Code of Ordinances

Any construction done within Town limits must comply with to Town Ordinances. If a permit is needed, it must be purchased before construction begins.

Before building, contact the Building Department at 219-696-7794 Ext. 223 to find out if a permit is needed.

The Code of Ordinances and/or any other documents that appear on this site may not reflect the most current legislation adopted by the Municipality.

Click here for the Town of Lowell Code of Ordinances

Building Permits

Any construction done within Town limits must comply with Town Ordinances. If a permit is needed, it must be purchased before construction begins.

Before building, contact the Building Department at (219) 696-7794 Ext.223 to find out if a permit is needed.

Additional building permit information:

• ILP Permit
• New Contractor License Application
• Contractor License Renewal Application
• Residential Swimming Pool Code (refer to pages 3 to 34).
• New Construction Building Permit Application
• Miscellaneous Building Permit
• Contractor/Homeowner Affidavit
• Building Permit Fees

Storm Water Quality For Developers

The purpose of storm water management control is to reduce the pollutants from storm water runoff that originates from construction and post construction activities. The Town of Lowell is required to have procedures for plan review of construction plans that consider potential water quality impacts.

The Town of Lowell requires construction site operators to develop a storm water pollution prevention plan, or SWPPP, for their storm water discharges. An SWPPP is broader in scope than an erosion and sediment control plan or site plan.

The SWPPP requires post-construction storm water control measures to be submitted and approved as part of the site review construction plans. Post-Construction Narratives are required before completion of the project. The narrative describes the maintenance guidelines for all post-construction storm water quality measures to facilitate their proper long-term function.

For information regarding application requirements, please contact the MS4 Coordinator at (219) 696-7794.

Information for Developers:

• Application Site Plan Review Form
• Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Evaluation (PDF form) or Complete the Online Form
• Declaration of Responsibility for Small Lots

Public Education

Protect our Water Resources

One of the goals of the Town’s MS4 Permit activities is to help raise awareness of Town residents, businesses and visitors regarding how their actions can impact stormwater quality. The following information provides some input and suggestions to assist in meeting that goal. Please take a few minutes to review them to consider how each of us, working together, can help protect our precious water resources.

Changing Your Behavior

Because stormwater runoff is generated from dispersed land surfaces — pavements, yards, driveways, and roofs — efforts to control stormwater pollution must consider individual, household, and public behaviors and activities that can generate pollution from these surfaces.These common individual behaviors have the potential to generate stormwater pollution:

Trash and Debris Management

Floating trash and debris have become significant pollutants, especially in waterways and oceans where large amounts of trash and plastic debris can concentrate in a small areas.

Alternatives to Toxic Substances

Using alternative products instead of toxic substances drastically reduces the presence of toxics in stormwater and receiving waters.

Landscaping and Lawncare

Lawns produce significant amounts of nutrient-rich stormwater runoff, and research shows that such runoff can contaminate drinking water supplies with chemicals toxic to both humans and aquatic organisms.

Pest Control

Pesticides in stormwater runoff directly affect the health of aquatic organisms. Their presence in drinking water also threatens human health.

Pet Waste Management

When pet waste is improperly disposed of, it can be picked up by stormwater runoff and washed into storm drains or nearby waterbodies.

Car Washing

Outdoor car washing that uses detergent-rich water flows down the street and into the storm drain.

Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste

Many products found in homes contain chemicals potentially harmful to both people and the environment.

It takes individual behavior change and proper practices to control such pollution. Therefore it is important to make the public sufficiently aware and concerned about the significance of their behavior for stormwater pollution, through information and education, that they change improper behaviors.

Stormwater Utility Fee

The schedule of Monthly Storm Water fees are as follows:

What's Happening in Lowell

This is the place where you can find all of Lowell's community events. To see events happening in Lowell, view the Recent News feed on this page.

Want to advertise your event? Let us help! Our department will help our local businesses, organizations promote their special events that the community can attend. Please submit any information about an upcoming event to phasty@lowell.net . We do require a pdf flyer of your event when you submit your event information.

The Town of Lowell is growing by leaps and bounds, which means we have several events and opportunities to engage within Lowell's community. Lowell Park Department will become the information highway by placing all of that information on the Town's website for you.  Looking for something to do? Review the Recent News feed.

Ways we can assist you in marketing your next Lowell event:

1. Post your event flyer on our website - This will include festivals, fundraisers, camps, cruise nights, carnivals. Whatever your business or organization is hosting, we want to share that information with the community.
2. Provide space to hang event banners at Evergreen Park - Non-Profit organizations can reserve banner space to promote their events at no charge. Contact the park office to RSVP for your space. Email us a pdf of your event fly and we will add this to our website as well.

