Building Permits in City of East Chicago
Lake County, Indiana
4525 Indianapolis Blvd, East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: 219-391-8294
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Official Website
Permit Types & Fees
| Permit Type | Category | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Required for new residential construction, additions, and major renovations within East Chicago. | residential | Contact office | 2-4 weeks |
| Commercial Building Permit Required for commercial construction and renovations in East Chicago. Major projects need 2 sets of plans. | commercial | Contact office | 4-8 weeks |
| Electrical Permit Required for electrical work. Contractors must pass written examination. | trade | Contact office | 1-2 weeks |
| Plumbing Permit Required for plumbing installations and modifications. | trade | Contact office | 1-2 weeks |
| HVAC/Mechanical Permit Required for HVAC system installations or replacements. | trade | Contact office | 1-2 weeks |
Required Documents
Residential Building Permit
- Completed building permit application
- Plat of survey, sketch, or site plans
- List of subcontractors with contact information
- Copy of property owner contract (if contractor)
Commercial Building Permit
- Commercial permit application
- Two sets of plans (major projects)
- Indiana State Design Release
Building Code
Indiana Building Code (International Building Code adopted by reference)
Inspection Process
Site inspection required before permit issuance. 48-hour waiting period before permit is issued. Contact 219-391-8294 to schedule.
Additional Notes
Director James Portalatin. All specialty contractors (general, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, wrecking) must pass written examination before licensing. Property owners may need to pass a homeowner's test before permit issuance. Valid city business license required before contractor license. 48-hour waiting period for permit issuance. Rental property registration $5/unit annually. No online permit portal — applications by email or in person.
Related Permit Guides
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Verified Data Last verified: March 1, 2026 · Source: City of East Chicago Building Department website