Chapter 1 Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement 8th Edition

Code Enforcement

News/Updates

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

Update: Permits and status requests for fireworks and amusement and entertainment are now accessed via the Public Safety Portal. In accordance with the state's goal to modernize and offer better customer service to Hoosiers, apply online and not by paper.

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.
  - For licensed child care centers
  - For unlicensed registered child care ministries
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
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.

More Fireworks Information
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.

More I-BEAM Information
Outdoor Event Equipment
Professional Development
Schools
Tents and Other Membrane Structures