Soccer Leagues

Fall 2025 New Information

For this season  any coach who commits, registers, and pays before June 2nd will have no charge for player registration. Anyone committing to be assistant coach before June 2nd will pay $35 per child. It is important to get your coaching application and payment in promptly because this is a first come first serve position. Please note that a background check will be performed on every coach. 

Important: anyone wishing to coach must fill out the volunteer form and email it to  Hjusevitch@lowell.net

After you receive confirmation that your coaching position is approved you may then mail in your player registration form. 

Public registration for the spring will begin on June 16th 8am until all spots are full. Absolutely no early drop off will be accepted. Forms received before June 16th will be returned to you. Forms can be dropped off in the drop box outside of Town Hall 501 E. Main St or the red drop box inside of Town Hall 

Payment Breakdown:

Public - $70 residents and $75 nonresidents if open spots are available. Public registration will begin on June 16th , Again no registration will be taken before June 16th @8am

 Registration information 

• All registration forms for players, coaches and referees will be available @ www.Lowell.net if you need a form emailed or mailed to you please email Hjusevitch@lowell.net to request. 
• Coach's player fees will be waived in the league if they commit to coach before June 2nd
• Assistant coach will receive half off each player in the league
• Public registration will  be accepted until all spots are full/  The fees will remain the same as last season $70 per player or $75 for a non-resident player. All checks should be made out to the Town of Lowell. Note that these forms and payment can be dropped off at Town Hall, located at 501 E. Main St. Lowell In.  You may drop off in the utility drop box and just note attention to the Parks Department. During business hours there will be a drop box available outside of the parks department door. All players will be placed on a team within the age group, years of experience and parental request. On this year’s registration form a spot is available for special request but please note that this is not a guarantee.  

• We have a limited number of spots open for players so please note that your check and registration form will not be processed until we are sure that a spot is available for the player. Please follow our Facebook Page as we will post availability. 
• Age groups are as follows: Pee-wee / 4-5 years old Intermediate/ 6-8 years old Majors combined/ 9-12 years old. Please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns regarding the division you would like to place your child in.  
• Note: this season players will not be given team socks. Your player may purchase any standard soccer socks that are available. Only T-shirts will be ordered this season. 

Season Information  

• All games are played on Saturdays at Freedom Park. Makeup games may be played during the week and are decided by your coach. 
• All players will be contacted by the coach as soon as they receive the roster
• Practices will begin the week of August 18th
• Games will begin on September 6th - October 11th
• All cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook Page 

Forms & FAQs

• Player Registration Form
• Coach/Staff Registration Form

Park Volunteers

Would you like to make a difference in your community? We are seeking volunteers!

Help us with programs, park beautification projects and community events. Follow the steps below to get involved:

1. Print your Volunteer Application.
2. Email your application to townhall@lowell.net

Lowell Park History

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the pasture of P.A. McNay located at the corner of Washington and Nichols was commonly known as "McNay Park". Early Labor Day celebrations were held at this park.

Oakland Park was the scene of many Labor Day events, baseball, etc. On March 6, 1922 the Board of Directors of the Oakland Park Association sold the park located on Oakley Street to the Town of Lowell for public use for the amount of $3375.

With the building of the Lowell Elementary School, the School Corporation needed more acreage and asked the Town to sell Oakland Park to them. On September 22, 1955 the Lowell Town Trustees passed an ordinance to sell Oakland Park to the trustees of Cedar Creek Township for public purpose in the amount of $12,000.

With the Town of Lowell again in need of a public park, the existence of nine acres of land with a pond and evergreen trees provided an ideal location. Thus, Evergreen Park was created.

On November 22, 1955, the town trustees purchased this parcel with the $12,000 received from the sale of Oakland Park. Today, Evergreen Park is notably the focus of the Lowell Park system and is very active with family reunions, civic events and everyday activities involving all ages of people.

With a park and more people moving in, the need for a park and recreation board became apparent. On January 8, 1968 the Town Board formed the first Lowell Park and Recreation Board. In order for the Park Board to be eligible for state and federal funds it was necessary to re-organize the Board under the 1965 Park Law and on September 14, 1970 the new Park Board was formed with Wilbur Schwanke as President.

In November of 1968, Bill Langen, developer of Indian Heights subdivision donated 4 lots for a park. Today the park is known as Reservation Park.

