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City building permits

City of Aurora

How to apply for a building permit in City of Aurora, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits

Street address
235 Main Street, Aurora, IN 47001
Coverage
Aurora zoning and historic district review are local; building permits are issued by Dearborn County when required.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Aurora

Aurora requires zoning and historic district review for many site and exterior changes, and a county building permit may still be required.

Painting
Routine maintenance
  • Exempt Painting
  • Exempt 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.

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

Source: City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Confirm whether the property is in the historic district.
  2. 02
    If historic district rules apply, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city historic preservation process.
  3. 03
    Obtain the city improvement location permit if required by zoning.
  4. 04
    Submit required plans and pay applicable fees.

Source: City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Aurora building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25 COA fee if historic district review is required

The public web text reviewed did not show a complete fee formula.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Inspection hours
City Hall at 235 Main Street; general city contact line is 812-926-1777

Typical sequence: COA review first if applicable, then city zoning/ILP, then county building permit if required.

Source: City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Aurora permits

01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Aurora, IN?
Building permit fees in Aurora, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25 COA fee if historic district review is required.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Aurora, IN?
To apply for a building permit in Aurora, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Aurora, IN?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Aurora Planning and Zoning, with Dearborn County Building Department for building permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Dearborn County.

Same county, different permit office. Click for that jurisdiction's full guide.

All Dearborn County jurisdictions →