Building & Code.

Building & Code.

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Welcome.

The Building & Code Enforcement Department
  • Building- Conducts inspections of new structures, additions, and renovations of existing structures within the city limits. There are four Inspectors: Building, Electrical, Mechanical (HVAC), and Plumbing, who report to the Building Commissioner.
  • Code Enforcement- In efforts of maintaining a clean and safe city, Code Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of properties for compliance with minimum housing standards, property maintenance, trash, and tall grass and weed ordinances. There are four Code Enforcement Officers that patrol assigned areas of the City and report to the Building Commissioner.
  • Permit Center – Responsible for issuing all construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and demolition permits, contractor licenses & registration renewals, and maintaining property files.

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229 S 2nd St Elkhart, IN 46516

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574-294-5474

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574-389-1781

 

Proposed Elkhart Rental Inspection and Registration Program

Proposed Elkhart Rental Inspection and Registration Program (Spanish) (Español)

Inspection Checklist

 

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Welcome.

The Building & Code Enforcement Department
  • Building- Conducts inspections of new structures, additions, and renovations of existing structures within the city limits. There are four Inspectors: Building, Electrical, Mechanical (HVAC), and Plumbing, who report to the Building Commissioner.
  • Code Enforcement- In efforts of maintaining a clean and safe city, Code Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of properties for compliance with minimum housing standards, property maintenance, trash, and tall grass and weed ordinances. There are four Code Enforcement Officers that patrol assigned areas of the City and report to the Building Commissioner.
  • Permit Center – Responsible for issuing all construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and demolition permits, contractor licenses & registration renewals, and maintaining property files.

229 S 2nd St Elkhart, IN 46516

574-294-5474

574-389-1781

 

Proposed Elkhart Rental Inspection and Registration Program

Proposed Elkhart Rental Inspection and Registration Program (Spanish) (Español)

Inspection Checklist

Public Record Request.

Zoning Map.

Public Record Request.

Fill Out Form

Zoning Map.

View Map

Permit Center
& Applications.

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The Permit Center handles all of the permit and zoning applications, thus creating a single space for all transactions so that an applicant is not shuffled from building to building. The Permit Center issues permits Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm (excluding City Holidays). You can apply for a permit online (via the below link) or at the Permit Center (located at 229 S. 2nd Street, Elkhart, IN 46516). We accept cash, check or credit cards. If you are unsure about whether or not you need a permit, please contact us at (574)296-9331.

Other Forms

Permit Center FAQs

Permits protect the owner, the contractor and the City. Permits help to protect property values and can be required in an insurance claim and refinancing. Permits also insure that all buildings and structures constructed or altered in the city meet the standards as established by the State of Indiana and the City of Elkhart. A Zoning Clearance may also be required in addition to a permit. For questions regarding whether a permit is required, please contact the Permit Center at 574-296-9331.

For both residential and commercial construction, an owner, contractor or agent may apply for a permit. Contractors must be licensed to obtain a permit for demolition, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing. Building plans may be required. If required, plans must have sufficient detail for the reviewer to determine if all code requirements have been met.

To determine if plans require a State Design Release, go to https://www.in.gov/dhs/3658.htm– Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Inspections are required prior to pouring foundations, walls being covered and upon completion and prior to occupancy. This is not an all-inclusive list of required inspections. Please check with the Trade Inspectors regarding your project.

Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of the codes and/or ordinances, the Building Commissioner or his/her designee may order the work to be stopped. A notice in writing can be served on any person(s) engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, or by posting notice at the site where the work is being performed. Any such person(s) shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Commissioner or his/her designee to proceed with the work.


You may view the code books at your local Library or view them for free at: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2006/cover

Building
Inspection Division

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*INSPECTION UPDATE*

The Building Department is primarily responsible for conducting building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections within the city limits. Inspections can be made through the individual inspectors:

  • Building Inspector  574-322-4846
  • Plumbing Inspector 574-322-4817
  • Mechanical Inspector 574-322-4820
  • Electrical Inspector 574-322-4434

The Building Department approves construction permit applications for new construction, remodeling of existing structures, and the addition, alteration or replacement of electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression systems. Plans must be submitted to Plan Review, where they will be reviewed for completeness and conformance to Indiana Building Codes, prior to approval.  

