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: Planning & Building Department.

City Building Permits

Town of Merrillville, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Merrillville, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Indiana Lake County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town building and zoning authority for Merrillville.

Department: Planning & Building Department
Address: 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: 219-769-3631
Website: https://www.merrillville.in.gov/departments/planning___building/index.php

Application Process

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

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

Planning & Building Department (phone)

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
Permits
FAQs
License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning & Building Department before applying.

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 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: Planning & Building Department.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Merrillville can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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