Development Services

Purpose & Responsibilities


The Permits and Inspections division of the Building Department performs the review of all residential and commercial building plan and permit applications within the city limits of Decatur. The permitting division issues residential and commercial construction related permits and performs on-site inspections.

Permits are required for work and are regulated by the adopted Building Codes within the city limits of Decatur. 

Our inspectors perform on-site inspections within the City to ensure compliance with building, energy, mechanical, environmental, drainage, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, and housing/zoning standards leading up to the final certificate of occupancy. 

Once a building permit has been issued, various inspections are required during the construction process. Inspections can be scheduled by using GovWell, our permitting system, or by calling the inspection line at (940) 393-0259. Inspections called in prior to 3:30 pm will be scheduled for the following business day.

To register and submit permit applications please follow the guidance below:


  1. Visit GovWell by following the link: https://app.govwelltech.com/decatur
  2. Create an account
  3. Complete the contractor registration process
  4. Select the type of building permit application needed and submit electronically

Once the contractor registration has been processed, the online features can be utilized by pulling permits, paying fees, and schedule inspections through GovWell. 

Need assistance, please contact our office at (940) 393- 0250 or by emailing our staff at development@decaturtx.org 

The GovWell chat feature (that is located at the bottom right corner of our webpage) can also be used to address any questions pertaining to the use of the software.



2021 Building Code Adoption that will be Effective January 1, 2025.



The City of Decatur adopted new building codes. 

The following codes will go into EFFECT January 1, 2025:

2021 International Building Code (IBC) 

2021 International Residential Code (IRC) 

2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) 

2021 International Fire Code (IFC) 

2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 

2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 

2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 

2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 

2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) 

2023 NFPA National Electric Code (NEC)

NCTCOG Amendments 


Any permit application submitted after January 1,2025 will need to meet the requirements of these codes.