The East Chicago Building Department is the City’s building code enforcement agency under the administrative and operational control of the Building Commissioner. 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. Under the leadership of the Building Commissioner, the East Chicago Building Department’s duties include:

Ø  Examining and approving or rejecting all building permit applications.

Ø  Enforcing zoning laws.

Ø  Inspecting all buildings in the course of construction or repair.

Ø  Review and approve or reject applications for licensing of contractors and sub-contractors.

Ø  Periodic inspections of one- and two-family and multi-family dwellings.

Ø  Conducting inspections of complaint reports regarding permits/licensees, unsafe buildings, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, swimming pool, debris, weeds, abandoned vehicles and fences.

Ø  Issue orders to repair, condemn and demolish.

Ø  Vacate and seal unsafe buildings.

Ø  Conduct periodic joint inspections with Health, Fire and Air Quality Departments.