Forms & Permits

An Improvement Location Permit is required for new residential structures and additions or expansions to residential structures. Residential structures include homes, duplex, townhouses, apartments, manufactured homes, mobile homes, etc. Permits are also required for foundation replacement and electrical service upgrades, as well as a new roof being installed by a contractor.

Improvement Location Permits are also required for accessory structures, including pole barns, signs, towers, garages, carports, decks that are attached to a house, sheds larger than 300 square feet and/or placed on a permanent foundation, swimming pools and other accessory buildings.

Improvement Location Permits are required for new commercial and industrial buildings and additions or expansions of these buildings.

This is not an all-inclusive list. If a particular project is not listed, please contact the City of Butler Planning Department at (260) 868-5200 or [email protected]

Improvement Location Permits are not required for grade level patios, painting, paneling, siding, gutter and downspout replacement, insulation, window and door replacement of a like size, and other cosmetic improvements not affecting electrical, plumbing, structural or mechanical systems. However, when there is a change of occupancy an improvement __cpLocation permit is required due to fire and safety aspects and may require a state building permit. Subject to the DeKalb County Building Inspector's decision of filing to the State.

Certain projects require an Improvement Location Permit from the City of Butler before a building permit can be issued. Commercial and industrial projects typically require State Design Release as a prerequisite to the building permit. Subject to the decision of the DeKalb County Building Inspector.

The City of Butler contracts with the DeKalb County Building Department to issue building permits and conduct subsequent building inspections.

To obtain an Improvement Location Permit, contact:

Vivian Likes, City Planner
Phone: (260) 868-5200 
Email: [email protected]

If the proposed construction activity complies with the requirements of the City of Butler Zoning Ordinance, an Improvement Location Permit may be issued at the same time application is made and subject to information provided by the applicant or contractor and time of review by the City Planner.

Proposed activities that do not comply with the zoning ordinance may require further review for zoning and development criteria and standards. A variance may be requested but is not an automatic approval.

Permit fees are as established by Chapter 100 of the Butler City Code, which can be accessed via the following link:

• Chapter 100, City of Butler Code of Ordinances