Building Permits in City of Valparaiso
Porter County, Indiana
166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-462-1161
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Email: valpobuilding@valpo.us
Official Website
Permit Types & Fees
| Permit Type | Category | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Required for new residential construction within the City of Valparaiso. Fee based on ICC Building Valuation Data. | residential | Gross area x sqft cost x 0.0019 multiplier (example ~$965 for 2-story with basement) | 2-4 weeks |
| Commercial Building Permit Required for commercial construction and major alterations in Valparaiso. | commercial | Contact office | 4-8 weeks |
| Electrical Permit Required for electrical work. Up to 200 amps $35; over 200 amps $55; temporary service $35. | trade | $35 (up to 200 amps) | 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
- Construction drawings
- Plot plan or survey
- Contractor List Form
Commercial Building Permit
- Commercial permit application
- Stamped architectural/engineering plans
- Indiana State Design Release
Building Code
Indiana Building Code (2012 IBC, 2018 IRC, NEC 2008, IPC 2006, IMC 2012, IFC 2012, IFGC 2012 with Indiana amendments)
Inspection Process
Call 219-462-1161 to schedule. Residential new construction includes 13 standard inspections. Additional inspections beyond 13 cost $25 each. Re-inspection $25, missed inspection $100, weekend/after hours $50.
Additional Notes
Building and Code Enforcement Director Vicki Thrasher (vthrasher@valpo.us). Administrative Assistant Rebecca Marlow (rmarlow@valpo.us). Contractor registration $100 new, $50 renewal, $80 late. Requires $500,000 liability insurance with workers' comp and $5,000 recorded Porter County bond. No online permit portal — in-person at City Hall. PayGov accepted for credit card payments ($1 flat fee under $33, 3% over $33). No permit penalty 50% of permit cost. CO $25. Fences max 6ft rear/side, 4ft front. Pools require automatic cover (1,000 lb min) or 4ft barrier. Fax 219-464-4273.
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Verified Data Last verified: March 1, 2026 · Source: City of Valparaiso Building Department website