Building Commissioner

227 N Main St
New Castle, IN 47362

  Phone: (765) 521-6803
 Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm

Building Commissioner icon

Kenny Melton

Building Commissioner

kenny-melton@cityofnewcastle.net

Staff

Jeff Marcum

Code Enforcement

765-521-6823

jeff-marcum@cityofnewcastle.net

Lisa South

Permits & Inspections

765-521-6823

Brittney Holcomb

Permits & Inspections

765-521-6823

brittney-holcomb@cityofnewcastle.net

Kelly Allen

Planning & Zoning, 
Variance Applications, 
Permits & Inspections

765-521-6823

kelly-allen@cityofnewcastle.net

The New Castle Building Department is dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our residents and business owners by ensuring all residential and commercial structures meet established safety and building standards. 

Through comprehensive code enforcement, permitting, and property inspections, the department fosters vibrant neighborhoods and safe, high-quality development throughout the City of New Castle.

Working With Others ​To Build A Strong - Sustaining Community

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In addition to regulating new construction and structural improvements, the Building Department serves as a vital administrative link between citizens, local contractors, and municipal planning boards. We oversee contractor licensing, administer local floodplain regulations, and maintain key municipal facilities to support a safe, well-maintained community.

Permitting & Construction Inspections

  • Review construction plans and issue required building, structural, and trade permits.
  • Conduct mandatory field inspections for new construction, renovations, and structural repairs to ensure compliance with state and local building codes.

Contractor Licensing & Qualification

  • Administer testing, licensing, and registration for all trade contractors performing work within city limits in accordance with City Ordinance #2864.

Code Enforcement & Housing Standards

  • Enforce municipal housing codes and standards for substandard or unsafe housing as specified under the Uniform Housing Code.
  • Investigate and enforce public nuisance violations (e.g., tall grass, trash, unfit structures).
  • Issue non-compliance notices and represent the city in New Castle City Court to resolve uncorrected code violations.

Public Facilities & Environmental Stewardship

  • Manage ongoing maintenance and operations for city-owned properties, including the City Municipal Building, Senior Center, and Community Center.
  • Act as the designated Local Floodplain Administrator in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), overseeing development in flood hazard areas to protect public safety and natural resources.
  • Issue non-compliance notices and represent the city in New Castle City Court to resolve uncorrected code violations.
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Board of Zoning Appeals

(765) 529-7605 Meeting Minutes​ 

The Board  hears and decides upon applications for a variance from, or special exception to, City Ordinance.

Members:

  • Dave Barker
  • Debbie Brammer
  • Don Criswell
  • Jennifer Kelsick
  • Peggy Manor

Meeting Schedule

  • When: 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM
  • Where: City Hall, Council Chambers (2nd Floor) | 227 N Main St
  • Public Access: Meetings are open to the public.

Note: Meetings are subject to cancellation if there are no petitions or business items scheduled for the month.

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Redevelopment Commission

Facade Grant Funds Request Form Facade Grant Guidelines Facade Grant App Historic Preservation Certification App

Members:

  • Larry Abrams- President
  • Sandra Bertram - Vice President
  • James Millikan - Secretary
  • Forrest Plank- Voting Member
  • R. Scott Hayes - Voting Member
  • Jamey Marcum -  Non-Voting Member
  • Ashley Huffman- Treasurer / Recorder

Meeting Schedule

  • When: 4th Wednesday each month at 8:00am
  • Where: City Hall, Council Chambers (2nd Floor) | 227 N Main St
  • Meetings may be cancelled for months with "No Business"
Meeting Minutes​ 
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Planning Commission

The Planning Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council, guiding community growth and land use by reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations.

Members:

  • Lynn Perdue
  • Dave Barker
  • Peggy Manor     
  • Ed Hill
  • Kenny Melton
  • Larry Abrams
  • Don Criswell

Meeting Schedule

  • When: 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm
  • Where: City Hall, Council Chambers (2nd Floor) | 227 N Main St
  • Meetings may be cancelled if there are no items on the agenda
Meeting Minutes​ 

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