City Building Permits

Decatur, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois Macon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Decatur.

Department
Building Inspections Division, Department of Development Services
Address
1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza, 3rd Floor, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone
(217) 424-2787
Website
https://decaturil.gov/472/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

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

Application Process

  1. Determine whether a permit is required using the 'Start a Project' guide at decaturil.gov/473/Homeowner-Process.
  2. Create an account or log in at https://decaturil.portal.opengov.com/.
  3. Select the permit type (residential, commercial, trade permit, demolition, etc.) and complete the online application.
  4. Upload required documents (site plan, floor plan, construction drawings, specifications as applicable).
  5. Submit application and pay fees online through the portal or via Illinois ePay.
  6. Allow up to 24 hours for payment processing.
  7. Plans are reviewed by Building Inspections Division (structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, accessibility as applicable).
  8. Permit is issued once plan review is approved.
  9. Schedule inspections through the portal or by calling (217) 424-2787 before 4:00 PM for next-day scheduling.
  10. Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy where applicable.

Typical processing time: Next-day inspection scheduling available for requests submitted before 4:00 PM.

Source: Building Inspections Division, Department of Development Services

General Requirements

Permits are required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and structural work. Specific triggers include: decks (including composite materials), detached structures over 200 square feet, electrical work, mechanical system replacement (A/C, boilers, furnaces), plumbing modifications, pools and hot tubs, roofing projects, room additions, retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height, water heaters, fireplaces, all work within a floodplain, window and door replacements for one- and two-family residences, patio or deck enclosures and covers, and privacy fences.

Required Documents

  • Building permit application
  • Site plan showing structure location
  • Construction drawings or plans (for commercial and larger residential projects)
  • Specifications as applicable
  • Trade-specific plans for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits
Permit validity
Contact Building Inspections at (217) 424-2787 for specifics on permit expiration.
Building code
Effective January 1, 2024: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IFC, 2021 IPMC, 2021 IECC, 2017 NEC (note: verify 2017 NEC vs. NEC 2023 statewide minimum with department), 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code, 2010 ADA.
Owner-builder
Property owners may apply for permits on their own property. The city has a 'Homeowner Process' guide specifically for this scenario.
Contractor requirements
Electricians must be licensed through the Illinois IDFPR. Plumbers must be licensed through the Illinois IDFPR. No general state contractor license required for Illinois. Verify current requirements directly with Building Inspections.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Verify with department
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee structure; contact department for specific amounts.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per fee schedule; contact (217) 424-2787 for specific tier amounts.
Trade permit fee
Contact department
Reinspection fee
Contact department
Penalty (no permit)
Contact department
Payment note
Online payment through OpenGov portal or Illinois ePay. Allow 24 hours for online payment processing.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective June 14, 2021).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Interior and exterior painting
  • Cabinet and appliance replacement
  • Flooring installation (carpet, hardwood, tile)
  • Concrete flatwork (sidewalks, patios, driveways -- no structure)
  • Fences less than 7 feet in height (non-privacy fences that allow 50% or more visibility may also be exempt)
  • Detached accessory structures less than 200 square feet
  • Minor plumbing and heating repairs (no new work or modifications)
  • Re-shingling a roof (in-kind replacement)
  • Siding replacement
  • Replacement windows that are exactly the same size as existing windows
  • Wooden play sets and swing sets

Important: Zoning and floodplain authorities may separately review some of these items. Verify with Building Inspections Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests submitted before 4:00 PM are typically scheduled for the following business day.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday
Time windows
Inspector provides 20-minute advance notification via phone call

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Plan review (prior to permit issuance), framing/rough-in, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy. Specific sequence varies by project type.

Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at the city's discretion.

Additional Resources

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

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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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