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ROAD CLOSURE: RIVER RACE DRIVE

Monday, November 19, 2018

NIPSCO will be relocating electric utilities adjacent to the River Art Development on River Race Drive between Jefferson Street and the east/west alley beginning Monday, November 19. River Race Drive will be closed between the two roads for two weeks. more

WINTER WEATHER STORMWATER TIP

Thursday, November 15, 2018

The sleet and snow falling this morning have created icy conditions on our local roadways, sidewalks, and driveways. As you deal with these icy conditions please consider the impact salt and sand can have on the local environment, both plant life and water quality. Keep in mind these simple tips: -... more

TODAY'S SNOW EVENT

Thursday, November 15, 2018

City Street Department crews are working hard to clear the roadways in response to this morning's weather event. We are asking for the community's assistance and support in two ways as we continue our work: Use extra caution as many roadways may be more narrow than usual. There are many streets... more

Upcoming Events All »

Plan Commission Meeting

Today, 4:00pm

City Council meeting

Today, 7:00pm

THANKSGIVING DAY

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Building Department

Annex Building
204 East Jefferson St. Suite 5
Goshen, IN 46528

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Main Office Phone: 574-534-1811
Fax: 574-533-8626
E-mail: building@goshencity.com

STAFF

Department Head:	Mark Brinson, 574-537-3824
Assistant Building Commissioner/ Commercial Building Inspector:	Myron Grise, 574-534-2104
Residential Building Inspector:	Steve Bice, 574-537-3875
Property Maintenance Inspector:	Ryan Conrad, 574-537-3822
Code Enforcement Officer:	Travis Eash, 574-533-5863
Administrative Assistant:	Jean Sheline, 574-534-1811

The City of Goshen Building Department was established in 1973 to instill pride in all properties around the City and to promote safe and secure occupancy for all of its residents.

The Goshen Building Department follows and enforces the Indiana Building Code, the City of Goshen Municipal Code, and the State Energy Code as they pertain to construction, electric, plumbing and mechanical phases of a project.

The Building Department issues permits that are required for the construction, alteration, remodeling, rehabilitation, or additions to any building or structure or the placement of a mobile home. This would include roof replacement, siding and windows. Permits are also required for new or altered electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems, which include water heaters and water softeners.

The Building Department also registers and inspects rental properties to insure compliance with the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (City Ordinance 4860).

NOTICE: Per City Ordinance 4899, Section 7.01, effective January 1, 2019, all fees will increase by 3%. Please contact the Building Department for any questions regarding the new fees.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

All new commercial construction projects will be required to follow the Site Plan Review Process through the Planning & Zoning Department. Before any permits can be issued, the following is required:

Zoning Clearance form signed by the Planning/Zoning and Engineering Departments
Construction Design Release (State Release) from the State of Indiana
3 sets of Construction Drawings - reviewed by the Building Dept., Fire Inspector and Engineering
Plan Certification Form completed by the design professional submitting plans to the State
Form 393 - Advanced Structural Components Firefighter Safety Notification

All new residential construction will also need to be reviewed by the Planning/Zoning and Engineering Departments. Before any permits can be issued, a zoning clearance form signed by both Planning/Zoning and Engineering Departments is required. Fees for electrical, HVAC and plumbing permits for new residential construction are included in the building permit fee; however, separate permits will be issued, but at no charge.

LICENSING

General contractors do not have to be licensed by the City of Goshen nor is a bond required. However, any electrical or HVAC/Refrigeration contractor working within the city limits of Goshen must be licensed by the City. Plumbing contractors must be licensed by the State of Indiana. Licensing information can be found below:

PAYMENT FOR FEES/LICENSING

Payment for permits and rental registrations can be made by cash, check, money order or credit card. Payment can be made in person, by mail or on-line. Credit card payment cannot be accepted over the phone through the Building Department.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

Paying in person - 3% convenience fee - minimum charge of $2.00
Over the phone via PAYGOV (1-866-480-8552) - 3.95% convenience fee - minimum charge $2.50
Via internet (www.paygov.us) - 4.95% convenience fee - minimum charge of $3.00. No permit number needed.

RENTAL PROPERTIES

Per Goshen City Ordinance 4860 (Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance), all residential properties that are used for rent and/or lease, must be registered and inspected by the Building Department. The rental registration is a biennial fee of $36.00 per dwelling unit. All hotels/motels/rooming houses must also be registered with an annual fee of $77.00. Failure to remit payment by the due date will result in a late fee of $25.00 per dwelling unit and $50.00 for each hotel/motel or rooming house. Rental units must be inspected by the Building Department at least one every four (4) years.

NOTICE: Per City Ordinance 4899, Section 7.01, effective January 1, 2019, all fees will increase by 3%. The new rental fees will be: Biennial - $37.00 each dwelling unit - $26.00 late fee; Annual (hotel/rooming house) - $79.00 - $51.00 late fee.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Another responsibility of the Building Department is code enforcement of all structures in the City. Property owners are required to maintain structures in accordance with the standards established in the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance. For example, dilapidated structures, chipping and peeling paint, roof, soffits, siding, porches, trim, foundations and other parts of the exterior.

Code enforcement for trash, high grass, junk or unlicensed vehicles, parking in yards, etc. would need to be referred to the Code Enforcement Department at the City of Goshen Police Department - 533-8661.

The Building Department staff is available to answer any questions you may have regarding construction projects, rentals, permits and fees. If you are unsure as to whether or not your project requires permits, please either contact the office by phone at 574-534-1811 or e-mail at building@goshencity.com. In addition, before making any conversions of single family homes, please call the department to check for zoning compliance. We are here to help you in any way possible.