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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Auburn
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.
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
- Exempt Interior and exterior finish work such as painting
- Exempt Carpet, flooring, cabinetry, roof decking, shingles, siding, gutters, downspouts, insulation, windows, and doors
- Exempt Fences
- Exempt Non-load-bearing exterior wall systems
- Exempt Exterior at-grade floor systems such as landings, patios, slabs, and stoops
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and vehicle parking areas
- Exempt Mechanical system installation, replacement, or repair including heating, HVAC, furnaces, water heaters, water softeners, toilets, sinks, and showers
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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
- 01 Apply for the correct permit type through Building, Planning & Development.
- 02 Submit site plan, drawings, design release materials if applicable, and any other required documents.
- 03 Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector review the project.
- 04 City issues the permit after review and fee payment.
- 05 Work proceeds with inspections requested during construction.
- 06 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Auburn building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$35
02
Permit fee formula
Mixed square-foot and flat fee schedule
03
Reinspection fee
$40
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Building inspections request (phone)
- Building, Planning & Development office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hour notice is recommended
Typical sequence: The city issues a list of required inspections at permit issuance; all inspections must be complete before a certificate of occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Auburn permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, IN? ▸
Building permit fees in Auburn, IN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $35. Fees are calculated as: Mixed square-foot and flat fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, IN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Auburn, IN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, IN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Auburn, IN typically run 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. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, IN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, IN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Auburn, IN via: Building inspections request, Building, Planning & Development office. 24 hour notice is recommended.
last verified April 2026
source Building, Planning & Development ↗
entry id permits/indiana/dekalb/auburn
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building, Planning & Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.