Frequently Asked Questions
- When do I need a building permit? 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.
- Why do I need a building permit? 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.
- Where do I obtain a building permit? Building permits are issued by the East Chicago Building Department, located at 4525 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 205, East Chicago, Indiana 46312.
- How long will it take to get a building permit? 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.
- Who can obtain a building permit? 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.
- Are additional permits required for a project other than a building permit? 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.
- Who needs to review my plans prior to a building permit being issued? 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.
- How much will my building permit cost? 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.
- What are the requirements for preparing and submitting construction plans? Generally accepted design standards for construction plans are governed by various agencies and organizations that license design professional through the State of Indiana.
- When do I need building inspections? Building inspections are required on all permits issued.
- What are the adopted building construction codes in the
City of East Chicago?
International
Building Code (IBC), 2000 Edition with 2003 Amendments
International
Residential Code (IRC), 2000 Edition with 2001 Amendments
International
Mechanical Code (IMC), 2000 Edition with 2003 Amendments
International
Fire Code (IFC), 2000 Edition with 2003 Amendments
National
Electrical Code (NEC), 2000 Edition (NFPA 70-2002)
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 1997 Edition with 1999 Amendments
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
documents and this should not be considered a comprehensive
list of all
codes/standards.
- What is a building code? 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.
- Why should minimum safety codes apply to your own home?
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.