The City of Gary, Indiana, USA The City of Gary, Indiana, USA
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Permits

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The City of Gary Building Department issues various permits for the following

Building Permits for Homeowners:

Homeowners are allowed to purchase building permits make repairs and or build on his or her owns property and rental property with the correct ownership documents. When there are structural changes to the property a set of plans or drawing are needed to identify the work being done. This permit may be obtained for residential and commercial properties. Plans will be reviewed by our department for approval or disapproval. The homeowner is required to bring into our office proof of ownership documents, deed or tax statement, utility bill and a picture ID.

Building permits for licensed contractors:

  • General Unlimited (Commercial)
  • General Limited (Residential)
  • Specialties (sub-contractors)

All licensed contractors are required to pull a permit for all properties before doing any work with in the City of Gary. When the contractor is doing work on commercial properties and making structural changes a set of plans are to be sent to Indianapolis for approval. Once approved and stamped in Indianapolis a copy is to be given to the Building Department for approval to receive a permit.

Electrical permits and licenses

Homeowners are allowed to work on their own property only. The individual must reside at the property and have a deed or tax statement stating such. The homeowner is allowed to do minor work only and must pass a Home Owners Written Test given in the Building Department and graded by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The homeowner is to follow the same procedures for getting a permit as for getting a building permit.

To become licensed with the City of Gary the individual must take and pass the written exam given by CATTS. All electrical contractors are required to pull a permit for any and all work. The contractor is licensed to work on residential and commercial properties. Are determined by the type of work being done on the property.

Plumbing permits and licenses

There are no homeowners Plumbing licenses or permits. All Plumbers must be licensed with the State of Indiana before becoming licensed with the City of Gary. The contractor must obtain a permit for all jobs.

Mechanical Unlimited & Limited permits and licenses

There are no homeowner's Mechanical licenses or permits. All contractors must take and pass the written exam given through CATTS testing firm. The exam is given for unlimited (commercial) and limited (residential). The contractor must obtain a permit for all jobs

Becoming Licensed

For all major work the individual is required to take a contractors written exam. Once the individual has passed the exam, the individual will appear before the licensing board for and Oral Interview for approval to receive a license with the City of Gary.
All individuals wanting to be sub contractors with the City of Gary are required to go before the licensing board for an oral interview.

WRITTEN CITATIONS

Citations are given to all licensed and unlicensed contractors as well as homeowners working without permits. The cited individual will be scheduled for a court appearance.