City Building Permits
Aurora, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Aurora, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Aurora zoning and historic district review are local; building permits are issued by Dearborn County when required.
- Department
- City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits
- Address
- 235 Main Street, Aurora, IN 47001
- Phone
- 812-926-1777
- awoods@aurora.in.us
- Website
- https://aurora.in.us/
Application Process
- Confirm whether the property is in the historic district.
- If historic district rules apply, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city historic preservation process.
- Obtain the city improvement location permit if required by zoning.
- Submit required plans and pay applicable fees.
Source: City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits
General Requirements
Aurora requires zoning and historic district review for many site and exterior changes, and a county building permit may still be required.
Required Documents
- Improvement location permit form
- Plot plan or site plan
- COA materials if historic district rules apply
- Any health or building permit the request triggers
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $25 COA fee if historic district review is required
- Payment note
- The public web text reviewed did not show a complete fee formula.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Painting
- Routine maintenance
Important: The historic preservation page states painting and routine maintenance do not require COA review in the historic district context. Beyond that, the public sources reviewed did not publish a complete exempt-work list.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Inspection hours
- City Hall at 235 Main Street; general city contact line is 812-926-1777
Typical inspection sequence: COA review first if applicable, then city zoning/ILP, then county building permit if required.
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- COA application PDF
- Improvement location permit packet
- License lookup guide: Indiana Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Indiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Indiana hub: Indiana Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aurora Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Aurora, IN?
- Aurora requires zoning and historic district review for many site and exterior changes, and a county building permit may still be required.
- How much does a building permit cost in Aurora, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is $25 COA fee if historic district review is required.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Aurora, IN?
- 1. Confirm whether the property is in the historic district. 2. If historic district rules apply, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city historic preservation process. 3. Obtain the city improvement location permit if required by zoning. 4. Submit required plans and pay applicable fees.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Aurora, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Routine maintenance. Note: The historic preservation page states painting and routine maintenance do not require COA review in the historic district context. Beyond that, the public sources reviewed did not publish a complete exempt-work list.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Aurora can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works