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The Building Department is responsible for ensuring public safety, health and welfare through enforcement of codes that regulate building design, construction, maintenance, repair, removal, demolition and occupancy.
Operations of the Department include permits and inspections.
Services include technical assistance on code matters, review of plans and construction documents for code compliance, issuing of building permits and monitoring of progress on approved work.
Permits are required for all new construction, alterations and some repairs. Permits also are required for installation of electrical and plumbing fixtures. Permit fees are based on the value of the work done.
The City of Gary Building Department is charged with the assurance of the safe renovation, remodeling and building of properties of the City of Gary.
The City of Gary Building Department performs the following functions:
TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT WITH THE CITY OF GARY
All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed with the City of Gary to do work in the city. Under certain conditions, homeowners may be permitted to perform work on their own property.
Download the relevant application from the links below and submit the completed application to building@gary.gov
Please reach out to the Building Department with any questions at (219) 881-1377.
Learn about contractor licenses here: Notice to Contractors and General Public (pdf)
Apply for a contractor’s license here: Contractor’s Application Packet (pdf)
If your contractor’s license application requires a test, apply here: Contractor’s Licensing Exam Packet 2024 (pdf)
Scope of Work for Oral Interview and Written Exams (pdf)
List of licensed contractors (pdf)
The Building Department’s Inspection Services ensures public safety by enforcing Municipal and State Codes regarding construction, alteration, and the installation of electrical and plumbing equipment and systems.
Inspections must be scheduled 24-72 hours prior to requested date.
Inspection fees are $50.00 per inspection. Several Inspections will be required during construction including building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
Failed inspections and failure to appear for inspections require a $100.00 re-inspection fee to be paid before any other inspections will be conducted.
Utilities disconnected for 90 days or more will require an inspection to reconnected services for Nipsco. Inspection fee is $50.00. Return the Nipsco Release Form to the Building Department along with $50.00, to be paid before an inspection is scheduled.
IF you are a TENANT: Bring a copy of lease as proof of residency prior to your inspection request.
IF you are an OWNER: Bring proof of ownership (ie. current mortgage statement, tax documents, title, deed, etc.) prior to your inspection request.
On December 4, 2012 the City of Gary Common Council passed C.P.O. 2012-79, an ordinance establishing minimum standards and a registration/inspection program for residential rental housing units within the City of Gary.
RENEWAL FEES:
All rental registration renewal fees are as follows:
This fee is due annually. The window for open enrollment is January 1st until March 30th of each year.
LATE FEES:
All rental property owners who fail to register or renew rental property must pay a twenty-five dollar late fee ($25.00); assessed for each rental property not registered in addition to the required annual five dollar ($5) fee.
COMPLIANCE:
Failure to comply with the ordinance may also result in fines starting at $250.00.
Code Enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health, safety, and welfare, public works, business activities and consumer protection, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs.
Overview (PDF) | Overview (PPTX) | Link to District Map
Code Enforcement | Municipal Codes of Gary Indiana
How do I obtain a refund?
The City of Gary will not issue a refund for any reason.
Which Contractors are licensed with The City of Gary?
How much does it cost to obtain a permit?
When is the next licensing exam?
When is the Rental Registration deadline date?
What is the fee for Rental Registration properties?
Florzell Hawkins
Commissioner
fhawkins@gary.gov
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
401 Broadway, Suite 307
Gary, IN 46402
p: (219)881-1377
f: (219)881-1425
Mildred Washington
Executive Director Code Enforcement
mwashington@gary.gov
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
401 Broadway, Suite 302
Gary, IN 46402
p: (219) 806-6487
f: (219) 881-1425
Building Inspector – (219) 806-6657
Code Enforcement – (219) 806-6487
Building Department
David Stalf, Building Commissioner
dstalf@gary.gov
BUILDING INSPECTORS
Christopher Lewis, Building Inspector
clewis@gary.gov
Anthony McClinton, Building Inspector
amcclinton@gary.gov
Alphonso Rogers, Building Inspector
arogers@gary.gov
PERMIT CLERKS
Reanell Bradley Permit Clerk
rbradley@gary.gov
Wonda Day, Permit Clerk
wday@gary.gov
Sheila Patterson, Permit Clerk
spatterson@gary.gov
Carol Williams, Permit Clerk
cwilliams@gary.gov
RENTAL REGISTRATION COORDINATOR
Tia Wright-Hutchinson
thutchinson@gary.gov
Code Enforcement
Millie Washington, Executive Director
mglenn@gary.gov
Robert Brinston, 1st District Code Officer
rbrinston@gary.gov
Sharonda L Wilson, 2nd District Code Officer
swilson@gary.gov
Paul Brock, 3rd District Code Officer
pbrock@gary.gov
Damon G. Simmons, 4th District Code Officer
dsimmons@gary.gov
Shada G. Johnson-Warren, 5th District Code Officer
sjwarren@gary.gov
VACANT, 6th District Code Officer