On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Merrillville
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Prepare the completed permit application with all drawings, plat of survey, and information needed by the Planning & Building Department.
- 02 Submit the application package to the department at 7820 Broadway.
- 03 If trade permits are needed, obtain the supplemental electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits required by the town.
- 04 Make sure all contractors are licensed with the Town of Merrillville before permits are issued.
- 05 Pay permit fees and obtain the issued permit.
- 06 Complete inspections and final approval.
Source: Planning & Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Merrillville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Not clearly summarized on the reviewed public pages.
Payment occurs through the Planning & Building Department after submittal review.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Merrillville permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Merrillville, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in Merrillville, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Not clearly summarized on the reviewed public pages..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Merrillville, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Merrillville, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Merrillville, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Merrillville, IN via: Through the Planning & Building Department.
last verified April 2026
source Planning & Building Department ↗
entry id permits/indiana/lake-in/merrillville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.