Permits

Permits

Application for Building Permits 

Building permits are necessary so that the Building Department can inspect the job for safety, sound construction practices, and compliance to building and zoning codes.  The purpose of the permit application is to enable the applicant to present all documentation with reference to the structure and to facilitate its plan examination and compliance with zoning requirements.  The applicant should present the completed permit application along with all of the drawing, plat of survey and any additional information deemed necessary to the Planning & Building Department.

Permits must be applied for all new construction and for additions to existing structures.  Other projects that require building permits are in-ground and above-ground pools, sheds, fences, detached garages, decks, signs, excavation and fill of land.

A plat of survey is required showing the location of the proposed improvements with existing and proposed elevations of land.  Construction drawings showing footing and foundation plans, dimensions of all floors, cross sections with details of footings, walls, floors and roof must be supplied. 

Licensed Contractors

Merrillville requires that all contractors be licensed with the Town.  Before you hire a contractor call the Building Department (769-3631) to verify that the contractor is licensed with the Town of Merrillville.  Also ask for names and addresses of other jobs the company has done and check on those references. Never pay the contractor before work is started.  Obtain a signed contract for the work to be completed with the price agreed to and make sure you read the fine print.  It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints listed against the contractor.

Electrical Permits 

A supplemental permit must be obtained for all installations or alteration of electrical services.  This permit will only be issued to a Licensed Electrical Contractor with the Town.  However, a homeowner may be issued a permit upon submission of a schematic drawing to be approved by the electrical inspector, and upon signing an affidavit that homeowner will be doing the electrical installation.

Plumbing Permits 

A supplemental permit must be obtained for all installations or alterations of plumbing.  This permit will only be issued to a plumbing contractor registered with the Town and licensed through the State of Indiana.  However, a  homeowner may be issued a permit upon submission of an isometric drawing of the plumbing lines, to be approved by the plumbing inspector, and upon signing an affidavit that the homeowner will be doing the plumbing installation. 

Mechanical Permits 

A supplemental permit must be obtained for all installation or alteration of heating/air conditioning.  This permit will only be issued to a licensed mechanical contractor with the Town.  However, a homeowner may be issued a permit upon signing an affidavit stating the homeowner will be doing the heating/air conditioning installation.

Zoning

In order to carry out the purposes and provisions of the Town of Merrillville Zoning Ordinance, the Town is divided into zoning districts.  Each district has specific uses and front, rear, and side setbacks, height requirements; as well as specification on the lot size, width, and parking requirements.

State of Indiana Building Codes

As adopted by The Town of Merrillville
By Reference

Commercial Building Code:

Indiana Building Code, 2008 Edition
(International Building Code, 2006 Edition, 1st printing)
ANSI A117.1-2003: ASCE-7-2995
With current Indiana Amendments

Residential Building Code:

Indiana Residential Code 2005 Edition
(International Residential Code 2003 Edition)
With currents Indiana Amendments

Electrical Code:

Indiana Electrical Code 2009 Edition
(NFPA 70-2008)
With current Indiana Amendments

Plumbing Code:

Indiana Plumbing Code 1999 Edition
(Uniform Plumbing Code 1997 Edition)
With current Indiana Amendments

Mechanical Code:

Indiana Mechanical Code 2008 Edition
(International Mechanical Code 2006 Edition 1st printing)
With current Indiana Amendment

Fire Code:

Indiana Fire Code 2008 Edition
(International Fire Code 2006 Edition 1st printing)
With current Indiana Amendments

05-09-2011