Basic Permit Process Builders Association of Elkhart County Elkhart City 1. For new Single Family Residential or Commercial structures, address will be assigned by Eric Trotter (Zoning Department). 2. A commercial foundation-only permit requires a zoning clearance, a set of dimensional foundation plans, and a foundation release from the state to be submitted to the Building Department, 229 South Second Street, Elkhart. 3. Building permit cost is based on square feet for new construction and cost valuation for alternations, remodeling, and repairs. 4. A complete set of building plans and a copy of your State Release, if required, must be submitted for local Plan Review. If received before 4:00pm Thursday, it will be reviewed on Friday. 5. Applications for driveway permits may be picked up at the Permit Center, but must be submitted to Public Works and Utilities at 1201 South Nappanee Street and approved by the Board of Works’ Traffic Engineers; a bond is required along with dimensional detailed driveway plans. 6. Temporary electric permits, moving a meter (gas/electric), upgrading service, and pools are separate from building permits. 7. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits must be obtained by licensed subcontractors and the costs of permits will be separate from the building permit. Note: A copy of the fee structure for Zoning Clearances is available at the BAEC office.
Elkhart County 1. For remodeling and new home construction, Zoning Clearance must be received. (No charge-takes 1/2 hour) 2. Get Septic Permit from Health Department. Be sure to take detailed set of plans, otherwise permits will be delayed. (Normally takes 24 hours) 3. Driveway plans must be submitted and a $5,000 bond posted if the subcontractors doing the work are not on the “approved list.” 4. Some processes and rules may have changed such as the Manual J energy code. Please contact (574) 971-4678 with any questions regarding building in Elkhart County.
Goshen City 1. Obtain signed Zoning Clearance from Planning/Zoning Department, 204 East Jefferson Street, Suite #6. Be sure to have all necessary info: square footage, value of project, and setbacks. 2. New commercial must have site/drainage plan approved by Engineering before Zoning Clearance can be obtained. Also, state release, plan certification, and a complete set of drawings must accompany zoning clearance. 3. Having Zoning Clearance, building permit cost is based upon square footage. Note: Mechanical, electrical, heating, plumbing permits are separate from building permit. Electrical and heating contractors must be licensed by the City of Goshen. Plumbing must have state license on file. Payment by cash or check, 3% debit/credit cards. Contractors can be set up on billing to avoid having to write checks. 4. Driveway permits are obtained in the Engineering Department, 204 East Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen. 5. Call Water/Sewer Department at 574-533-9399 for current water and sewer tap fees.
Middlebury 1. Submit detailed set of plans to the Elkhart County Planning Department to receive Zoning Clearance and Building Permit. 2. All construction projects must be in accordance with the Middlebury Standard Specification and Development Guidelines available at www.middleburyin.com. 3. Submit Water/Wastewater Tap Application to Middlebury for review and approval. All water and wastewater connection and/or tap fees must be paid before connection is allowed. Call Water/Wastewater Utilities at 574-825-1499 for current connection and tap fees.
Nappanee 1. You must have a Water and a Sewer Permit before a Building Permit for a new structure is issued. Sewer permits must be approved by Board of Works for Commercial projects. 2. You must have a “Certificate of Occupancy” and a copy for the Water Department before you can hook-up a water meter for commercial. For residential permits, departmental approval/review is necessary 48 hour minimal turnaround approval. 3. New residential construction, 1,500 square feet- $100 permit; additional 100 square feet- $4 per 100 square feet. 4. Commercial construction 1,000 square feet- $100 permit; additional 100 square feet- $4 per 100 square feet. 5. Remodeling permits are required for structural changes only; $50 minimum permit fee; additional 100 square feet- $4 per 100 square feet; minimal assessment for $5. Note: Above permits include mechanical and plumbing. A separate permit is required for electric. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the City of Nappanee.
2021 Membership Directory & Reference Handbook
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