Orange County Government, Indiana
Health Department
205 E Main St Suite 9
Paoli, IN 47454
(812) 723-7112
Fax (812) 723-7117
Website: health.orangecounty59.us






S A N I T A T I O N   F A Q ’ S


Q: Do I need a septic permit?

A: You will need a septic permit, issue by the Orange County Health Department, prior to repairing, replacing, constructing, or otherwise altering your septic system.


Q: How much will my septic permit cost me?

A: Permits for new construction are $100. Permits for Repairs are $50.


Q: What is a failing septic system?

A: A failing septic system is a system which exhibits one or more of the following:
The system does not accept sewage at the rate of design application thereby interfering with the normal use of the plumbing in the home, such as gurgling toilets, back-up of drains, slow drains, etc.
The system does not accept sewage at the rate of design application thereby causing ponding, seepage, or other discharge of effluent to the ground surface or to surface waters.
Effluent is discharged from the system thereby causing contamination of a water source. This includes those system which do not have a leach field (or drain into a field tile), aeration unit, or sand filter.


Q: Is my current system legal?

A: If your system does not have a septic tank and an absorption field (leach field), it is not legal. If your system drains to a field tile, drain, creek, stream, side-ditch, or something other than a leach field, it is not legal. If your system consists of an aeration unit, or a sand filter, which is not connected to a leach field, it is not legal.


Q: How do I file a complaint against a food outlet?

A: You can call the Sanitarian of Orange County at (812) 723-7112 ext 1 and give a verbal complaint by phone, or you can come into our department and fill out a complaint form by hand. You can file a complaint anonymously, however, we NEVER divulge the name of the complainant to the food establishment.


Q: What should I do if I’m interested in buying or building a food outlet?

A: Please contact the Environmental Health Specialist in the Food Division BEFORE purchasing a food outlet so that you can review the outlets past inspections. When you assume ownership, you are responsible for bringing the establishment into compliance with the Indiana State Health Code. Before remodeling or building a food outlet, you are required to submit blueprints and plans for review and approval.


Q: How much will a food permit cost me?

A: Yearly food permits are $100 per location.



V I T A L   R E C O R D S   F A Q ’ S


Q: How can I get a birth or death certificate?

A: If the birth or death occurred in Orange County, you can come in to our office and obtain the certificate immediately with proof of identity and/or legal interest. You may also request one via mail by completing the request form and mailing to the Health Department, along with a photocopy of your Driver’s License, proof of relationship, and/or legal interest, and payment.


Q: How can I get my birth certificate if I don’t have a Driver’s’ License or State ID card?

A: You may use alternate forms of identification. You will be required to submit a minimum of two of the following documents as proof of identification (items must contain signature of applicant):

Verification of Employment on letter head including date of employment, employee’s address and manager’s name and signature
Voter Registration
Vehicle Registration (no titles)
Previous year’s tax return with social security number
Probation documents or statement from Probation Officer on letterhead, including person’s name and date of birth with signature
Signed Warranty Deed or current Lease/Rental Agreement
Signed Social Security Card
Military Discharge
Indiana only Gun Permit
Indiana only Professional License


Q: Who is eligible to obtain a birth certificate?

A: The following is a list of eligible persons:

The individual named on record (18 years or older)
Parents of individual named on certificate (must be listed on record)
Grandparents (Must be parent of a parent listed on record and show proof of relationship)
Sibling, 18 years or older of individual named on certificate (must show proof of relationship)
Current spouse of individual named on certificate (must show proof of marriage)
Aunt or Uncle of individual named on certificate (must show proof of relation)
Court Appointed Legal Guardian, Attorney representing person named on record, State and Federal Agency, or Social Agency (must have I.D. and provide guardianship papers with seal)
Step-parent (must have I.D. with valid marriage certificate)
Genealogy (individual on record must be over 75 years old and deceased, must show proof of death)


Q: How much does a birth/death certificate cost?

A: Certified Birth and Death Certificates are $12 per copy. We accept cash/money order/credit card payments (processing fee not included). No personal checks.


Q: How can I add the father of my child to his or her birth certificate?

A: If the birth of the child occurred in Orange County and there is currently no father listed on the birth record, the mother and the biological father need to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can then process and file a Paternity Affidavit which will add the father’s name to the birth certificate. Both parents are required to appear in person and must have their state ID and Social Security Card with them. If the parents are married, we will also need a copy of the marriage license. There is a $20 fee for this service.




N U R S I N G   F A Q ’ S


Q: What if I cannot bring my child in?

A: We must have a note from you giving parental consent. The person bringing the child must be over 18 with a valid photo I.D.



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