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1. Will Valparaiso Building Department require permits and inspections during COVID-19 closures?

Although City Hall is currently closed to the public, the Building Department is otherwise operating normally. Inspections will be handled in the usual manner by calling 219-462-1161 and leaving inspection request voicemail. Permit applications can be submitted via email to vthrasher@valpo.us with plans and required documents attached or mailed to Valparaiso Building Department at 166 Lincolnway. Permit pick up will be by appointment with city’s Clerk-Treasurer’s office. The lerk-Treasurer’s office will be accepting appointments between the hours of 8:30 and noon only, Monday through Friday. Please call 219-462-1161 to schedule. Permits and inspections are still required.

The Building Department is doing everything we can to minimize the impact to construction activities.

2. When don't I need a permit?

Anything defined as a cosmetic improvement does not require a permit. Such cosmetic improvements are:

• Painting and siding
• Trim work
• Flooring, landscaping, and tree trimming
• Electrical or plumbing appliance/fixture replacement
• Same size exterior door and window replacement

3. Where on my property can I build a fence?

A decorative or chain link style fence may abut your side and backyard property lines and must not exceed six feet or measure any lower than three feet in height. When erecting a fence in your front yard, the fence must be a minimum of six inches away from a public sidewalk and stand no taller than four feet. If you are on a corner lot, you are considered to have two front yards.

A permit is required before any fence may be installed. Submit your permit application and site plan showing the fence location to the Building Department prior to starting your project.

4. Where can I put a pool?

Simply remember the six-foot rule - keep the outer walls of the pool a minimum of six feet away from side and back yard property lines. The same goes for clearances from structures / buildings. Place it clear of any utility easements in case one of our utility companies needs to dig where you now have your pool.

The pool must also be protected by use of an automatic cover that can withstand a minimum load of 1,000 pounds or by erecting a barrier of no less than four feet in height. This barrier may be a fence erected a minimum of six feet from the outer walls of the pool or it may be a security gating which affixes to the pool itself. The four-foot barrier is a state law.

5. Which building codes has the City of Valparaiso adopted?

The Building Department has adopted the following building codes:

• 2014 Indiana Building Code (2012 International Building Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2020 Indiana Residential Code (2018 International Residential Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2009 Indiana Electric Code (2008 National Electric Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2012 Indiana Plumbing Code (2006 International Plumbing Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2014 Indiana Mechanical Code (2012 International Mechanical Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2014 Indiana Fuel Gas Code (2012 International Fuel Gas Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2014 Indiana Fire Code (2012 International Fire Code with Indiana Amendments)
• 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code (ASHRAE 90.1 2007 Edition with Indiana Amendments)
• Indiana Swimming Pool Code
• Indiana Migrant Day Care Nursery Fire Safety Code
• Indiana Visitability Code

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1. How can I obtain a copy of the property maintenance ordinance?

Please view Chapter 154 of the Valparaiso City Code to find the Property Maintenance Code. Valparaiso City Code

2. The house next door is abandoned and the grass is over grown. Can anything be done to clean up the property?

Yes, the City of Valparaiso Code prohibits debris, junk, or dense weeds or grass in excess of six inches in height from the ground on any lot. If you know of such property please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 219.462.1161.

3. Can my neighbor park his vehicle on the front lawn?

No. Motor vehicles shall not be parked on any front yard area not designated and approved for parking; for example, a paved driveway. The front yard is defined as the area of private property that is located between the public right-of-way and the front line of the primary structure on that property. In addition, parking on city sidewalks is prohibited.

4. I phoned in a complaint weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to the property?

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice of the violation. They must also be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). Typically, the responsible party will be sent a Notice of Code Violation by mail.

Please rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in an appropriate manner with an attached sense of urgency.

5. I live in a subdivision with a homeowners association. Can the city enforce the association's covenants and restrictions?

No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the association's bylaws, only the property owner's association has authority to enforce those regulations. The only regulations that the Code Enforcement Department can enforce are those that are included in the city's Code of Ordinances.

6. Can I have garage, porch, or yard sales in the city? Is a permit required?

Yes, all are allowed providing that no sale signs are placed in public right-of-ways, on utility poles, or street sign poles. Signs must be placed on private property only. No sales shall exceed two days and no more than three sales are allowed per year. Signs must be removed at the end of the sale. No permit is required.

7. I live in an area where new construction is taking place. Is there a time when construction is allowed to begin?

The City of Valparaiso does not regulate construction crew work hours. However, we do ask construction companies to be respectful of residents when scheduling their hours of operation.