Decatur, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City-administered building, zoning, plan commission, and inspection functions inside Decatur city limits.

Department

City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning

Address

172 N 2nd St, Decatur, IN 46733

Phone

260-724-3814

Email

permits@cityofdecatur.in.gov , cwitte@decaturin.org , lwemhoff@cityofdecatur.in.gov

Website

https://www.cityofdecatur.in.gov/city-boards/building-zoning/4

Application Process

1. Identify whether the work is a building permit, mechanical permit, sign permit, site review, demolition, or plan commission item.
2. Complete the city application form and attach the required plans and supporting documents.
3. File with the Building Department at 172 N 2nd St.
4. Pay the applicable permit, zoning, or plan commission fee.
5. Wait for staff review and, if needed, public hearing or plan commission action.
6. During construction, schedule and pass inspections with 24-hour notice.
7. Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy.

Source: City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning

General Requirements

City publishes permit packets for building, mechanical, sign, site review, demolition, contractor registration, and plan commission applications. The fee ordinance applies to residential and commercial work.

Required Documents

• Legal description
• Three sets of development plans
• Plot plan of surrounding area
• Proposed building plans
• Approval of affected utilities
• Land disturbance permit if one acre or more is disturbed

Building code

Building Codes per IDHS

Contractor requirements

The city posts a contractor registration form and requires a certificate of insurance with registration.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$45

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat and formula fees. Examples from the published schedule include remodel/addition fees based on construction cost plus per-thousand increments, and new construction based on square footage with an ILP base fee.

Reinspection fee

$50 for each reinspection for a code violation.

Payment note

Fees are paid to the building inspector and then credited to the city clerk per the fee ordinance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 24-hour notice required (phone)

Scheduling deadline

All inspections require 24-hour notice.

Inspection hours

City Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

Typical inspection sequence: Posted sequence includes lot lines/layout/utility locates, footing, foundation, underslab plumbing and heating, slab, framing, rough electrical, electrical service, rough plumbing, rough heating, draft and fire stopping, sidewalks, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Building Codes per IDHS
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City Links
• Inspections
• Contractor Registration Form
• Sign Permit Application
• License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Decatur Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Decatur, IN?

City publishes permit packets for building, mechanical, sign, site review, demolition, contractor registration, and plan commission applications. The fee ordinance applies to residential and commercial work.

How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, IN?

The minimum permit fee is $45. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and formula fees. Examples from the published schedule include remodel/addition fees based on construction cost plus per-thousand increments, and new construction based on square footage with an ILP base fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur, IN?

1. Identify whether the work is a building permit, mechanical permit, sign permit, site review, demolition, or plan commission item. 2. Complete the city application form and attach the required plans and supporting documents. 3. File with the Building Department at 172 N 2nd St. 4. Pay the applicable permit, zoning, or plan commission fee. 5. Wait for staff review and, if needed, public hearing or plan commission action. 6. During construction, schedule and pass inspections with 24-hour notice. 7. Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, IN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 24-hour notice required. All inspections require 24-hour notice..

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