Home » Departments and Divisions » Community Investment » Building 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. Contractor Licenses/Registrations Building Permits Our office is open. To minimize crowding, we ask that you continue to submit applications via drop-box or mail, when possible. If you must work with us in the lobby, we ask that you please wear a mask and maintain 6’ social distancing. 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. 2020 IRC. Click CODE Book for a free view. *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. YES! You need a permit for that. Building Codes This department enforces the State of Indiana’s building codes. The Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, Indiana; Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/in/south_bend/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=THMUCOSOBEIN St. Joseph County, Indiana Code of Ordinances: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/stjosephcounty/latest/stjosephco_in/0-0-0-1 Energy Codes Energy Code Compliance for New House or Addition Indiana Residential Energy Code New Residential Energy Code Process for Energy Code Compliance – Residential Energy Compliance Proposal Residential Form Energy Compliance Proposal Residential Sunroom Form Energy Compliance Residential Certificate Form 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. City Flood Plain Ordinance County Flood Plain Ordinance Commercial, Housing, and Valuation Reports JUNE 2022 HOUSING REPORT JUNE 2022 VALUATION REPORT JUNE 2022 COMMERCIAL REPORT 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 For City Properties, to request a copy of public records that have been filed with our department, please complete a CITY APRA FORM and submit this to our Legal Department at apra@southbendin.gov For County Properties, to request a copy of public records that have been filed with our department please complete a COUNTY APRA FORM and submit this to building@southbendin.gov. Contractor Licenses/Registrations Building Permits What Do I Need a Permit for? Learn More VIEW ALL NEWS Email building@southbendin.gov Phone 574.235.9554 Address 125 S Lafayette BlvdSuite 100South Bend, IN 46601 Hours of Operations Office Hours: M-F, 7:30 am-4:15 pm Leadership Randy James Building Commissioner
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 For City Properties, to request a copy of public records that have been filed with our department, please complete a CITY APRA FORM and submit this to our Legal Department at apra@southbendin.gov For County Properties, to request a copy of public records that have been filed with our department please complete a COUNTY APRA FORM and submit this to building@southbendin.gov. Contractor Licenses/Registrations Building Permits