At a special meeting held on February 22,1971 with the Town Board, Park Board and the Lowell Women’s Club discussion included the purchase and development of the Town Square into a Senior Citizens Park. Lot 15 was purchased from Andrew H. and Amanda Merton for $10,000; lots 16&17 were purchased from Mary Janet and O.D. Watkins for $50. This parcel is the current site of the war monument.

P.A. McNay originally owned Liberty Park property, but on September 2, 1970 Herbert Cunningham sold the property to the Town of Lowell for the water department to spot wells. The remaining land was proposed as Liberty Park. Federal Funding was approved in February of 1976, for a 50-50 matching grant of approximately $93,000. The park project was constructed in three phases with completion in 1978.

Lot #38 of the original Union addition to Lowell plotted in 1864 is known today as Library Park. The Town Board bought the property from the School Board on January 13, 1975. The Library used to be located next to this park but today the Town Hall occupies this building.

Branch and Leaf Pickup

The Town of Lowell is broken up into five zones for branch and leaf pickup. Information is provided below relative to the Zone Map for pickup and the 2021 schedule of pickup days.

• Branch and Leaf Pickup Zone Map
• Leaf and Branch Pickup Calendar

Electronics Recycling

Electronics are not an acceptable trash item. But now, through the efforts of the Town of Lowell and the Lake County Solid Waste Management District, electronic recycling is now available. You can arrange to drop-off your old computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, cell phones, etc. at the Street Department garage. Call (219) 696-4455 for an appointment between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

The Lake County Solid Waste Management District offers household hazardous waste disposal options. Information is provided below relative to acceptable items and collection dates:

• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Information
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates

Large Appliance Pickup

Items such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges, water heaters, etc. will not be picked up by the garbage company. Please call the Town Hall office at (219) 696-7794 to schedule a member of the Street Department to pick those items up on Fridays.

Latex Paint Recycling

Residents with latex paint should remove the lid and allow the paint to dry.  Kitty litter may be added to speed up the drying process.  It can then be placed with the regular garbage for pick-up.

Oil based paints must NOT be placed in with the regular garbage.  It must be disposed of through the Lake Michigan Hazardous Waste District.  Please refer to their website, www.lcswmd.com, for a list of collection dates and locations in Lake County.

Latex paint is water based, cleans up with soap and water, and is not hazardous.You can easily manage the paint yourself and dispose of it safely.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY LATEX PAINT?

If the paint is usable (the gallon is more than half full, is less than a year old, and has been kept indoors), the paint can be taken to Hobart for recycling. Please call (219) 942-6121 for more information. If the paint is not usable or you would not use it even if you could, you can dry it out with non-clumping or clay kitty litter or paint hardener. Once the paint is dried solid, keep the lid and the can separate and place in the garbage for your garbage hauler.

Please visit WWW.LCSWMD.COM or call (219) 853-2420 for additional information.

Starting and Stopping Utilities

Residents who need to stop or start utility service should call the Utility Billing office at (219) 696-7794.

Combined Sewer Overflow

When households dispose of wastewater from toilets, sinks, clothes washers, and dishwashers, it travels through underground pipes to a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP treats the wastewater to State standards before discharging it to a local stream or river. In some cities, however, older sewer systems were designed to also accept stormwater runoff from the city during rain events. A Combined Sewer System (CSS) is then a system of pipes that carry both wastewater as well as stormwater during rain events.

Water Leaks

Water Leaks can be Costly

Do you know that a small leak in your household plumbing is costing you money? A continuous leak at ¼ gallon per minute will add up to 360 gallons per day, and 10,800 gallons per month. The most common problem found in household plumbing is leaking toilets. These leaks occur in most cases without any notice, and can waste thousands of gallons of water. A malfunctioning toilet at times is not noticeable because the water is simply going down the drain and never seen. Here are some suggestions that could help you in finding a problem.

