Kentucky’s construction market ranges from urban centers like Louisville and Lexington to rural counties with smaller-scale permitting needs. While Kentucky has adopted the Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and Kentucky Residential Code (KRC), building permits are administered at the local city or county level.
Contractors and developers should be aware that state agencies, such as the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (HBC), also play a role in reviewing certain commercial projects, elevators, boilers, and manufactured housing.
Learn what requires a permit in Kentucky, who issues them, permit requirements, costs, and how to navigate the process effectively.
Who issues building permits in Kentucky?
Permitting authority in Kentucky is primarily at the local city or county level, but with oversight from state agencies for certain types of projects.
Examples of permitting authorities include:
- Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government – Building Inspection Division
- Bowling Green/Warren County Building Division
- Planning and Development Services of Kenton County
Smaller counties or cities often manage permitting through planning and zoning offices or county judge-executive offices.
At the state level, the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (HBC) reviews and issues approvals for some commercial projects, public buildings, manufactured housing, and elevators.
What requires a building permit in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, most new construction, structural work, and major utility installations require permits.
Projects requiring permits include:
- New residential and commercial structures
- Structural additions, remodels, and demolitions
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system installations or major upgrades
- Roofing, siding, and window replacement (when involving structural changes)
- Decks, garages, carports, and accessory buildings
- Manufactured and modular home installation (subject to state regulation)
Projects often exempt: Minor repairs, painting, flooring replacement, cabinetry, and similar cosmetic work.
Kentucky building permit requirements
Permit requirements typically include:
- Completed local permit application form
- Construction drawings (architect/engineer stamp for commercial projects)
- Site plan with lot boundaries, setbacks, and drainage details
- Contractor’s Kentucky state license (if required) and proof of insurance
- Estimated project cost and scope description
Additional requirements may apply:
- State Fire Marshal plan review for public or large commercial buildings
- Plumbing permits issued through the Kentucky Division of Plumbing, separate from local permits
- Energy code compliance documentation for new construction
- Floodplain permits in designated flood hazard areas
Kentucky building permit costs
Permit costs vary by jurisdiction but are typically based on project valuation, square footage, or flat fees for specific trades.
Common structures for fees:
- Residential projects: Average $5–$10 per $1,000 of construction valuation
- Commercial projects: Average $6–$15 per $1,000 of construction valuation
- Flat-rate trade permits for plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work
- State fees may apply for plumbing inspections and state-reviewed projects
Example: Louisville calculates permit fees based on square footage or estimated valuation for existing buildings, with separate fees for trade permits and plan review.
Unique considerations when permitting in Kentucky
Dual local and state oversight
While local governments issue most permits, state agencies (HBC and State Fire Marshal) review and approve certain public, commercial, and manufactured housing projects.
Plumbing permits handled separately
Unlike many states, plumbing permits and inspections are overseen by the Kentucky Division of Plumbing, not local jurisdictions.
Floodplain and rural permitting variation
Rural counties may have fewer resources and longer review timelines, and projects in flood hazard areas require additional approvals.
Historic property requirements
Kentucky has many historic districts, particularly in Louisville, Lexington, and smaller towns, which may require historic preservation board approval before permits are issued.
How to get a building permit in Kentucky
The permitting process in Kentucky typically follows these steps:
- Determine jurisdiction – Confirm whether the project is under city or county authority, and whether state review is required.
- Check zoning and historic district status – Obtain approvals where applicable.
- Prepare application materials – Plans, site surveys, and licenses.
- Submit application – Larger cities like Louisville and Lexington offer online submission portals.
- Plan review – Conducted locally, and sometimes by the State Fire Marshal or HBC for certain projects.
- Pay fees – Based on valuation or trade scope.
- Receive permit – Must be posted on-site before work begins.
- Schedule inspections – Inspections may be required at key stages (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final).
