(A) 
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct a class 1 or class 2 structure, enlarge, alter, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or use of a class 1 or class 2 structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, or to cause any such construction to be done to a class 1 or class 2 structure shall first submit a complete application to the Building Commissioner. No building construction permit will be issued to a person that would cause a violation of IC 22-15-3-7 and no construction shall be done on a class 1 or class 2 structure until the building official issues a building construction permit unless the construction is of a type specifically exempt from building construction permit requirements.
(1) 
Building Construction Exempt from Class 2 Structure Building Construction Permits.
(a) 
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
(b) 
Sidewalks and driveways. Sidewalks and driveways are regulated by the Economic Development and Planning Department and the Engineering Department.
(c) 
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar interior construction, including replacement or reglazing of glass. This exemption does not include repair, maintenance, and replacement of interior load bearing members which affect the structural safety of a class 2 structure.
(d) 
Temporary prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
(e) 
Swings and other playground equipment.
(f) 
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, which are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and do not serve the required exit door.
(g) 
Repair, maintenance, and replacement of roofing, siding, windows and similar exterior maintenance. This exemption does not include repair, maintenance, and replacement of load bearing members which affect the structural safety of a class 2 structure.
(2) 
Electrical.
(a) 
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing electrical systems with like equipment. This exemption does not include replacement or installation of electrical utility metering equipment or electrical service equipment.
(b) 
Portable or temporary lighting equipment and devices.
(c) 
Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices.
(d) 
Installation of branch circuits not exceeding the capacity of the electrical distribution system.
(e) 
Electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment installed by a public or private utility.
(f) 
Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions.
(3) 
Gas.
(a) 
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing gas appliances and equipment. This exemption does not include replacement or installation of gas utility metering equipment.
(b) 
Portable or temporary gas equipment.
(4) 
Mechanical.
(a) 
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems with like equipment.
(b) 
Portable or temporary heating appliances.
(c) 
Portable or temporary ventilation appliances.
(d) 
Portable or temporary cooling units.
(e) 
Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment.
(f) 
Replacement of any minor parts that do not alter the approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
(g) 
Portable or temporary evaporative coolers.
(5) 
Plumbing.
(a) 
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes.
(b) 
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets.
(c) 
Replacement of piping, valves, or fixtures.
(d) 
Replacement of water heaters with a similar type and capacity.
(e) 
Installation of water heaters with a capacity of 100 gallons or less.
(f) 
Portable or temporary plumbing equipment.
(B) 
The building construction permit application requirements, including filing of plans and specifications, shall apply for any construction otherwise exempt when a part of, supplemental to, or an accessory of a class 2 structure construction project that otherwise requires a building construction permit.
(C) 
Class 2 structure construction exempt from building construction permit application requirements is not exempt from compliance with other ordinances, Indiana Code (IC), or Indiana Administrative Code (IAC). Exemption from building construction permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any construction to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinances, Indiana Code (IC), or Indiana Administrative Code (IAC).
(D) 
Building Construction Exempt from Class 1 Structure Building Construction Permits. No construction shall be done on a class 1 structure other than maintenance in accordance with 675 IAC 12-4-9, until a building construction permit is issued by the Building Commissioner.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 9; Ord. 1165-2004; Code 2000 § 150.26)
(A) 
Any person required to have a building permit shall submit a complete application to the Building Commissioner.
(B) 
This application shall be submitted on a form prepared by the Building Commissioner and shall contain the following:
(1) 
Information that the Building Commissioner determines to be necessary to locate and contact the applicant.
(2) 
Identify and describe the construction to be covered by the building construction permit for which application is made.
(3) 
Describe the land on which the proposed construction is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or construction.
(4) 
Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed construction is intended.
(5) 
State the square footage and valuation of the proposed construction.
(6) 
Provide a site plan drawn to scale; provided, however, such site plan shall not be required in the instance where all such construction is to occur entirely within an existing structure. The site plan shall show dimensioned location of building property lines, and to all adjacent buildings on the property, as well as width of any street or easements bordering the property.
(7) 
Provide a clear and understandable copy of detailed plans and specifications drawn to scale which indicate in a precise manner the nature and location of all construction to be accomplished.
