Village of Michiana - Winter 2012

Before you begin any construction or demolition, you must contact the office and the building inspector.
What does the Building Inspector do? 

• Reviews and processes building permit applications, plans and specifications.
• Issues final permits or certificates of occupancy.
• Inspects new and existing residential structures for compliance with applicable
• state and local codes, ordinances and governing regulations relating to area of expertise.
• Coordinates inspection schedules and permit activities with the Planning
• and Zoning Committee (P&Z) and appropriate Village Staff.
• Investigates complaints and violations relating to building construction and
• remodeling, initiating correction and enforcement activities. Issues correction
• notices, requests for warrants, court appearance orders, condemnation and
• demolition notices, and other official documents. Builds case files and testifies in
• court as necessary.
• Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding codes, ordinances, regulations and other related areas to the Village Council, permit applicants and others.
• Prepares correspondence and submits reports related to Building and Zoning issues that are to come before the Village Council, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA),and the P&Z.
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive records and documentation of Building Inspector activities, and oversees the entry of this information into the Village computer system.
• Provides assistance to other departments within area of expertise as requested.
• Reviews current trends and developments in applicable field of expertise.
• Prepares recommendations on related policy, codes, ordinances and local regulations as requested.
• Receives applications, schedules inspections, monitors project status, and completes related tasks in the processing and issuing of building permits.
• Puts a hold on any construction not conforming to building/zoning requirements until standards are met. Conducts final inspection and issues certificates of occupancy.
• Works closely with the Village Council to identify and abate blight issues.
• Attends meetings of the Village Council, the ZBA, and the P&Z as necessary, providing professional and technical expertise.
• Is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the State Construction Act (Act 230 of the PA 1972, compiled Laws 1948, Section125.1501 et. seq. as amended) and other relevant State, Local, and Village Laws and Regulations related to Construction, siting, environment, and zoning.
• Prepares and delivers to the Village Council, a monthly status report of all building construction and remodeling in the Village.