Building

Ensuring properties are constructed and maintained according to building and zoning codes is our primary mission. Our building administration responsibilities include issuing permits for construction, demolition, and occupancy. We also issue and monitor contractor registrations and licenses. This department serves all properties within the City of South Bend, and those with a 5-digit address within St. Joseph County.

Our Services

Residential Building Permits
Residential Building Permits include: New homes, modular/manufactured homes, additions, renovations, accessory structures, and demolitions (Electric, Plumbing, and HVAC work as well).

Commercial Building Permits

Sign Regulations
Zoning regulations for signs are enforced by the Area Plan Commission (APC) as part of the permitting process.

Wetlands & Flood Plains
If your property is in a wetland or flood plain you may require additional approvals for any building on your lot.

Contractor Licensing & Registration
Contractor Licenses and Registrations are required to ensure that work will be completed in a safe, code-related manner. If inspections determine that work does not meet required codes, a claim may potentially be filed to assure that the work gets corrected, or that payment is provided to correct inspected work.

The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (based on the 2018 International Code) will now be in effect by the State. This will include the State of Indiana Amendments. The Building Department will be in contact as to when we will start enforcing these updated codes. 2020 IRC.

**Beginning February 1, 2020, and per IRC 310.1, ALL NEW HOME APPLICATIONS MUST ALSO INCLUDE A BASEMENT PLAN THAT SHOWS AT LEAST ONE EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOW OR DOOR FOR A COMMON SPACE. The requirement, amended out by the State in the previous Residential Code , is now required for the 2020 Indiana Residential Code (2018 International Residential Code).

Building Codes

This department enforces the State of Indiana’s building codes.

Energy Codes

Zoning Ordinances

See City of South Bend Zoning Ordinance and Variance/Special Exception process effective January 1, 2020
See St. Joseph County and Town Zoning Ordinances and Variance/Special Exception process

Useful Maps

Find out if your property falls within a TIF District, a Historic Area, or Wetland/Flood Plain, as well as Zoning and Active Permit information. If so, see applicable guidelines below. Also see other Useful Maps.

TIF Districts

Redevelopment Plans

Historic Properties

If your property is in an Historic District or designated as a Historic Landmark, before making any applications for building permits you will need to contact the Historical Preservation Commission.

Flood Plain Ordinance

If your property is in a Flood Plain or Wetland, prior approval may be needed.

Commercial, Housing, and Valuation Reports

Useful Information

Here are some links to outside sources that may be helpful to contractors, and residents on preventing lead poisoning.

US EPA Main Page
US EPA Training Opportunities

APRA Requests

To request a copy of public records that have been filed with our department, please complete an APRA Request Form and submit this to our Legal Department at apra@southbendin.gov.