Do I Need a Building Permit?
And Other Frequently Asked Questions
(Building Permit information is also
available from our office)
Who is responsible for obtaining a permit for
a project?
The permit may be obtained by the home or property owner,
contractor, architect, engineer or a permitting company.
However, the permit holder will be responsible for making
sure all inspections are requested and all conditions
are met.
Do I have to have a license to work in the City
of Salem?
No. At this time the City does not provide licenses
for contractors or obtain any kind of licensing nformation
prior to issuing a building permit. However; State and
Local licensing requirements will be enforced.
Can I draw the plans myself?
Yes. The City of Salem does accept hand drawings, provided
they include all the information needed for your permit
review.
Where can I get a copy of my warranty deed?
You should have received one when you purchased your
home. If you did not receive one or you have misplaced
your original, you may obtain a copy from the Washington
County Recorders Office.
CITY OF SALEM
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING
201 E. MARKET ST., SUITE 104
SALEM, INDIANA, 47167
How do I get a permit?
When you contact the Planning Department, the first
question that will be asked is, "What is the location
of the project?" This will insure that you are within
the jurisdiction of the City of Salem Planning Department.
It is possible to have a Salem Postal address, but actually
be under the jurisdiction of Washington County.
This will be followed by asking, "What are you
planning to do?" There are a number of variables
concerning obtaining a Building Permit. Knowing the type
of project that you are doing will guide the department
in helping you obtain the correct permit.
**One last step before an application for permit can
be accepted, a work order for your proposed project will
be issued to the Building Inspector. You will be advised
to “Stake Off” the site of your construction.
(this can be done by using actual marking stakes, poles,
flags or paint). At that time the inspector will Make
an on site visit to check your site for any Potential
code violations or safety hazards, these include such
items as setbacks, easements, visual Generally, the following
is the required sequence for obtaining a Building Permit:.
APPLICATION
Complete an application describing the type of project,
location, size, contractor's name, etc. (Forms may be
found on our website or picked up at the office.) Applications
should be accompanied by a warranty deed and construction
plans, including foundation plans and truss drawings,
if applicable. You will also be ask to submit a copy
of your septic tank permit, if you are required to be
on a septic system.
ISSUANCE
The information provided at application will assist
the department in deciding what type of permit( s) you
will need and allow them to review the building codes,
zoning regulations and city ordinances applicable to
your project. Most residential building permits can be
obtained that day, however
Permits are required for the following:
- New Residential Structures
- Residential Additions and Remodels
- Porches and Sunrooms
- Garages and Carports
- Sheds (any size or portability)
- Decks
- Electric Service Upgrade
- Roofing (if decking to be replaced or roof pitch
altered)
- Window replacement (if changing window size)
- 1Swimming Pools
- Mobile Home (placement on new or existing site)
- Demolition of a building
- Tents and Awnings (commercial)
- New Commercial Structures
- Commercial Additions and Remodels
- Tenant Remodels
- Commercial Parking Garage 18. Communication Towers
Purpose of Building Permit
The purpose of a building permit and the building codes
are to provide minimum construction standards to safeguard
life and property. The City also reviews permit applications
for zoning matters to ensure that the City continues
to be a safe, beautiful area in which to live, work,
and play. The City's building and zoning codes have been
carefully enacted to protect the health, safety, and
general welfare, of you and your property.
Applicable Building Codes & Ordinances:
City of Salem Land Usage Code
Indiana Building Codes
International Building Codes
International Residential Codes
International Mechanical Codes
International Plumbing Codes (as amended by the State of Indiana)
International Property Maintenance Code
National Electric Code
National Fire Protection Code
Indiana Administrative Code 675
These codes may be reviewed in the City of Salem Building,
Planning & Zoning Office during normal working hours.
Under certain circumstances it may take up to three
days before the permit can be issued. Commercial permits
may take longer considering all state design releases
and/or other applicable state, local and federal requirements
and documentation has been completed and forwarded to
the office.
FEE
Once the permit has been approved you will pay a fee
that is used, in part, to help defray the cost of the
inspectors time spent in the application process, the
review process and the onsite inspection process.
PERMIT
Once the permit has been issued you will need to post
it in a window or other conspicuous place that is accessible
to the inspector. Any changes must be brought to the
attention of the Planning Department or inspector immediately.
INSPECTIONS
An inspection at each and every required phase of construction
must be requested in a timely manner to make certain
the work conforms to the applicable building Codes, the
Building Permit and the approved plans.
Failure to make required notification for inspection
at each phase of construction as defined upon the Inspection
Alert sheet given to your during the permit process,
may be cause for removal of performed work, reinstallation
of performed work or Stop Work orders being issued and
possible re –inspection fee’s and/or fines
being issued
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Final inspection determining the code compliance is
a valuable and necessary part of the construction process.
Once code compliance is determined, the inspector may
issue a Certificate of Occupancy which establishes that
your project is completed.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Permits Clerk: Beverly Cook
Email: bev.cook@cityofsalemin.com
Building Commissioner/Inspector:
Phone: (812) 883-5060
Fax: (812) 883-5260
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