Building Permits

DeKalb County issues all Building & Demolition Permits and performs all inspections in the County as well as within the following incorporated jurisdictions:

  • Ashley
  • Butler  (excluding demolition permits)
  • Corunna
  • Garrett  (excluding demolition permits)
  • Spencerville
  • St. Joe
  • Waterloo

If you live within any of the incorporated city or town above, you will need an Improvement Location Permit, as required, from the municipality first; before you can receive your Building Permit.

Hamilton & the ETJ: All building permits are issued by Steuben County

Exemptions - A building permit is not needed for the following items:
  • Grade Level Patios
  • Above Ground Pools (ILP is required.  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
  • All fences (ILP required for all fences)
  • Sidewalk or Driveway
  • Storage shed less that 300 square feet & no permanent foundation (ILP required)

Fee Schedule (Simplified -Visit or call for all fees or additional information)

Residential
(Dwelling, Manufactured, Garage, Accessory Structure, Addition, Deck, Porch, etc.)
$.05 per square foot of floor area.  $25.00 minimum fee
Residential Remodel
$.05 per square foot of area affected.  $25.00 minimum fee
Residential Swimming Pools - In Ground
$75.00
Accessory Buildings
(Excludes Industrial/Commercial structures)
$.05 per square foot.  $25.00 minimum fee
Commercial & Industrial Buildings
(New construction or remodel)
$.05 per square foot.  $25.00 minimum fee
Utilities/Railroad
(Structures owned by railroads, electric, gas, telephone or cable companies.  Structures owned by cities or towns, which are used for utilities.  Uninhabited equipment buildings only require a foundation permit.  An electrical permit will need to be issued if there will be electric in building.) 
$.05 per square foot.  $25.00 minimum fee
Electrical Service
(Replacement and/or additional to an existing electrical systems - excluding fixture replacement.)
$25.00
Temporary Electrical Service
$25.00
Plumbing System
(Replacement and/or additional to an existing plumbing systems - excluding fixture replacement.)
$25.00
Roofing
(Applies only if contractor is hired for replacement and/or reshingle.)
$25.00
Foundations
(Residential applies only to foundation repair on existing structures.  New foundation and basements, which are to be placed under existing structures, are subject to the fees of residential new construction.)
$50.00
Demolition
$50.00
Removable of Storage Facilities for Flammable & Combustible Liquids & Gases
$50.00 per tank

Building Codes

Building Codes are available online under "Topics of Interest": Indiana Building Codes.

Improvement Location Permits

DeKalb County issues Improvement Location Permits (ILP) in the unincorporated parts of the County as well as within the following incorporated jurisdictions:

Corunna & Spencerville

Exemptions - An Improvement Location Permit is not needed for the following:

  • Ground Level Patios (make sure there is no intent to build a structure on or over)
  • Painting
  • Paneling or New Siding
  • Gutter and Downspout Replacement
  • Insulation
  • Window or Door Replacement of a like size
  • Storm Windows or Storm Doors
  • Roofing Replacement
  • Chimney Replacement
  • Cosmetic or Aesthetic Improvements
  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway (does require a permit from the Highway Dept.)

Fee Schedule (Simplified -Visit or call for all fees or additional information)

Structures 300 square feet or less
(including additions to existing structures)
$30.00
Structures larger than 300 square feet
(including additions to existing structures)
$50.00
Commercial Structures
$.02 per square foot.  Minimum $75.00 fee / Maximum $250.00 fee
Industrial Structures
$.02 per square foot.  Minimum $100.00 fee / Maximum $500.00 fee
Residential/Private Accessory Solar Energy System
$50.00
Fence/Retaining Wall
$50.00
Ponds
(Including Detention, Retention or Recreation)
$150.00
Zoning Affidavit/Conformance Letters
$25.00
All Other Permits
(i.e. signs, in ground or above ground pools, etc.)
$50.00

Contractor Registration

Prior to doing any construction work in DeKalb County, all contractors, subcontractors and/or persons doing construction work in DeKalb County, and in any city or town for which DeKalb has contracted to function as the Building Inspector, shall register with the DeKalb County Building Department.  DeKalb County will issue a registration card effective for one year (January 1 through December 31).

Please click on "Contractor Registration Ordinance" to the right under "Topics of Interest" for additional requirements and information.

Below is a link to the current years registration letter and form describing the requirements. Please contact the Building Division if you have any further questions.

Instructions (These must be followed in order below, print these instructions or open the Form in a new window (right click, click on "Open in New Tab or Window):

  1. Click on the "2024 Building Contractor Registration" form below
  2. Fill out the Form (If items are blank, it will result in an uncompleted registration!!) 
    1. You can type into the editable form, OR
    2. You can print off the form and fill out manually
  3. Email the Form to buildingdept@co.dekalb.in.us
    1. If you type into the editable form, when finished, right click on the form and click Print.  Choose Adobe PDF and Save it to your computer.  Then email it to the address above.  Make sure you attach the form to the email with all items filled out appropriately. 
    2. If you fill out manually with paper & pen, take a photo or scan the form.  Then email it to the address above.  Make sure you attach the form to the email with all items filled out appropriately.
  4. Pay the Registration Fee
    1. At the bottom of the form, click on "CLICK HERE TO PAY ONLINE"

After we receive your Registration, Fee & Liability Insurance from your insurance carrier, the Registration Card will be mailed to you. 