Permit Applications: all permit applications must either be submitted at the Permit Center (located at 229 S. 2nd Street) or online via our NEW Online Permitting Program (which allows you to submit your permit application and plans in one place).

Plans: all plans/projects that need to be reviewed by the Building Department must either be submitted at the Permit Center or online via our NEW Online Permitting Program.  

Indiana State Construction Design Release: plans for any Class 1 (commercial) structure may be required to be filed with the State of Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services prior to any permits being issued at the City of Elkhart. You can click on the following link to go to their website: Indiana State Building Plan Review

Licensing: the City of Elkhart currently issues licenses for Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing (must already have a State License), Demolition, Moving, and Tank Contractors.  All licenses are renewed yearly and processed by the Permit Center. Please refer to the specific contractor’s tabs for additional information.

Electrical
Contractor Information.

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License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Electrical License Applications & Information:

Electrical Reciprocation Application & Information:

Electrical Examination Application & Information:

The Electrical Exam Board is the authority approving the issuance of electrical licenses. The Board meets once every quarter to review exam scores and approve licensing. The meetings take place on the 4th Monday of January, April, July and October. This is the only time licenses can be approved to be issued.

The Electrical Exam Board is comprised of the following members:

  • Daniel Riddle – Chairman/Electrical Inspector
  • Gary Shaum – Electrical Contractor
  • Craig Johnson – Industry Electrician
  • James Pierce – Journeyman Electrician
  • Don Santerre – Electrical Utility Representative

Mechanical
Contractor Information.

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License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Mechanical License Applications & Information:

Mechanical Reciprocation Application & Information:

Mechanical Examination Information:

The Mechanical Exam Board is the authority approving the issuance of mechanical licenses. The Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of January, April, July and October.

The Mechanical Exam Board is comprised of the following members:

  • Ron Glick- Chairman/Inspector
  • Steve Clodfelter- Natural Gas Utility
  • Charles Parker- Class A Contractor
  • Bart Lefever- Class AA Contractor
  • Mike Church- Class AAA Contractor
  • Dale McDowell- Local Homeowner

Plumbing
Contractor Information.

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.

License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Plumbing License Application & Information:

Sign
Contractor Information.

.

.

You can now renew your existing license or apply for a new license ONLINE!

Sign License Application & Information:

Code
Enforcement Division.

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It is the mission of the Code Enforcement Division of the Department of Planning and Development to work in partnership with the people of Elkhart, Indiana to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment using all legal methods available to bring landlords, tenants, homeowners, business and others into compliance.

We administer fair and unbiased enforcement initiatives to correct violations of municipal code requirements pursuant to the 2006 (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code.

Code Enforcement Division

The Code Enforcement Division for the City of Elkhart has a total of four Code Enforcement Officers and is supported by Office Services Staff.

Area of Responsibility

Code Enforcement Officers are assigned a specific geographic area which is their primary area of responsibility. However, each officer has the ability to address violations located in any area within the City of Elkhart.

Code Enforcement Officers have the direct responsibility to determine if violations exist and take the appropriate action to abate the situation if possible or to seek other legal remedies.

Code Enforcement Officers have the right to observe the exterior condition of private property and to enter the exterior of publicly accessible private property. To obtain inspection warrants pursuant to IC 36-7-9-16 when required. To make inspections, post notices, issue written warnings, citations, and/or orders. To issue applicable documents for any other purpose in the performance of his or her duties.

Unsafe
Structures & OTA.

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Order to Take Action Agenda and Legal Notices

January 29, 2025 OTA Hearing Agenda & Legal Notices

When compliance of unsafe structures cannot be obtained Order To Take Actions hearings are scheduled. All parties having interest in the property are notified and the cases are brought before the hearing officer. The hearing officer may affirm or deny the Building Commissioners orders or he/she may impose additional civil penalties or issue orders for demolition of the unsafe structure.

When is a structure deemed unsafe?

A building or structure is deemed unsafe when it does not provide adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or is otherwise dangerous to human life. When a building or structure, in relation to an existing use constitutes a hazard to safety or health, or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment as specified in the Property Maintenance Code and/or the Unsafe Building Statue the Building Code or any other ordinance are declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, or demolition.

How does the OTA process work?

