Planning, Zoning, & Building Department
The Planning, Zoning & Building Department evaluates all building permit requests and processes contractor registrations for the Town of Cedar Lake. Permit applications and contractor registrations are now submitted online through the GovWell portal — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Submit Your Application Online
The Town of Cedar Lake now offers online permitting powered by GovWell, a modern platform that allows community members and contractors to submit requests, track application status, and access information from any device, at any time.
Planning, Zoning, & Building Menu
How to Submit a Permit Application
- Log in at app.govwell.com. New users can create a free account.
- Go to My Projects from your dashboard.
- Click “New Submittal” to begin a new application.
- Enter the property location where the work will take place.
- Select the service(s) you are applying for (e.g., building permit, contractor registration).
- Review the requirements listed for your permit type. Contact information for Town staff is available on this page if you have questions.
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents and plans.
- Save as Draft at any time to return and finish later.
- Review and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when we receive it.
- Track your application at any time through My Projects in your GovWell portal.
For additional guidance, visit the GovWell Help Center.
What Requires a Building Permit?
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and installation of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. Examples include but are not limited to:
- New homes and additions
- Detached garages, sheds, and accessory structures
- Decks, patios, and fences
- Swimming pools
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work
- Demolition
When in doubt, contact the Building Department before starting any project. Early consultation can prevent costly corrections.
Contractor Registration
All contractors performing work within the Town of Cedar Lake must be registered with the Town. Complete contractor registration through the GovWell portal at app.govwell.com.
Building Permit Approval Guidelines
All building permit applications are reviewed for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. The Town uses an AI-assisted plan review process that analyzes submitted plans against local codes and flags potential issues for staff review. Town staff verifies all items before making any determination. This process reduces delays and gives applicants earlier feedback on their submissions.
Approval is based on compliance with:
- Indiana Building Code (675 IAC)
- Town of Cedar Lake Zoning Ordinance
- Applicable local ordinances and standards
Re-Inspection Fee
If a scheduled inspection cannot be completed because the work is not ready, a re-inspection fee of $35.00 applies. You can pay fees through the GovWell portal.
Have a Question?
Our AI Community Assistant is available on this page to answer questions about permitting, contractor registration, zoning, and more — 24/7, in over 80 languages. Look for the chat icon to get started, or contact the Building Department directly:
Building Department
Town Hall — 7408 Constitution Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
📞 (219) 374-7000
✉️ buildingdept@cedarlakein.gov
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Additional Resources
Overview of the GovWell Portal