Town of Merrillville, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town building and zoning authority for Merrillville.

Department

Planning & Building Department

Address

7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Phone

219-769-3631

Email

Staff directory is posted on the department staff page , public page uses protected staff email links

Website

https://www.merrillville.in.gov/departments/planning___building/index.php

Application Process

1. Prepare the completed permit application with all drawings, plat of survey, and information needed by the Planning & Building Department.
2. Submit the application package to the department at 7820 Broadway.
3. If trade permits are needed, obtain the supplemental electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits required by the town.
4. Make sure all contractors are licensed with the Town of Merrillville before permits are issued.
5. Pay permit fees and obtain the issued permit.
6. Complete inspections and final approval.

Source: Planning & Building Department

General Requirements

Merrillville says permits must be applied for for all new construction and additions to existing structures. It also lists pools, sheds, fences, detached garages, decks, signs, and excavation or fill of land as permit work.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application, plat of survey, construction drawings, and any additional information deemed necessary by the department.

Building code

The permit page publishes the town's adopted Indiana-based code editions, including Indiana Building Code 2008, Residential Code 2005, Electrical Code 2009, Plumbing Code 1999, Mechanical Code 2008, and Fire Code 2008, each with current Indiana amendments.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may obtain electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits if they submit the required drawings and affidavits stating they will perform the work.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed with the Town of Merrillville before permit issuance.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Not clearly summarized on the reviewed public pages.

Payment note

Payment occurs through the Planning & Building Department after submittal review.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning & Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through the Planning & Building Department (contact)

Inspection hours

Department contact page lists office phone and physical office at 7820 Broadway; a separate public inspection-hour schedule was not clearly posted.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The permit page publishes the town's adopted Indiana-based code editions, including Indiana Building Code 2008, Residential Code 2005, Electrical Code 2009, Plumbing Code 1999, Mechanical Code 2008, and Fire Code 2008, each with current Indiana amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Merrillville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Merrillville, IN?

Merrillville says permits must be applied for for all new construction and additions to existing structures. It also lists pools, sheds, fences, detached garages, decks, signs, and excavation or fill of land as permit work.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Merrillville, IN?

Fees are calculated as: Not clearly summarized on the reviewed public pages..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Merrillville, IN?

1. Prepare the completed permit application with all drawings, plat of survey, and information needed by the Planning & Building Department. 2. Submit the application package to the department at 7820 Broadway. 3. If trade permits are needed, obtain the supplemental electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits required by the town. 4. Make sure all contractors are licensed with the Town of Merrillville before permits are issued. 5. Pay permit fees and obtain the issued permit. 6. Complete inspections and final approval.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Merrillville, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Planning & Building Department.

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