Whenever an enforcement officer finds that a violation exist, he/she shall caused to be served upon the responsible party a written order (notice) to abate the violation. If after a reasonable time limit the responsible party notified fails to abate the violation the code officer will forward the information to the Building Commissioner for a hearing date. At the conclusion of the hearing and after due consideration of any information presented by the code officer and the responsible party, the Hearing Officer shall render a decision as to whether a nuisance or unsafe condition exist.

For additional information please contact the Building Commissioner at 574 294-5471 ext. 1004.

Is the final decision always demolition?

Demolition is always the last option unless an emergency exists which creates a dangerous and imminent health or safety hazard to persons, property or the general public which requires immediate action. If a structure is demolished, whether contracted by the City or privately, a clean hole inspection is required. Please provide 24 hrs. notice for the inspection to be performed.

Demolition
& Legal Notices.

.

.

CURRENT DEMOLITIONS PACKETS: There are no bid packets at this time. 

AWARDED BIDS: 

Permit Center
& Applications.

.

The Permit Center handles all of the permit and zoning applications, thus creating a single space for all transactions so that an applicant is not shuffled from building to building. The Permit Center issues permits Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm (excluding City Holidays). You can apply for a permit online (via the below link) or at the Permit Center (located at 229 S. 2nd Street, Elkhart, IN 46516). We accept cash, check or credit cards. If you are unsure about whether or not you need a permit, please contact us at (574)296-9331.

Other Forms

Permit Center FAQs

Permits protect the owner, the contractor and the City. Permits help to protect property values and can be required in an insurance claim and refinancing. Permits also insure that all buildings and structures constructed or altered in the city meet the standards as established by the State of Indiana and the City of Elkhart. A Zoning Clearance may also be required in addition to a permit. For questions regarding whether a permit is required, please contact the Permit Center at 574-296-9331.

For both residential and commercial construction, an owner, contractor or agent may apply for a permit. Contractors must be licensed to obtain a permit for demolition, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing. Building plans may be required. If required, plans must have sufficient detail for the reviewer to determine if all code requirements have been met.

To determine if plans require a State Design Release, go to https://www.in.gov/dhs/3658.htm– Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Inspections are required prior to pouring foundations, walls being covered and upon completion and prior to occupancy. This is not an all-inclusive list of required inspections. Please check with the Trade Inspectors regarding your project.

Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of the codes and/or ordinances, the Building Commissioner or his/her designee may order the work to be stopped. A notice in writing can be served on any person(s) engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, or by posting notice at the site where the work is being performed. Any such person(s) shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Commissioner or his/her designee to proceed with the work.


You may view the code books at your local Library or view them for free at: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2006/cover

Building
Inspection Division

.

*INSPECTION UPDATE*

The Building Department is primarily responsible for conducting building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections within the city limits. Inspections can be made through the individual inspectors:

  • Building Inspector  574-322-4846
  • Plumbing Inspector 574-322-4817
  • Mechanical Inspector 574-322-4820
  • Electrical Inspector 574-322-4434

The Building Department approves construction permit applications for new construction, remodeling of existing structures, and the addition, alteration or replacement of electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression systems. Plans must be submitted to Plan Review, where they will be reviewed for completeness and conformance to Indiana Building Codes, prior to approval.  

Permit Applications: all permit applications must either be submitted at the Permit Center (located at 229 S. 2nd Street) or online via our NEW Online Permitting Program (which allows you to submit your permit application and plans in one place).

Plans: all plans/projects that need to be reviewed by the Building Department must either be submitted at the Permit Center or online via our NEW Online Permitting Program.  

Indiana State Construction Design Release: plans for any Class 1 (commercial) structure may be required to be filed with the State of Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services prior to any permits being issued at the City of Elkhart. You can click on the following link to go to their website: Indiana State Building Plan Review

Licensing: the City of Elkhart currently issues licenses for Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing (must already have a State License), Demolition, Moving, and Tank Contractors.  All licenses are renewed yearly and processed by the Permit Center. Please refer to the specific contractor’s tabs for additional information.

Electrical
Contractor Information.

.

.

License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Electrical License Applications & Information:

Electrical Reciprocation Application & Information:

Electrical Examination Application & Information:

The Electrical Exam Board is the authority approving the issuance of electrical licenses. The Board meets once every quarter to review exam scores and approve licensing. The meetings take place on the 4th Monday of January, April, July and October. This is the only time licenses can be approved to be issued.