(8) 
If required by Indiana law or any rule of the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, a copy of the construction design release issued by the state Building Commissioner pursuant to IC 22-15-3-1 and a complete set of plans and specifications that conform exactly to the design that was reviewed and released by the office of the state Building Commissioner.
(9) 
If required, written approval from the Economic Development and Planning Department indicating compliance with this code of which the Economic Development and Planning Department is responsible to administer.
(10) 
If required, written approval from the Engineer showing the location of all water supply system improvements and service taps; the location and elevation of all sanitary sewer system improvements; the location and elevation of all stormwater system improvements; the location of all streets, sidewalks, and curbs depicting the final locations in relation to the actual lot corners; and showing compliance with Chapter 13.15 AMC, Stormwater Management.
(11) 
If required, written approval or release from the Steuben County Surveyor or written approval from the Steuben County Drainage Board for any drainage variance required.
(12) 
If required, written approval or a non-objection letter from the Steuben County Health Department.
(13) 
If required, written approval from the Steuben County Highway Department for any driveway cuts, culverts.
(14) 
If required, written approval from the Water Superintendent for all new water supply system improvements.
(15) 
If required, written approval from the Wastewater Superintendent for all new sanitary sewer collection systems.
(16) 
If required, written approval from the Street Commissioner for all new curb and gutter, streets, and stormwater system improvements (inlets, catch basins, manholes, culverts, and the like).
(17) 
If required, written approval from the Park Superintendent indicating compliance with this code of which the Park Superintendent is responsible to administer.
(18) 
If required, written approval from the Fire Chief.
(19) 
Any additional information that the Building Commissioner finds to be necessary to determine that the construction will conform to all applicable building and fire safety laws and will not violate any other applicable ordinances or laws.
(20) 
The fee established by ordinance.
(C) 
Action on Application. The Building Commissioner shall examine or cause to be examined applications for building construction permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the application requirements or the requirements of pertinent laws, the Building Commissioner shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor.
(D) 
Time Limitation of Application. An application for a building construction permit for any proposed construction is deemed to have been abandoned 60 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a building construction permit has been issued.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 10; Ord. 1165-2004; Code 2000 § 150.27)
Upon satisfaction of the Building Commissioner that all of the proper authorities have approved the location and use proposed, and that the applicant has furnished sufficient evidence that the building or structure will be constructed in conformance with all applicable building and fire safety laws and will not violate any other applicable ordinances or laws, the Building Commissioner shall issue a building construction permit.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 11; Ord. 1165-2004; Code 2000 § 150.28)
The Building Commissioner is authorized to issue building construction permits for construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted. The holder of such building construction permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a building construction permit for the entire structure will be granted.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 12)
After a building construction permit is issued, the project shall commence within 12 months of the date of issuance or the building construction permit shall become null and void.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 13)
After a building construction permit is issued, the project shall be completed within 24 months of the issuance date or shall become null and void.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 14)
Upon request by the applicant, a building construction permit may be extended one time for up to 12 months. The Building Commissioner may grant the requested extension. Both the request for the extension and the Building Commissioner's decision concerning the extension shall be made part of the building construction permit file.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 15)
The issuance or granting of a building construction permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of any other ordinance of the city of Angola. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter or other ordinances of the city of Angola shall not be valid. The issuance of a building construction permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Building Commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in construction documents and other data. The Building Commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this chapter or of any other ordinance of the city of Angola.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 16)
(A) 
No certificate of occupancy for any building or structure shall be issued unless such building or structure was constructed in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(B) 
It shall be unlawful to occupy or use any such building or structure unless a full or temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Building Commissioner.
(C) 
The Building Commissioner may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a period not exceeding 90 days if the following standards have been satisfied:
(1) 
Such portion or portions of the building or structure subject to the temporary certificate of occupancy may be occupied safely and present no threat of fire or threat to the life, health, or welfare of the occupants or the public;
(2) 
Construction of the building or structure subject to the building construction permit is substantially complete and only minor items of the permit remain for full completion and issuance of a full certificate of occupancy.
(D) 
All certificates of occupancy issued by the Building Commissioner with the exception of one- and two-family dwellings must contain the signature of the Angola Fire Marshal.
(Ord. 1488-2015 § 17; Ord. 1165-2004; Code 2000 § 150.29)