• If you see water continuously entering the toilet bowl, this indicates that the ball flapper is not closing properly. To test the ball flapper carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and mark the water level in each of your toilets with a pencil. Then shut off the water supply to the toilet(s). If the water level remains on the mark for ten minutes, the ball flapper is not leaking. If the water drops below the mark you made, the ball flapper is leaking and should be repaired or replaced. Another easy test is to pour some food coloring in the toilet tank and walk away. Return one hour later and check the toilet bowl. If you discover food coloring in the bowl, the ball flapper is leaking and should be repaired or replaced.
• If you hear your toilet tank filling between flushes, this can also be a problem with the ball flapper or the float valve is out of adjustment and allowing the water to enter the overflow pipe. The water level in the toilet tank should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If the water level in the toilet tank is at the top of the overflow tube, that is where a leak may be occurring, and the float that controls the water level in the tank should be adjusted so the water level is 1 inch below the top of the overflow pipe.
• If you can hear a continuous flow of water in your bathroom, (this is sometimes easier to do at night when everything is quiet) might indicate a faulty float valve. In some cases the float valve itself will not close properly and allows the water to enter the overflow pipe and down the drain. If you find a problem in your household plumbing quick repairs could save you additional costs in water. Most repairs can be done by an experienced "do-it-yourselfer". If you are not sure you can handle the job call a plumber. Water leaks are costly!

Water Shutoff Valves

Do you know where your water shut off valve is? All homes serviced by Lowell Water Utility are required to have a main shut off valve where the water service line enters the home; this could be in a crawl space, basement, or utility room. Shut off valves are necessary in case a leak develops in the household plumbing. We suggest that all water utility customers be aware of their shut off valve location and condition. In case of an emergency quick action could prevent additional property damage.

An annual check of your shut off valve will also assure you that it will work if it is needed. Simply close the main shut off valve and then check a faucet to see if the water is shut off. In most cases the valves work properly but there is a few that will not close completely or at all. If your shut off valve will not completely close exercising it open to close with a faucet open could clean out the set of the shut off valve. If this doesn't work, replacement is recommended. Most emergencies don't just happen Monday through Friday between 8 and 4. If you need service from your water department, please call the Town Hall at (219) 696-7794 and enter ext.214 for the Utilities Department. The Town Hall hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contractor's License

All Contractors performing work in the Town of Lowell are required to have a Contractor's License.

The fee for a new license is $100 for the contractor's test (if applicable), and $100 for the license. The fee for a license renewal is $50.00.

Information on new or renewal applications:

• New Contractor Application Process
• License Renewal Process

Notes to Contractors:

• The Residential Swimming Pool Code is available to download (refer to pages 3 to 34).
• There will be a $75.00 inspection fee on all Electrical reconnects.

Pickup & Holiday Schedule

Trash pick-up for all town residents is every Friday, with recycling being every other Friday.

Trash pick-up will be one day late for those weeks with the holidays of New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

If you have any questions about recycling or the service that you are receiving from our waste hauler, please call (219) 696-7794 Ext. 223 or Republic Services direct at (219) 662-8600.

2021 Recycling & Holiday Schedule

Improving Storm Water Quality

Residents can help alleviate storm water pollution in several ways:

• Practice dry cleanup methods when cleaning your driveway or sidewalk. Use cat litter to soak up leaked oil, which can then be thrown away in the trash once dry.
• Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers. Phosphorous runoff from lawns encourages algae growth in our lake.
• Clean up immediately after your pets and throw the waste into the trash or in the toilet.
• Dispose of lawn waste in compost piles and use a mulching mower.
• Increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces to reduce polluted runoff.
• Do not wash cars, RVs, or boats at home because the detergent laden water runs into storm drains and then into our waterways. Use a full or self service car wash when practical.

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of storm water. Illicit discharges are a problem because storm water generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment.

Use this online form to report a suspected illicit discharge.

Examples of improper physical connection to the storm sewer system include:

• floor drain or household grey-water drain (laundry or sink drain) that is connected to a storm drain
• a septic tank discharge pipe that is connected to a storm drain or drains directly into a waterway or an improper connection between a storm sewer and sanitary sewer

Minimum Control Measures

Public Education and Outreach - The purpose of the Public Education and Outreach Minimum Control Measure is to inform residents, visitors, public service employees, commercial and industrial facility operators, and construction site personnel that are located or operate within the MS4 area about the impacts storm water runoff can have on water quality and ways they can minimize their impact on storm water quality.

A community that is informed and knowledgeable is critical to the success of the local storm water program. An understanding of storm water issues will help gain public support for the program. Other benefits include, but are not limited to greater compliance with the program and support for local funding initiatives

Public Participation and Involvement - Provisions should be developed and utilized that allow opportunities for constituents within the MS4 area to participate and provide input in the development and implementation of the storm water management program. A community that is active and involved will be critical to the success of the program. Citizens and business leaders that participate are more than likely to take an active role in program implementation, provide local broad base expertise, and serve as a conduit to local programs, citizen groups, etc.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - An MS4 operator is required to develop and implement a strategy to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the MS4 conveyance system.

Illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to an MS4 conveyance that is not composed entirely of storm water, except naturally occurring floatables, such as leaves or tree limbs. Sources of illicit discharges include sanitary wastewater, septic tank effluent, car wash wastewater, oil disposal, radiator flushing disposal, laundry wastewater, roadway accident spillage, and household hazardous wastes.

Illicit discharges can significantly contribute to high pollutant loadings into MS4 conveyances systems. These discharges include heavy metals, toxics, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, and bacteria.

Use this online form to report a suspected illicit discharge.

Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control - An MS4 operator is required to develop, implement, manage, and enforce an erosion and sediment control minimum control measure for construction activities. The program and ordinance must at a minimum meet the requirements of 327 IAC 15-5, Rule 5 (scroll to page 10). 327 IAC 15-5 is the State of Indiana construction/land disturbance regulation. The primary purpose of Rule 5 is to reduce pollutants, principally sediment that is associated with construction activities. Rule 5 requires all sites where land disturbance is one (1) or more obtain a general permit from the state.

The program developed by the MS4 must include procedures for construction plan review, site inspection, and, when necessary, enforcement. An MS4 entity must create or revise a policy, ordinance, or other regulatory mechanism to provide the necessary legal authorities to control, and, when necessary, penalize the source of noncompliance to the MS4 entity specifications created for construction runoff. MS4 entities that do not have the ability to create or enforce ordinances will need to either create an enforceable policy document, or enter into a legal agreement with another entity to implement this control measure.

The program must include requirements for the use of erosion and sediment control measures, as well as measures to properly manage and control other pollutants that may be associated with construction activities. The Indiana Storm Water Quality Manual provides principles of managing a construction site and standards and specifications on various storm water quality measures

Post-Construction Storm Water Runoff Control - An MS4 operator is required to develop, implement, manage, and enforce a program to address discharges of post-construction storm water runoff from new development and redevelopment areas. The program should be focused on areas that disturb one (1) or more acres of land.

Planning for post-construction measure should be included with the development of the construction plan for the project. Planning these measures prior to land disturbance is essential to accommodate them into the overall development plan. During construction, some of the post-construction measures may also be utilized as sediment trapping devices. Once the construction activity is complete, the post-construction measures specified by the MS4 entity can become operational to ensure adequate storm water quality is maintained from the developed site. The Indiana Storm Water Quality Manual provides planning principles for layout and design of a project site and standards and specifications on various storm water quality measures that target pollutants associated with post-construction runoff.

An MS4 entity must create, or revise, a policy, ordinance, or other regulatory mechanism to provide the necessary legal authorities to control, and, when necessary, penalize the source of noncompliance to the MS4 entity specifications created for post-construction runoff. MS4 entities that do not have the ability to create or enforce ordinances will need to either create an enforceable policy document, or enter into a legal agreement with another entity to implement this control measure.

Municipal Operations Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping - The final minimum control measure addresses the storm water discharges that are associated with operations internal to the MS4. This measure requires the MS4 to evaluate and alter operations internally to ensure a reduction in the pollutants that are generated from municipal operations.

Below are several items that are required to be addressed for this minimum control measure:

• Maintenance of the MS4 conveyances is essential to reducing the potential for pollutants and are addressed through periodic litter pick up, cleaning and maintenance of storm water systems, pavement sweeping, roadside shoulder and conveyance system maintenance, and remediation measures for scoured outfalls.
• Reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants from roads, parking lots, maintenance and storage yards, and waste transfer stations.
• Develop procedures for the proper disposal of materials removed from storm sewer systems, conveyances channels, and operational areas.
• Consider modification of flood management projects to address storm water quality in addition to quantity. This approach may also be suitable by retrofitting existing flood management structures.
• MS4 area personnel that are involved in the internal operational activities must receive relevant storm water training. This training can be conducted "in-house" by MS4 entity staff or some other trainer and must occur, at a minimum, annually.

Available Business Locations

Available Sites for Lowell: www.northwestindianasites.com

For more information on Lake County and more sites: http://lcea.us/

For state info and incentives: http://iedc.in.gov/

Town Parks

The Town of Lowell is home to a number of wonderful parks! Some amenities found in the parks include picnic areas, sport courts, fishing ponds, a dog park, playgrounds, rentable pavilions, and more. Visit specific park pages for more information:

• Evergreen Park
• Freedom Park
• Freedom Bark Park
• Liberty Park
• Moose Park
• Old Towne Square