FAQs • Crown Point, IN • CivicEngage

Can a homeowner perform work on their house?: Homeowners can perform their own building, plumbing and/or HVAC work but must use an electrician licensed with the City for any electrical work. When a homeowner performs their own work they must be present during 100% of the project and physically be performing the work themselves. This does not apply to a homeowner working with a contractor non-licensed by the city. Please be aware a "homeowner" is an individual that occupies the residence in which the work is being performed. Any work on a rental property and/or house intended to be resold must be performed by a licensed contractor with the City of Crown Point.

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Building Department

1. Can a homeowner perform work on their house?: Homeowners can perform their own building, plumbing and/or HVAC work but must use an electrician licensed with the City for any electrical work. When a homeowner performs their own work they must be present during 100% of the project and physically be performing the work themselves. This does not apply to a homeowner working with a contractor non-licensed by the city. Please be aware a "homeowner" is an individual that occupies the residence in which the work is being performed. Any work on a rental property and/or house intended to be resold must be performed by a licensed contractor with the City of Crown Point.

2. Is a permit required to "finish" a basement?: Yes.

3. Is a permit needed to re-shingle or re-roof a structure?: No permit is needed if you’re only re-roofing or re-shingling. A permit is required if you’re replacing rafters or sheeting.

4. Is a permit required for accessory buildings or sheds?

A permit is not required for an accessory building 120 square feet (10 feet by 12 inches) or less - if over 120 square feet, a permit is required.

Accessory buildings cannot be constructed in utility or drainage easements - check your survey for your property.

5. Are permits required for driveways or sidewalks?: No. If installing a new driveway, you will need to obtain approval before you cut into the street - contact the City Engineering Department 219-662-3242.

6. What is the maximum size of an unattached garage?

The maximum size is 900 square feet (30 feet by 30 feet). The maximum height is 16 feet. Other restrictions include: minimum of 5 feet side and rear yard setbacks - cannot be constructed in a utility/drainage easement.

Check your survey for your property setbacks. Permits are required.

7. Are permits required for siding, windows, or door replacements?: No permit is required if replacements are the same size (no structural changes). Permit is required if the size is different from the original.

8. Are permits required for swimming pools, above and in-ground?

Permits are required.

Pools shall be protected with a minimum 4 feet high barrier or automatic pool cover. You must declare on application if you are installing a heater. Filter pumps cannot be run by extension cords. Safety equipment is required for all pools and must be in place before final inspection.

9. Is a permit required for a fence?: No. Fences must be located behind the platted building line (no fences in your front yard, if you have a corner lot you have two front yards), cannot be constructed in a drainage/utility easement and cannot exceed 7 feet in height. Check your survey for your property.

10. Is a permit required for a fireplace?: Fireplaces require a permit and an inspection for both wood and gas burning.

11. Is a permit required for decks, patios, and pergolas?: Permits are required for decks/patios over 12 inches in height above finished grade - decks/patios over 30 inches above finished grade require guardrails per code. Repair of existing decks requires a permit and must meet current code.