Zoning Map
Please click on the link in the right sidebar to download a PDF of this map.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a building permit?
If your construction project costs more than $500.00, you will need a building permit. This cost would include materials and labor. If you are doing the project yourself, the normal and customary cost of the labor in this area would be imposed. If the materials are “free” the normal and customary cost of the materials in this area would be imposed. Building permits are required for all structures built upon a property, including house, garage, accessory building, swimming pool, addition, deck or porch, etc. All commercial buildings construction projects must be submitted to the State of Indiana for a State Design Release which must be included with the application for a local building permit.
What do I need to bring for my building permit?
Applications for building permits must include a completed application form provided by the City, an estimate of the cost of the project, a site plan, a building plan and proof of any licenses required, whether a general contractor or a sub-contractor. In Brazil only electricians and plumbers need to be licensed. All building permit application forms are on the brazil.in.gov website. Commercial projects also require a State Design Release. This application should be filled out and submitted with all appropriate documents and payment ten days prior to the start date of the project. If all documents are in order and payment is received, the building permit may be obtained at the time of submission. However, the Building Administrator may take up to ten days to review the plans and decide whether or not to issue the building permit. The cost of the permit is on a graduated scale which is included on the back of each permit. Payment of all inspection fees is also required at the time of issuance.
What is the building set back requirements?
On a residentially zoned parcel, the primary structure must have at least 10% of the total width of the lot on each side of the structure. Any accessory structure built upon a property must be at least 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines and the front must be behind the primary structure. The primary structure must be in line with at least 25% of the other existing primary structures on the block but the front yard need not exceed 40 feet in any case.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
No permit is required for the construction of a fence. However, there rules governing the height and distance from the street and lot lines. A fence constructed along a front lot line can be no more than 3 ½ feet tall. A fence constructed along a side and rear lot line cannot be more than 7 feet tall. Fencing must be constructed 1 foot back from all lot lines. If a lot sits on the corner of an intersection of two city streets, there must be a 15 foot angled set back from the corner. Also, the 3 ½ foot height requirement must be from the street grade, not the grade of the property upon which the fence is constructed.
Do I need a permit for demolition?
Yes a permit is required for demolition.
Do I need a sign permit?
If you are constructing, re-constructing, moving or altering a sign, excluding normal maintenance, a sign permit is required.
What do I need for my sign permit?
Applications for a sign permit must include a completed application form provided by the City, a drawing of the sign including its dimensions and a site plan. Also, if any electrical work is to be done, proof of the electrician’s license must be submitted. The cost of the sign permit is $1.00 per square foot of signage. Payment of footer and electrical inspection fees are also required at the time of issuance.
When will the City cut my neighbor’s grass and clean up their property?
Grass and weeds must be 8 inches in height before the City can send a notice to the property owner to cut their grass. The property owner has 7 days from the date the notice is sent to cut the grass and clean up the property. This notice is only required once per year. Once that 7 day period has passed, the Plan Administrator is required to take the property in front of the Board of Public Works and Safety in order to gain permission to cut the grass and/or clean up the property. Once the property owner is notified, the Plan Administrator may request the property be mowed once per month. However, permission from the Board of Public Works and Safety is still required for each mowing
