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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Decatur
New construction, additions, repairs/remodeling, signs, fuel gas systems, HVAC units, electrical repairs, demolition, and CO issuance-related work
Required documents
- Plot plan/survey, residential framing plans and elevations for new homes, and commercial design documents as applicable
- Building code
- Adopted building and construction codes page lists IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IFGC 2009, IPC 2009, ICC electrical administrative provisions 2006, NEC 2008, and related ordinances
- Permit validity
- Commercial submittals are discarded if the approved permit is not purchased within 180 days; other validity terms not fully stated in the public pages reviewed
- Contractor requirements
- Building department references contractor licensing; sub-trade schedules and licensing docs are used, and licensed professionals are expected for many commercial projects
§ 03
Fee schedule
Decatur building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$10 permit issuance fee is added to applicable permits; demolition fee is valuation-based
02
Permit fee formula
Residential one and two family permit fees are by Code of Decatur sections 7-57.1 and 7-57.2; commercial permit fees use total contract value and fee table; sub-trades use contract value and fee table
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Not fully published on the pages reviewed; inspection activity is tied to permit issuance and final CO review (contact)
- Inspection hours
- Building office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, field inspections, final inspection, final survey, then CO if required
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Decatur permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Decatur, AL? ▸
New construction, additions, repairs/remodeling, signs, fuel gas systems, HVAC units, electrical repairs, demolition, and CO issuance-related work
02 How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, AL? ▸
Building permit fees in Decatur, AL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $10 permit issuance fee is added to applicable permits; demolition fee is valuation-based. Fees are calculated as: Residential one and two family permit fees are by Code of Decatur sections 7-57.1 and 7-57.2; commercial permit fees use total contract value and fee table; sub-trades use contract value and fee table.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, AL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Decatur, AL via: Not fully published on the pages reviewed; inspection activity is tied to permit issuance and final CO review.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/alabama/morgan/decatur
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, City of Decatur before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.