, phone the office between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM to schedule a time for the inspector to inspect the footing that day (between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM). You will need to provide the permit number, location and time you wish to have the inspection.
Under-slab: Inspections are required before placing fill. All mechanicals must be exposed.
Basement Foundation: Inspection is required before backfill. The drainage tile, gravel, insulation, damp-proofing, anchor bolts and sill plates must be in place.
Crawl-Space Foundation: Inspection is required before backfill. The drainage tile, gravel, insulation, anchor bolts, sill plates and sump pit must be in place. The crawl must also be properly graded.
Rough-In Inspection: Includes frames, firestop, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, completed roof, and manufactured fireplaces. Electrical service should be ready for meter installation.
Final Inspections: All fees and fines must be paid before final inspection will be scheduled. Do not occupy before this inspection
Inspectors have all day to make requested inspections, but will try to accommodate specific circumstances if possible.