City Building Permits
Auburn, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Auburn, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Indiana DeKalb County Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
City of Auburn city limits
- Department
- Building, Planning & Development
- Address
- 210 S Cedar St, Second Floor, Auburn, IN 46706; mailing P.O. Box 506, Auburn, IN 46706
- Phone
- 260-925-6449
- bpd@ci.auburn.in.us
Application Process
- Apply for the correct permit type through Building, Planning & Development.
- Submit site plan, drawings, design release materials if applicable, and any other required documents.
- Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector review the project.
- City issues the permit after review and fee payment.
- Work proceeds with inspections requested during construction.
- Final approvals are completed before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Up to 5 days for the initial review on the residential permit sheet; the ordinance says some reviews may take 1 day to 3 weeks depending on scope
Source: Building, Planning & Development
General Requirements
Auburn requires a site improvement permit for Class 1 and Class 2 structures, agricultural buildings, retail farm produce buildings, structural changes, permanent foundations, and electric service connections. The code also states that certain finish work and minor work are exempt.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Material specifications
- Construction plans
- State construction design release and application copy for Class 1 structures
- Design release to manufacture and seal of acceptance for industrialized or mobile structures where applicable
- Permit validity
- Site improvement permits are valid for 1 year and may be renewed one time for a like term if the delay was outside the owner's control
- Building code
- City of Auburn Code Chapter 151 incorporates Indiana building rules by reference, including the Indiana Building Code, Indiana Residential Code, Indiana Plumbing Code, Indiana Mechanical Code, Indiana Energy Conservation Code, Indiana Swimming Pool Code, Indiana Fire Code, and Indiana Fuel Gas Code
- Owner-builder
- The property owner or the owner's authorized representative submits the application; a homeowner may apply for electrical and plumbing permits if the homeowner is the legal owner of record and doing the work personally.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical permits must be applied for by a City of Auburn licensed electrician. Plumbing permits must be applied for by a City of Auburn licensed plumber, and the plumber must also hold a current Indiana license.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $35
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed square-foot and flat fee schedule
- Reinspection fee
- $40
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Interior and exterior finish work such as painting
- Carpet, flooring, cabinetry, roof decking, shingles, siding, gutters, downspouts, insulation, windows, and doors
- Fences
- Non-load-bearing exterior wall systems
- Exterior at-grade floor systems such as landings, patios, slabs, and stoops
- Sidewalks, driveways, and vehicle parking areas
- Mechanical system installation, replacement, or repair including heating, HVAC, furnaces, water heaters, water softeners, toilets, sinks, and showers
- Detached residential accessory buildings on temporary foundations that are single-story, under 120 square feet, and under 12 feet high
Important: Confirm edge cases with the Building, Planning & Development office before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Building inspections request (phone)
- Building, Planning & Development office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hour notice is recommended
Typical inspection sequence: The city issues a list of required inspections at permit issuance; all inspections must be complete before a certificate of occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: City of Auburn Code Chapter 151 incorporates Indiana building rules by reference, including the Indiana Building Code, Indiana Residential Code, Indiana Plumbing Code, Indiana Mechanical Code, Indiana Energy Conservation Code, Indiana Swimming Pool Code, Indiana Fire Code, and Indiana Fuel Gas Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Owner-builder rules: View rules
- Chapter 151 - Building Code
- Request an Inspection
- 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 Building, Planning & Development before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auburn Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Auburn, IN?
- Auburn requires a site improvement permit for Class 1 and Class 2 structures, agricultural buildings, retail farm produce buildings, structural changes, permanent foundations, and electric service connections. The code also states that certain finish work and minor work are exempt.
- How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is $35. Fees are calculated as: Mixed square-foot and flat fee schedule.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, IN?
- 1. Apply for the correct permit type through Building, Planning & Development. 2. Submit site plan, drawings, design release materials if applicable, and any other required documents. 3. Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector review the project. 4. City issues the permit after review and fee payment. 5. Work proceeds with inspections requested during construction. 6. Final approvals are completed before occupancy.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, IN?
- Typical processing time is Up to 5 days for the initial review on the residential permit sheet; the ordinance says some reviews may take 1 day to 3 weeks depending on scope.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Interior and exterior finish work such as painting; Carpet, flooring, cabinetry, roof decking, shingles, siding, gutters, downspouts, insulation, windows, and doors; Fences; Non-load-bearing exterior wall systems; Exterior at-grade floor systems such as landings, patios, slabs, and stoops; Sidewalks, driveways, and vehicle parking areas; Mechanical system installation, replacement, or repair including heating, HVAC, furnaces, water heaters, water softeners, toilets, sinks, and showers; Detached residential accessory buildings on temporary foundations that are single-story, under 120 square feet, and under 12 feet high. Note: Confirm edge cases with the Building, Planning & Development office before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, IN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Building inspections request, Building, Planning & Development office. 24 hour notice is recommended.
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
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