Every piece of land in the City of Gary is assigned a zoning category, informed by the Comprehensive Plan, which defines the land uses and specifications that are permitted.
Zoning serves Gary’s residents by:
Regulating land use to protect public health and safety from the adverse effects of neighboring properties
Conserving the taxable value of land and buildings in the city
Applying community priorities in the Comprehensive Plan to existing and future development
For questions about zoning or business licenses, please contact the Zoning Administrator
To protect the safety of the public and staff during this winter surge of COVID infections, the Zoning Department will conduct business virtually whenever possible, reserving in-person meetings only by necessity. Please visit the Gary Online link on the licenses tab or contact us directly at zoning@gary.gov; 219-881-1332.
For a zoning verification letter, complete and submit this form with payment
For a zoning compliance letter, complete and submit this form with payment
Applying for or renewing a license with the City of Gary? Click the Licenses tab.
Looking for information on development standards or permitted uses for a property? Click the Maps/Uses tab.
Submitting site plans and architectural drawings for review? Click the Site Plan Review tab.
Work that disturbs land on project areas of 12,500 square feet or more requires a Land Disturbing Activities Permit Click the Site Plan tab.
Do you have property that are used for Airbnb, VRBO, etc. ?
CLICK TO ACCESS THE GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE PORTAL
ACCESS GBL PORTALLicenses that do not also need a General Business License:
Business activities
License type
Fee
Reselling items?
$300
Selling without a structure?
$200
Providing transportation services?
Taxicab and Limousine
- Per Vehicle
- Per Driver
$240
$120
$20
Selling from a temporary structure?
$200
Collecting material?
$150
Business of an adult nature?
Sexually oriented business license
- Employee license
$500
$120
$60
Providing lodging?
$50-$500
Stand at a flea market?
- Flea market operator
- Per Booth
$300
$50
Work as a Contractor?
Run a dry cleaning business?
Operate a fireworks stand?
Work as a junk dealer?
Operate a kennel?
Run a hotel/motel?
Sell beverages and/or food?
Health license/food handler card
Sell automotive vehicles?
If you have a valid business license, you can register online now,
which will make renewing in January more convenient (click here to register).
If you cannot download the license application you need, contact the Zoning Department at zoning@gary.gov.
For all fees, see the business license summary of fees
ATTENTION: All applicants for renewals of General Business Licenses (GBL) that operate out of residences must submit proof they are still residing full time in the home for which they are receiving their GBL. This is a requirement for:
GBL’s will not be issued to applicants who cannot provide proof that they are still residing in the home for which they have received approval to operate.
The following are examples of documents that can be submitted that have the address for which you are seeking a GBL issuance or renewal, including but not limited to:
If the property you are inquiring about is in a highlighted section in the map below, then:
If the property you are inquiring about is not in the East Lakefront District, then:
Development Standard Variance application for requesting relief from development standards of the zoning district for a specific parcel
Special Use Permit Application for those uses specifically defined by municipal code within each zoning district
Rezone application to request a change to the zoning district of a parcel [updated form is attached]
Use variance application to permit a use within a zoning district otherwise not permitted.
Petition to vacate application.
Petition to vacate checklist.
Petition to plat or replat application.
Contact the Zoning Department before applying
All petitions must be submitted to the Zoning Department prior to being placed on the agenda.
Please direct any questions or concerns to the Zoning Department. Thank you.
General Business License – New Business or Change in Address/Ownership
General Business License – Annual Renewal
Petition to Resubdivide (Replat) or Subdivide (Plat)
Subdivision Primary Plat/Replat Checklist
Subdivision Secondary (Final) Plat/Replat Checklist
Letters from Utilities for Vacation
General Requirements for Residential Fences
In 2012, the City of Gary instituted a streamlined review process for zoning clearances and building permits. A Site Plan Review and Development (SPRD) Committee was formed to review requests for all commercial/industrial and home projects involving new construction or remodeling (including facades, signage, and parking lots).
The Site Plan Review & Development Committee requests that the owner and selected contractor come before the SPRD Committee and present an overview of the proposed petition/project. After each presentation, the petitioner will either receive a decision on permitting, Plan Commission, Zoning Board review, or will be asked for additional information.
Work that disturbs land on project areas of 12,500 square feet or more requires a Land Disturbing Activities Permit.
Site Plan Review & Development Checklist
Stormwater Design Standards Requirement
Note pipe distances are not exact on map.
– Type your address in the search bar of the map.
– Match the color of line in front of your property with legend to find out what year your pipe was or will be replaced.
Taryl Bonds, President
Florzell Hawkins, Vice-President
Bill Cook
Rev. Chester Jones
David Fossett
Please review the policies, procedures and pre-application process in advance. If you have any questions, contact the Zoning Department.
Meets are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 3:00pm CT. Meetings are held in-person at City Hall and/or via Zoom in accordance with state requirements.
2025 PLAN COMMISSION COMMITTEES CALENDAR (pdf)
2025 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS COMMITTEES CALENDAR (pdf)
Date of Meeting
Notices/Agendas
Minutes
Jan. 11, 2024
Feb. 8, 2024
Mar. 14, 2024
Apr. 11, 2024
May 9, 2024
Jun. 13, 2024
Jul. 11, 2024
Aug. 8, 2024
Sept. 12, 2024
Oct. 10, 2024
Nov. 14, 2024
Nov. 21, 2024
NOTICE: The Gary Plan Commission meeting on November 21, 2024 has been cancelled.
Dec. 12, 2024
In accordance with Indiana State Law, the City of Gary Department of Planning and Zoning requires all petitioners who come before the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Plan Commission requesting a change to the zoning code to notify impacted parties of the proposed change. Petitioners are required to do this via Certified Mail with Electronic Delivery Confirmation, available at any USPS location.
NaJeana Brown
Zoning Plan Reviewer/Inspector
nbrown@gary.gov
Corrie Sharp
Primary Contact
csharp@gary.gov
219-881-1332 ext. 16450
Nate' Walton
Administrative Assistant
nwalton@gary.gov
219-881-1332 ext. 16400
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Ph: 219-881-1332
Fax: (219) 881-0008