Administrative overview · FIPS 18089
Lake County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Lake County Plan Commission
For a project in or near Lake County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
219-755-3700
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
2293 N. Main Street, Suite 11, Crown Point, IN 46307-1899
Operating hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Review expectation
N/A for general permits; the county pool guidance states approximately 3-5 working days after a complete application and required paperwork.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Lake County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Lake County Plan Commission is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 219-755-3700.
How long might review take?
N/A for general permits; the county pool guidance states approximately 3-5 working days after a complete application and required paperwork.
How are inspections scheduled?
Apply through the county portal and use the county inspection requirements sheet for footing, foundation, rough-in, insulation, final, and certificate-of-occupancy steps. Contact the Plan Commission at 219-755-3700; inspections generally require the permit number and uncovered work.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
N/A for a specific 2026 edition; the county application requires compliance with Indiana building and health laws and Lake County zoning, building, and licensing ordinances. The county also enforces Unified Development Ordinance No. 2560 in unincorporated Lake County. The county page does not publish a complete minor/cosmetic exemption list. County jurisdiction is limited to unincorporated Lake County; incorporated municipalities use their own permitting authorities.