Building Department

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:

Testing for Assurance of Contractors License
Licensing Board conducts oral interviews
Permits
Inspections
Progress Reports
Enforcement of Stop Work Orders, Issuance of Citations, License and Permit Suspension and Revocation.

General Inquiries

building@gary.gov
(219) 881-1377

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Online GBL & Permit System

Online Permit System

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Apply for Permits

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.

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Contractor Licenses

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)

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Inspection Services

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.

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Inspection Fees

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.

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Nipsco Inspections

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.

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Rental Registration

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:

Residential single family = Five Dollars ($5) per single family home
Residential multi-units = Five Dollars ($5) for each unit up to four (4) units

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.

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Code Enforcement

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

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