Do I need a permit for residential demolition in Unincorporated DeKalb County?

Most likely yes. Residential demolition usually requires a permit in Indiana. Confirm the specifics with Unincorporated DeKalb County.

IDEM says the owner of a noncommercial residential building with four or fewer dwelling units does not need an asbestos inspection, IDEM notification, or an asbestos license to demolish it, but must still follow open burning, solid waste disposal, and local asbestos rules. That exemption does not cover buildings that are part of larger installations or being converted for business use, or urban renewal and other projects involving multiple homes, and an owner of several properties may not divide a project to qualify. In a historic district under IC 36-7-11, a certificate of appropriateness must be issued before a permit is issued for or work begins on the demolition of any building (IC 36-7-11-10). A structure that is or was served by an underground utility may not be demolished until the utilities are located, which means notifying the statewide one-call association at least two full working days before work begins (IC 8-1-26-14 and 8-1-26-16). This job demolishes a home or a structure with active water, sewer, gas or electrical service. Utilities normally must be disconnected and capped by the utility or a licensed trade before demolition, and departments commonly require proof of that before issuing a demolition permit. Ask your department and your state environmental agency whether an asbestos or lead survey is required before demolition, and whether a sewer cap inspection applies.