Gary building department

The City of Gary Building Department enforces building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC codes inside Gary city limits. Its work includes plan review, permits, inspections, contractor licensing (the Licensing Board interviews applicants), stop-work orders and citations, and the city’s rental registration program. Properties outside the city fall under Lake County or another municipality.

What needs a permit

Gary requires permits for all new construction, alterations, and some repairs, plus any electrical or plumbing fixture installation. The city does not publish fixed permit prices. Each fee is based on the material and labor cost of the work plus the number of inspections needed.

The department also points out that if an inspector cites a contractor for working without a permit, a permit pulled later that same day does not cancel the citation. Permits are time-stamped, and the citation stands if the stamp is later than the citation.

Contractor permits

All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed with the City of Gary before they can pull permits.

The city’s FAQ says contractor permits are applied for through the OpenGov portal. The Apply for Permits section also offers building, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing application forms that can be emailed to [email protected].

Under the Building Commissioner’s notice to contractors, the license holder must:

• keep a current General Business License, bond, insurance (with workers’ compensation where applicable), and contractor license on file;
• carry a bond naming “All cities and towns in Lake County, Indiana” or “The City of Gary” as obligee;
• name the people authorized to pull or renew permits, by notarized letter with a photo of each person, up to four people including the license holder;
• submit a copy of the contract and plans for additions and new construction;
• post the permit before work starts;
• call for every inspection and close out each job with a final inspection or certificate of occupancy. When the work is done, the contractor submits the city’s Certificate of Completion.

Gary does not issue permit refunds for any reason.

Homeowner permits

Owning a property does not automatically qualify you for a homeowner permit. Eligible homeowners may do cosmetic interior and exterior work only. They may not do electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or certain structural work themselves.

Homeowner permits cannot be applied for online. You must go to the office in person and bring:

• a tax statement or deed;
• a materials list (a quote or receipt);
• a dumpster receipt, if applicable;
• a driver’s license or state ID;
• a site plan for Zoning Department review, if any structural work is involved.

Inspections and fees

Item	Fee
Each inspection (building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC)	$50
Re-inspection after a failed or missed inspection	$100, paid before any further inspection
NIPSCO utility-reconnect inspection	$50

Schedule inspections 24 to 72 hours ahead. Most projects need several inspections across the building, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades.

If the utilities have been off for 90 days or more, NIPSCO needs a city inspection before it will reconnect service. Return the NIPSCO Release Form with the $50 fee before the inspection is scheduled, along with proof of your relationship to the property:

• Tenants: a copy of the lease.
• Owners: a mortgage statement, tax record, title, or deed.
• Authorized agents: a notarized authorization letter and a driver’s license.

Contractor licensing and reciprocity

Some license types require a qualifying exam. The city publishes a 2026 contractor licensing application packet, an exam packet, and a scope-of-work document for the oral interview and written exams.

Since a September 17, 2024 amendment to Municipal Code section 105-431, Gary accepts a current license from another municipality that requires a similar exam. The Building Commissioner verifies that the outside license and exam results are valid. Contractors whose existing license did not require an exam must still pass Gary’s written or oral exam. Reciprocity applicants must also meet the rest of the licensing checklist.

The department publishes a list of licensed contractors. A contractor caught pulling permits for an unlicensed contractor gets a “show cause” letter and is called before the licensing board.

Zoning and site review

The Zoning Department handles:

• zoning verification and zoning compliance letters;
• site plan and architectural review;
• general business licenses, including the contractor license listing.

You need a Land Disturbing Activities Permit for work that disturbs land on a project area of 12,500 sq ft or more. Contact zoning at [email protected] or (219) 881-1332.

Rental registration

Under ordinance C.P.O. 2012-79, residential rentals must be registered every year. Open enrollment runs January 1 to March 30. The fee is $5 per single-family home, or $5 per unit for buildings of up to four units. There is a $25 late fee per property, and fines for not complying start at $250.

Landlords register through the OpenGov portal. Tenants can file rental-condition complaints with the Rental Registration Coordinator by calling the department or visiting Room 104.