Please click this link to access up-to-date information, FAQs, and announcements regarding changes to city services.
The City of South Bend is actively monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our area and taking appropriate steps to mitigate its spread.
High-risk individuals – including those age 60+ or those with underlying health conditions – may be more susceptible to getting very sick from a COVID-19 infection and are strongly encouraged to avoid large gatherings.
Those who are sick are encouraged to stay home, avoid physical contact with others, and call their healthcare provider.
Residents are encouraged to practice social distancing by staying six feet away from others. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises frequent handwashing and disinfection of frequently used surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How do I access City Services remotely?
Most city services can still be accessed by calling 311. For more specific needs, see the following list of contacts to access services remotely.
Renewing Business Licenses
If you are an establishment that needs to renew your business occupational license, please do so online by visiting www.southbendin.gov/renew select Renew License. After that, enter your current license and pin number and then follow the menu instructions. If you need your license and pin number please e-mail Michelle Adams at madams@southbendin.gov.
Getting a new Business License
For new businesses needing a business license, please e-mail Michelle Adams, Business License Administrator, at madams@southbendin.gov to help determine what type(s) of license(s) you will need based on your business activity. Please include the following information:
A detailed description of your business activity
The exact business address
Name of your business entity and ownership information
Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Zoning Administration
Until further notice, the Zoning Division will be working remotely. Any application filed via email (zoning@southbendin.gov) will continue to be processed, however additional review time may be necessary. Permits will not be issued until such time as payments can be received. Please check here for additional updates and changes to any filing deadlines.
Historic Preservation
Until further notice, the Historic Preservation Commission will be working remotely. Any application filed via email (hpcsbsjc@southbbendin.gov) will be processed, however additional review time may be necessary. A Certificate of Appropriateness will not be issued until such time as payments can be received. Please check here for additional updates and changes to any filing deadlines.
Animals Found Running-at-Large/Lost Animals
South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC) has suspended in-person walk throughs of the stray hold areas and has also temporarily suspended owner surrenders. Animals that are found running-at-large, and that are being held at the center, will be posted on SBARC’s Facebook page. If you have lost your pet, please fill out the lost cat or dog report found here: https://southbendin.gov/department/animal-resource-center/. Please contact SBARC through their Facebook page or by e-mailing sbarc@southbendin.gov
Public Records Requests (APRA)
All APRA forms must be submitted electronically until further notice via apra@southbendin.gov. Forms are available online at www.southbendin.gov.
Liability Claims
In accordance with Ind. Code § 34-13-3-10, please send claims via U.S. mail only, addressed to City of South Bend Department of Law, Attn: Claims Administrator, 1200 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601.
Building Department
The Building Department is currently open with limited staff on hand and encourages residents to have as much information as possible (applications) prepared before coming to the office. This is to limit the duration of visits to protect residents and staff.
The building department is still doing inspections, finals and answering questions. You can still contact inspectors by calling the office at 574-235-9554 option #2 and staff will forward the message to inspectors in the field via phone or email.
Applications for Sidewalk Cafes, Encroachment & Board of Public Works Items
Board of Public Works and Board of Public Safety will continue to meet at regularly scheduled times. Meetings will be moved to the Common Council Chambers when available to allow safe space for attendees. The public can access Board of Works applications for sidewalk cafes, encroachments, etc. at southbendin.gov/board/public-works. Those applications should be sent to njacobs@southbendin.gov or lhensley@southbendin.gov.
Reporting Sewer Issues
For back-ups, smells, cave-ins and street flooding, residents should call 311 and follow the prompts to be transferred to the Division of Streets.
Reporting Street Issues
For potholes, dead animals in the right-of-way, debris causing traffic hazard, residents should call 311 and follow the prompts to be transferred to the Division of Streets.
Reporting Traffic & Lighting Issues
For signals not working, signals on flash or bulbs out, stop or yield signs knocked down, street light poles knocked down, residents should call 311 and follow the prompts for Traffic & Lighting.
South Bend Green Corps
South Bend Green Corps will not be performing home weatherization visits in the near term. For questions about the program or to be added to the list for when services recommence, email sbgreencorps@southbendin.gov or call 574.235.5905.
Water Works Customer Service Office
Even though the lobby of the Water Works Customer Service office is closed for face-to-face payments, residents can still pay their utility bill through the drive-thru or the 24-hr drop box. Payments can also be made via mail, online or calling the IVR phone system at 235.9236.
Permits Office - Engineering
Contractors or Utilities in need of a permit should download the application from the Engineering webpage and email it to rowpermitsoffice@southbendin.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Claims or Concerns
If you are disabled and believe that City services, programs, or activities are not accessible to you, or if you believe you were treated less favorably than a non-disabled person in a City service, program or activity, you may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at aderose@southbendin.gov.