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The East Chicago Building Department is the City’s building code enforcement agency under the administrative and operational control of the Building Commissioner, Mr. Ernest Hagler. The Building Commissioner is authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of the Indiana Building Code (International Building Code), which is adopted by reference by the City of East Chicago. The building code of the city provides minimum standards for the protection of life, health, environment, public safety and general welfare, and the conservation of energy in the design and construction of buildings and structures. The provisions of this code apply to the construction, alteration, repair, use, occupancy, maintenance, and additions to all buildings and structures, other than industrialized building systems or mobile structures certified under I.C.22-15-4, within the jurisdiction. As Building Commissioner, Mr. Hagler governs a dignified team of respected women and men, both part-time and full-time employees, who responsibly act in their duties to correctly enforce all prevailing laws and provisions regulating ordinances and codes for construction, wrecking, housing and zoning. • Examining and approving or rejecting all building permit applications • Enforcing zoning laws • Inspecting all buildings in the course of construction or repair • Review and approve or reject applications for licensing of contractors and sub-contractors • Periodic inspections of one-, two- and multi-family dwellings • Conducting inspections of complaint reports regarding permits/licensees, unsafe buildings, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, swimming pools, debris, weeds and abandoned vehicles and fences • Issue orders to repair, condemn and demolish • Vacate unsafe buildings • Seal unsafe buildings • Conduct periodic joint inspections with Health, Fire and Air Quality Departments Generally speaking, the services provided by the East Chicago Building Department are the same compared to the cities of Hammond and Gary, which are cities designated as first class cities. For instance, similarities include licensing, permits, condemnations and demolition of unsafe buildings. Also, it is significant to note that the City of East Chicago has an interrelated Code Enforcement Department, a division in the Building Department, which primarily handles complaints regarding Housing Standards and property maintenance issues. The diverse staff of the East Chicago Building Department acts as representatives of our community. Moreover, there are several bilingual employees who speak Spanish, enabling this department to serve the needs of the Spanish-speaking segment of our diverse community.
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