The Electrical Exam Board is comprised of the following members:

  • Daniel Riddle – Chairman/Electrical Inspector
  • Gary Shaum – Electrical Contractor
  • Craig Johnson – Industry Electrician
  • James Pierce – Journeyman Electrician
  • Don Santerre – Electrical Utility Representative

Mechanical
Contractor Information.

.

.

License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Mechanical License Applications & Information:

Mechanical Reciprocation Application & Information:

Mechanical Examination Information:

The Mechanical Exam Board is the authority approving the issuance of mechanical licenses. The Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of January, April, July and October.

The Mechanical Exam Board is comprised of the following members:

  • Ron Glick- Chairman/Inspector
  • Steve Clodfelter- Natural Gas Utility
  • Charles Parker- Class A Contractor
  • Bart Lefever- Class AA Contractor
  • Mike Church- Class AAA Contractor
  • Dale McDowell- Local Homeowner

Plumbing
Contractor Information.

.

.

License Renewals for 2025 will start December 1, 2024! Click HERE for instructions.

Plumbing License Application & Information:

Sign
Contractor Information.

.

.

You can now renew your existing license or apply for a new license ONLINE!

Sign License Application & Information:

Code
Enforcement Division.

.

.

It is the mission of the Code Enforcement Division of the Department of Planning and Development to work in partnership with the people of Elkhart, Indiana to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment using all legal methods available to bring landlords, tenants, homeowners, business and others into compliance.

We administer fair and unbiased enforcement initiatives to correct violations of municipal code requirements pursuant to the 2006 (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code.

Code Enforcement Division

The Code Enforcement Division for the City of Elkhart has a total of four Code Enforcement Officers and is supported by Office Services Staff.

Area of Responsibility

Code Enforcement Officers are assigned a specific geographic area which is their primary area of responsibility. However, each officer has the ability to address violations located in any area within the City of Elkhart.

Code Enforcement Officers have the direct responsibility to determine if violations exist and take the appropriate action to abate the situation if possible or to seek other legal remedies.

Code Enforcement Officers have the right to observe the exterior condition of private property and to enter the exterior of publicly accessible private property. To obtain inspection warrants pursuant to IC 36-7-9-16 when required. To make inspections, post notices, issue written warnings, citations, and/or orders. To issue applicable documents for any other purpose in the performance of his or her duties.

Unsafe
Structures & OTA.

.

.

Order to Take Action Agenda and Legal Notices

January 29, 2025 OTA Hearing Agenda & Legal Notices

When compliance of unsafe structures cannot be obtained Order To Take Actions hearings are scheduled. All parties having interest in the property are notified and the cases are brought before the hearing officer. The hearing officer may affirm or deny the Building Commissioners orders or he/she may impose additional civil penalties or issue orders for demolition of the unsafe structure.

Unsafe Buildings and Structures and Order To Take Action

When is a structure deemed unsafe?

A building or structure is deemed unsafe when it does not provide adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or is otherwise dangerous to human life. When a building or structure, in relation to an existing use constitutes a hazard to safety or health, or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment as specified in the Property Maintenance Code and/or the Unsafe Building Statue the Building Code or any other ordinance are declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, or demolition.

How does the OTA process work?

Whenever an enforcement officer finds that a violation exist, he/she shall caused to be served upon the responsible party a written order (notice) to abate the violation. If after a reasonable time limit the responsible party notified fails to abate the violation the code officer will forward the information to the Building Commissioner for a hearing date. At the conclusion of the hearing and after due consideration of any information presented by the code officer and the responsible party, the Hearing Officer shall render a decision as to whether a nuisance or unsafe condition exist.

For additional information please contact the Building Commissioner at 574 294-5471 ext. 1009.

Is the final decision always demolition?

Demolition is always the last option unless an emergency exists which creates a dangerous and imminent health or safety hazard to persons, property or the general public which requires immediate action. If a structure is demolished, whether contracted by the City or privately, a clean hole inspection is required. Please provide 24 hrs. notice for the inspection to be performed.

Demolition
& Legal Notices.

.

.

CURRENT DEMOLITIONS PACKETS: There are no bid packets at this time.

AWARDED BIDS: