City Building Permits

Decatur, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Decatur, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Texas Wise County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within Decatur city limits.

Department
Development Services, City of Decatur
Address
1601 S State St., Decatur, TX 76234
Phone
(940) 393-0250
Website
https://decaturtx.org/139/Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open GovWell

Platform: GovWell • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Visit GovWell at https://app.govwelltech.com/decatur.
  2. Create an account.
  3. Complete contractor registration.
  4. Select the needed building permit application and submit electronically.
  5. Respond to review comments and pay fees in GovWell.
  6. After issuance, schedule inspections in GovWell or by calling the inspection line.

Typical processing time: City review timeframes page lists 7 business days for residential and 7 business days for commercial building permits. Inspection requests called in before 3:30 PM are scheduled for the following business day.

Source: Development Services, City of Decatur

General Requirements

Permits are required for work regulated by the adopted building codes within Decatur city limits.

Required Documents

  • Electronic permit application
  • Contractor registration
  • Plans/documents required for the selected permit type
Building code
Effective January 1, 2025: 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFC, IECC, IFGC, IEBC, ISPSC, IPC, 2023 NEC, and NCTCOG amendments.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must complete the contractor registration process before online permit use.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$100 for residential permits if no square footage is involved
Plan check fee
Included in city fee ordinance, but not fully exposed in searchable snippet reviewed.
Permit fee formula
Mixed. New-construction building permits at $0.94 per square foot under Ordinance 2025-11-43, with other permit categories in the city fee schedule ordinance.
Payment note
Online features in GovWell include paying fees.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective November 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Services, City of Decatur to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • GovWell (online)
  • (940) 393-0259 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Requests called in prior to 3:30 PM are scheduled for the following business day.

Typical inspection sequence: Various inspections are required during construction up to final certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Development Services, City of Decatur before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Decatur Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Decatur, TX?
Permits are required for work regulated by the adopted building codes within Decatur city limits.
How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, TX?
The minimum permit fee is $100 for residential permits if no square footage is involved. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New-construction building permits at $0.94 per square foot under Ordinance 2025-11-43, with other permit categories in the city fee schedule ordinance.. Plan check fee: Included in city fee ordinance, but not fully exposed in searchable snippet reviewed..
How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur, TX?
1. Visit GovWell at https://app.govwelltech.com/decatur. 2. Create an account. 3. Complete contractor registration. 4. Select the needed building permit application and submit electronically. 5. Respond to review comments and pay fees in GovWell. 6. After issuance, schedule inspections in GovWell or by calling the inspection line.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Decatur, TX?
Typical processing time is City review timeframes page lists 7 business days for residential and 7 business days for commercial building permits. Inspection requests called in before 3:30 PM are scheduled for the following business day..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: GovWell, (940) 393-0259. Requests called in prior to 3:30 PM are scheduled for the following business day..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Decatur can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: 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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