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Frequently Asked Questions
Appropriate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, fence and/or other permits are required for all new construction, alteration, repair, improving, removing, conversion or demolition of buildings, structures, etc., as outlined in the East Chicago Municipal Code. East Chicago Municipal Code, Section 15.04.070, states that a building permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure using forms furnished by the East Chicago Building Department. A listing of the schedule of permit fees can be obtained from the Building Department office. Building codes are adopted to provide minimum standards for safeguarding life or limb, health, property and public welfare. The East Chicago Building Department enforces building regulations to ensure public safety throughout the City of East Chicago. A building permit is an official document issued by the Building Department authorizing specific building activity that has been reviewed and approved for construction in accordance with adopted codes and regulations. Building permits are issued by the East Chicago Building Department, located at 4525 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 205, East Chicago, Indiana 46312. The review and permitting process varies depending on complexity of your project and the number of projects submitted for review ahead of your project. If there are no outstanding issues or problems affecting your plan submittal, a permit may be obtained on a typical residential application within 1-3 days, time frames may vary depending on any required corrections. Licensed contractors may obtain building permits if they hold a valid and active City license covering the scope of work authorized by the permit. Permits may be obtained by owner/builder who are exempt from contractor license requirements under the provisions of the East Chicago Municipal Code. Applicants may be considered an owner/builder when they own their property and are building or improving a residential structure on the property for their own occupancy that is not intended for rental or sale. East Chicago Municipal Code, Section 15.10.050, states that it is unlawful for any person to engage in the business of a building contractor, includes any person, as principal, who for a fixed sum, price, fee, percentage or other compensation shall build, construct, alter, lay, repair, install, add to or erect any building, structure, pipe line or facility above or below ground within the city or who shall undertake to perform any of such acts, in the city without having a valid license. You can contact the City of East Chicago Controller’s Office at (219) 391-8220, to inquire whether or not a contractor is licensed. Appropriate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, fence, and/or other permit(s) for construction and/or installation and/or operation of buildings, structures, signs, etc., depending on the scope of work covered. Multiple departments/agencies are involved in the development review process. Planning and Business Development Department evaluates and processes land use applications. The Engineering Department is responsible for processing and reviewing private development permit applications for off-site improvements (within the City’s right-of-way) requirements. The Building Department reviews building construction plans and coordinates the review process with the appropriate agencies before issuing permits for approved on-site construction activities. Other agency reviews vary depending on the type of project and specific requirements. Building permit and plan review fees are calculated in accordance with Ordinance No. 0-02-0017 of the East Chicago Municipal Code. Permit fee schedules are available either through the web site, or copies are available at the East Chicago Building Department office. Generally accepted design standards for construction plans are governed by various agencies and organizations that license design professional through the State of Indiana. Building inspections are required on all permits issued. For the most recently adopted codes, please refer to the Office of the State Building Commissioner’s web site www.state.in.us./sema/osbc/techserv/osbc_prom_codes.html. Note: Other code and/or design standards are commonly referenced by these Practically, it is the government’s official statement on building safety. Technically, it is a compendium of minimum safety standards arranged in a systematic manner (codified) for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of building construction – fire, structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. a) For your personal safety, and that of your family, and the guests invited into your home; b) To ensure the economic well-being of the community by reducing potential spread of fire and disease; c) For the conservation of energy; and d) To protect future home purchasers who deserve reasonable assurance that the home they buy will be safe.
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