WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Permits are required for most property improvement projects. Any work that is governed by the building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing code, or zoning ordinance requires a permit so that inspections can be made for compliance with the relevant regulations.
Examples of work that require a permit:
Examples of work that do not require a permit:
If you are unsure if the work you are considering requires a permit, please call the Building Department at (219) 836-6990
NOTE: Please remember that all contractors doing work in the Town of Munster must be licensed with the Town regardless if a permit is required or not. You may call the Town at (219) 836-6990 to confirm if the contractor you are considering to hire is currently licensed.
ELECTRICAL PERMITS
Nearly any type of electrical work requires a permit from the Town. An electrical permit is necessary because electrical work requires specialized skills and knowledge. All contractors doing electrical work must be licensed with the Town. Contractors must successfully complete a contractor's electrical test given by the Town. Owners of single-family homes may do electrical work to their homes after successfully completing a homeowner's electrical test given by the Town. Call the Building Department to schedule a testing time and date.
PLUMBING PERMITS
Nearly any type of plumbing requires a permit from the Town. A plumbing permit is required because plumbing requires specialized skills and knowledge. All contractors doing plumbing work must be licensed and registered to obtain a plumbing permit. Owners of single-family homes may obtain a plumbing permit to do the work themselves. Plumbing work by homeowners is restricted to fixture replacement or minor repairs only.
SIGN PERMITS
The Town sign ordinance allows businesses to promote the nature and location of their establishments and to improve access for their patrons. The sign ordinance also allows the Town to enhance the physical appearance and economic viability of commercial districts by controlling the number, size and maintenance of signs. The sign ordinance even protects pedestrians and motorists by limiting distractions from too many signs. The sign ordinance requires any business intending to construct, maintain, display or alter a sign to apply for a sign permit. Information for types of signs that are allowed click the following link Munster Zoning Code . The design, size, content, and structure of all signs must meet all other requirements specified in the sign ordinance. The BZA considers variance requests from the sign ordinance. For further BZA information click on the following link BZA Information. Additional questions you may contact Community Development by email communitydevelopment@munster.org or call (219) 836-6990.
HOW DO I GET A PERMIT?
Permit applications are available on-line or at the Town Hall, Community Development Department hallway. Either the Homeowner or the Contractor may apply for a permit. Completed applications can be emailed to communitydevelopment@munster.org , put in the big red drop off box at Town Hall parking lot, or the drop off box in the Town Hall by the Community Development Department. Upon receiving a completed application, it will be submitted for review. Please be sure you have all the information necessary to complete the application before submitting the application. If a contractor has been hired for the project, provide a copy of the proposal/contract. Projects such as additions, most alterations, and some repairs required detailed architectural plans to be submitted with the application for a permit. Two copies of the plans are required to be submitted. After approval one set will be returned to the applicant. These projects will require time for review before work can begin. The time for review can vary from two or three days to two to four weeks depending upon the complexity of the project and the number of plans awaiting review. Therefore, it is always best to submit plans for approval well in advance of an anticipated project. Permits expire if work has not commenced within six months of issue and additional fees of up to 50% of the original permit fee may be assessed before renewal.
WHAT IF I DON'T GET A PERMIT?
Failure to obtain a required permit before commencing work on a project can result in issuance of a citation for violation of the Town Code. But the real losers when a Town permit is not obtained and inspections are not conducted are the current property owners, future property owners and the Town as a whole. Construction projects that are not completed in accordance with codes present unacceptable potential safety and financial risks for the current and future occupants of these structures as well as for neighboring property owners.
For more information about building permits, click on the following link Permit Information and forms . For Munster Municipal Code go to www.municode.com.
The Community Development/Building Department can also be reached by email, communitydevelopment@munster.org