Click below to get started!

2024 Contractor Registration

DeKalb County Community Corrections

FAQ’s

***Detailed messages include name, reason for call (ex. My name is Joe Smith and I will not be attending my AA meeting because I am not feeling well. OR… my name is Jane Doe and I will not going to church today. My ride does not want to go out on the bad roads so I will be staying home today.)***

 

Travel:

What if I get stopped by a train or traffic?

            If train/traffic is moving and you will still arrive on time, no need to call.

                If train is stopped and/or you need to take an alternate route, call office.

What if I (or my ride) need to make an emergency gas stop?

            Call office, get approval, and give details of where and when stop will be made. Leave* detailed * message if no one available to answer your call.

What if my vehicle breaks down?

            Call office for directives as to how to handle the situation. If no one available and you need to leave a message, leave detailed information on where you are stopped and how you are getting to your next location.

Work:

What if I get off work early?

            10 minutes or less, no call necessary. Earlier than that, call office. If no one available, leave * detailed* message stating that you are off work early and heading to your next location (home, etc.)

What if I was scheduled for OT and it was cancelled?

            Call office and notify so we can update your schedule or leave message.

Can I go get food during break?

            You may not leave your work location during meal times or breaks.

Weather:

Can I warm up my vehicle and scrape windows, shovel sidewalks and driveway?

            Yes. Notify DCCC staff either through scheduling or calling into office, leave message if no answer.

What if the roads are bad and I need extra travel time?

            Travel time can be extended during winter weather, note this on schedule and talk with DCCC staff.

What if there is a power outage?

            Notify DCCC immediately by calling into office. Leave message if no answer. State the reason for outage, if known. You must notify us as well when power comes back on.

Passes:

What if I decide not to go out or take my pass that is on my schedule?

            You must call into office. Leave detailed message stating why you are not taking pass if no answer.

What if I run out of time and do not get to all the locations I have listed?

            You are limited to three locations, but you do not have to visit each location if time does not allow.

Doctor or Medical Emergency:

Can I go to the doctor or the emergency room if I need to? Can I add that to a schedule I have already turned in?

YES. Call into office prior to going to ER/Dr. visit if able. Necessary doctor visits are always allowed to be added. Call into office and speak with someone before adding any Dr. appt. to schedule.

What if I am given a prescription that I need to pick up?

Call into office and speak with staff regarding location of pharmacy. Leave *detailed* message if no answer.

What if my appointment goes over?

One hour is scheduled for appointment. You will check in with staff or leave message if appt. goes longer than scheduled and every hour after that if still there. You will call when you leave.

What if I need to call off sick?

After calling off work, you will notify staff either by speaking with us or leaving *detailed* message if no one available to answer your call. REMINDER: All activities are cancelled for the day.

 

MISC:

Can I charge while I sleep? NO

Can I go out to my garage/shop if it is still on my property? Yes, if attached to home.

Can I stand on my porch to smoke? Must be enclosed and attached to home.

Can I work on my car in my driveway? With prior approval.

What if I didn’t get my contact sheet signed or didn’t get a receipt? Notify staff to discuss other options.

What if I forgot my CS Timecard and I need it signed? Notify DCCC staff to discuss options.

When I call in do I need to speak to my CM or can I talk to anyone? You may speak to anyone who answers the phone at DCCC. We will direct your call to CM if unable to answer questions.

Do I have to have a signature/stamp on my contact sheet for AA/NA? Yes.

 

**If your question is not answered, and staff is not available, refer to your intake packet**

DeKalb County Community Corrections E-Payment Service

Make your payments in-office or online with a debit or credit card!

2.39% Credit and Debit Card Convenience Fee, Minimum $1.95 fee

$1.95 Echeck Flat Rate Fee

VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER

The DeKalb County Clerk’s Office Does Not Accept Personal Checks

We accept Cash, Money Order or Credit/Debit Cards *

*A convenience fee of 3% or a $1.50 minimum applies to all credit/debit card transactions made in person in the Clerk’s Office.

 

Pay Online Using A Credit or Debit Card (Processing Fee):

NOTE: You will be charged a convenience fee of 3.95% of the total amount of your transaction to use this service.

Now you have the option of paying your Court Costs, Fees, Fines and Judgments online with your credit or debit card.  In association with PayGOV.US we are able to offer you a secure way to conveniently make your payments to the DeKalb County Clerk’s Office.

Copies and Faxes:

Court Fines and Court Costs:

Judgment Payments:

Small Claims:

Traffic Citations:

 

Child Support Payments

 

https://www.childsupportbillpay.com/Payment/SelectEntity/368

This service allows you to pay your State of Indiana Child Support Payments electronically and is a service of Value Payment Systems. All payments are processed immediately and the amount of your transaction including the child support payment and a convenience fee of 2.25% of the payment amount (minimum $1.00) is charged by Value Payment Systems for using this service. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, credit and debit cards.