Decorah, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

city limits of Decorah

Department

City of Decorah Building Inspections Department

Address

400 Claiborne Drive, P.O. Box 138, Decorah, IA 52101

Phone

(563) 382-3651

Email

gswanson@decorah.iowa.gov appears on permit forms

Website

https://www.decorahia.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit and complete the relevant city application
2. Submit the application to the Building Department or by email when allowed
3. Staff reviews zoning and building requirements
4. Permit is issued before work begins

Typical processing time: not published in the sources reviewed

Source: City of Decorah Building Inspections Department

General Requirements

Required Documents

• A permit must be issued before commencement of work for covered projects
• Fence permit applications require project address, owner or contractor info, valuation, materials, and a site plan
• Inspection completion leads to a certificate of occupancy for applicable projects

Building code

the public sources reviewed did not clearly state the code edition

Owner-builder

not clearly published in the sources reviewed

Contractor requirements

state license or ID is requested on the fence permit form

Fees

Minimum permit fee

not clearly published

Plan check fee

not clearly published

Reinspection fee

not clearly published

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fence work is regulated and requires a permit when covered by the city form
• The sources reviewed did not provide a clean public exemption list for all building work

Inspections

How to Schedule

• phone (563) 382-3651 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: footing, foundation, plumbing underground, concrete floor and under floor, rough-ins, framing, insulation, gypsum, fireplaces, final inspections

not clearly published, but the inspection sheet emphasizes advance scheduling and completing each step before cover-up

Additional Resources

• Building code: the public sources reviewed did not clearly state the code edition
• License lookup guide: Iowa Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Iowa Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Iowa hub: Iowa Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Decorah Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in Decorah, IA?

The minimum permit fee is not clearly published. Plan check fee: not clearly published.

How do I apply for a building permit in Decorah, IA?

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit and complete the relevant city application 2. Submit the application to the Building Department or by email when allowed 3. Staff reviews zoning and building requirements 4. Permit is issued before work begins

How long does it take to get a building permit in Decorah, IA?

Typical processing time is not published in the sources reviewed.

What work is exempt from building permits in Decorah, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: Fence work is regulated and requires a permit when covered by the city form; The sources reviewed did not provide a clean public exemption list for all building work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Decorah, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: phone (563) 382-3651.

Other cities in Winneshiek County