County Building Permits
DeKalb County, IN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, Indiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated DeKalb County. The county page says the county issues all building and demolition permits and performs inspections there. The county also issues ILPs for unincorporated DeKalb County, Corunna, and Spencerville.
- Department
- DeKalb County Department of Development Services
- Address
- 100 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
- Phone
- 260-925-1923
Application Process
- Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated DeKalb County and determine whether both an ILP and building permit are needed.
- Obtain the applicable zoning or ILP approval first if the work is in unincorporated county, Corunna, or Spencerville.
- Submit the permit request to Development Services with plans and any required supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Schedule inspections as work progresses.
- Obtain final approval before occupancy where applicable.
General Requirements
County page lists permits for new construction, additions, electrical service or plumbing work, roofing when contractor hired, foundation work, demolition, and certain utility structures. ILPs are required for structures, fences, ponds, signs, above-ground pools, and similar zoning items.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed flat and square-foot formulas
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Grade level patios
- Above-ground pools, though ILP is still required and surrounding decks require both permits
- Painting
- Paneling or new siding
- Gutter and downspout replacement
- Insulation
- Window or door replacement of same size
- Storm windows or storm doors of same size
- Chimney replacement
- Cosmetic or aesthetic improvements
- Fences are exempt from the building permit but still require an ILP
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Storage sheds less than 300 square feet and without a permanent foundation, though ILP is required
- Pre-built sheds under 500 square feet
Important: Confirm edge cases directly with Development Services before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: County page says the county performs inspections, but the exact scheduling method and sequence were not published in the reviewed material.
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Annual Report
- Building Fee Schedule
- 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 DeKalb County Department of Development Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
DeKalb County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, IN?
- County page lists permits for new construction, additions, electrical service or plumbing work, roofing when contractor hired, foundation work, demolition, and certain utility structures. ILPs are required for structures, fences, ponds, signs, above-ground pools, and similar zoning items.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated DeKalb County, IN?
- The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and square-foot formulas.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, IN?
- 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated DeKalb County and determine whether both an ILP and building permit are needed. 2. Obtain the applicable zoning or ILP approval first if the work is in unincorporated county, Corunna, or Spencerville. 3. Submit the permit request to Development Services with plans and any required supporting documents. 4. Pay the applicable fee. 5. Schedule inspections as work progresses. 6. Obtain final approval before occupancy where applicable.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated DeKalb County, IN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Grade level patios; Above-ground pools, though ILP is still required and surrounding decks require both permits; Painting; Paneling or new siding; Gutter and downspout replacement; Insulation; Window or door replacement of same size; Storm windows or storm doors of same size; Chimney replacement; Cosmetic or aesthetic improvements; Fences are exempt from the building permit but still require an ILP; Sidewalks and driveways; Storage sheds less than 300 square feet and without a permanent foundation, though ILP is required; Pre-built sheds under 500 square feet. Note: Confirm edge cases directly with Development Services before starting work.
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