Decatur, IN — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning

Street address

172 N 2nd St, Decatur, IN 46733

Phone

260-724-3814

permits@cityofdecatur.in.gov

Coverage

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

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Building and Zoning ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Decatur

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.

Note: The reviewed public pages do not publish a consolidated exemption list. The posted fee schedule expressly includes fences, sheds, accessory structures under 150 square feet, remodels, additions, mechanicals, electric, plumbing, HVAC, manufactured homes, and pools, so applicants should not assume those items are exempt.

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.

Source: City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Identify whether the work is a building permit, mechanical permit, sign permit, site review, demolition, or plan commission item.
02

Complete the city application form and attach the required plans and supporting documents.
03

File with the Building Department at 172 N 2nd St.
04

Pay the applicable permit, zoning, or plan commission fee.
05

Wait for staff review and, if needed, public hearing or plan commission action.
06

During construction, schedule and pass inspections with 24-hour notice.
07

Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy.

Source: City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Decatur building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

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

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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.

Source: City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Decatur permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Decatur, IN? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Decatur, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

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

To apply for a building permit in Decatur, IN, follow these steps: 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.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Decatur, IN via: 24-hour notice required. All inspections require 24-hour notice..

last verified April 2026 source City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning ↗ entry id permits/indiana/adams/decatur

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Decatur Building Department / Building and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Decatur

Other jurisdictions in Adams County.