Dubois County adopts updated retail food and bed-and-breakfast ordinance

The Dubois County Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-01 on Jan. 20, 2026, updating the county’s regulations for retail food establishments and bed-and-breakfast operations.

Environmental Specialist Christina Pierini presented amendments to Ordinance 2019-09, saying the changes align local rules with relevant Indiana statutes and Indiana State Department of Health rules. The ordinance updates definitions, permit application and renewal procedures, plan-review requirements for new or remodeled food operations, inspection frequency and procedures, sanitation and employee training requirements, and enforcement tools including suspension, revocation, and civil penalties.

The ordinance text references state law and rules throughout. It incorporates by reference provisions of the Indiana Code governing food safety (including IC 16-42-1, IC 16-42-2, IC 16-42-5) and multiple Indiana Administrative Code provisions (including 410 IAC 7-26 and 410 IAC 7-15.5). It requires at least one certified food manager per food establishment and sets permit terms (one year for most permits, shorter limited terms for seasonal and temporary operations), pre-operational plan review and inspection requirements, and procedures for notice, correction, and appeal of violations.

Commissioners approved the ordinance as presented; the adoption takes effect upon publication as stated in the text. The ordinance also sets out penalties (civil penalty schedule with a maximum single civil penalty not to exceed $1,000) and authorizes the Dubois County Health Department and County Attorney to enforce the chapter and pursue injunctive or other remedies if necessary.

The ordinance text was placed on file in the Auditor’s office and with the Dubois County Health Department for public inspection. The county clerk’s minutes show the ordinance was adopted on Jan. 20, 2026, and will be effective upon publication in accordance with the ordinance provisions.