Building Permits in Decatur
Building Permits in Decatur
Building permits in Decatur are administered by the City Building Inspections Division, which reviews plans, issues permits and performs inspections for permit-required construction within city limits.
Current codes
Decatur states that, as of January 1, 2024, it enforces the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IFC and 2021 IPMC, together with the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, 2017 NEC, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code and listed local code chapters. Illinois' statewide baseline-code framework became effective January 1, 2025, so local codes must also comply with current state requirements.
Professional-design requirements depend on project scope and applicable law; this guide does not state a universal seal requirement.
Applications and permits
Decatur accepts residential/commercial building permits, trade permits and demolition permits through OpenGov. The city directs applicants first to determine whether a permit is required, then submit plans for review when required. Decatur says plan review may take up to 15 business days; this is city-published guidance, not a guarantee for every project.
Fees
Decatur publishes a current permit fee schedule. The city's permit/forms page states building permit fees are calculated as 0.5% of project value for residential one- and two-family dwellings (minimum $50) and 0.75% for commercial work (minimum $150), with separate flat and trade fees. Applicants should verify the current schedule before filing.
Inspections and occupancy
Inspections are requested through the permitting system. Requests submitted before 4:00 p.m. the day before are typically scheduled for the following day based on inspector availability. The city describes project completion as occurring after the final inspection is completed and passed.
Official sources
- City of Decatur Building Inspections: https://decaturil.gov/167/Building-Inspections
- City of Decatur Building Permits: https://www.decaturil.gov/472/Building-Permits
- City of Decatur Building Code Information: https://decaturil.gov/474/Building-Code-Information
- City of Decatur Start a Project: https://www.decaturil.gov/471/Start-A-Project
- Illinois Capital Development Board: https://cdb.illinois.gov/business/codes/buildingcodesregulations
Disclaimer: Verify current code amendments, permit category, fees, professional-design requirements, inspections, and occupancy requirements with Decatur Building Inspections before filing or beginning work.