Building Permits in Madison County, Kentucky

Kentucky has a mandatory statewide residential code (2018 Kentucky Residential Code, 3rd Edition, based on the 2015 IRC, adopted by 815 KAR 7:125), but under KRS 198B.060(1) permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are not mandatory for single-family residences unless the local government passes an ordinance requiring them, so many Kentucky counties have no residential permit program. Where a local enforcement program exists, KRC Section R105.2 exempts minor work from permits, including painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops, sidewalks and driveways, swings and playground equipment, window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches, and water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons. Local jurisdictions may adopt ordinances requiring permits and may administer or amend enforcement differently.

Section R105.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) exempts decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4. Attached decks, decks over 200 square feet, or decks more than 30 inches above grade need a permit where a local residential program exists; under KRS 198B.060(1) single-family permits are not mandatory statewide unless required by local ordinance. Local jurisdictions may amend or administer these rules differently.

Under 815 KAR 35:020 (implementing KRS 227.480-227.491), every electrical construction, installation, alteration, or repair must be inspected statewide for compliance with NFPA 70 by a local certified electrical inspector or, where the local government has not made one available, by a state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction inspector, and a permit must be obtained before work subject to state inspection begins. Exemptions include work exempt under KRC Section R105.2 (e.g., replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location, minor repairs such as lamp replacement, wiring under 25 volts/50 watts, reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, and listed cord-and-plug temporary decorative lighting), appliances, and utility-controlled wiring. Local jurisdictions with certified inspectors administer their own permit and inspection programs and may operate differently.

Section R105.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) exempts fences not over 7 feet high from building permits. Taller fences require a permit where a local residential enforcement program exists, though under KRS 198B.060(1) permits for single-family residences are not mandatory statewide absent a local ordinance. Local jurisdictions and zoning ordinances may impose stricter height limits or administer these rules differently.

Reroofing is not among the permit exemptions listed in Section R105.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125), so a permit is generally required for roof-covering replacement where a local residential enforcement program exists. However, under KRS 198B.060(1) permits and inspections are not mandatory for single-family residences statewide unless the local government has adopted an ordinance requiring them, and many Kentucky counties have no residential permit program. Confirm with the local jurisdiction, which may amend or administer these rules differently.

Section R105.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) exempts retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from grade at the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall; note that Kentucky's text uses grade (not bottom of footing) as the measuring point and, unlike the model IRC, does not print a surcharge qualifier, so walls supporting a surcharge should be verified with the local official. Walls over 4 feet require a permit where a local residential program exists, though under KRS 198B.060(1) single-family permits are local-option statewide. Local jurisdictions may amend or administer these rules differently.

Section R105.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code (adopted by 815 KAR 7:125) exempts from permit one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Larger accessory structures need a permit where a local residential permit program exists, but under KRS 198B.060(1) single-family permits are not mandatory statewide unless required by local ordinance. Local jurisdictions may require permits at lower thresholds or administer these rules differently.

Under the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, 815 KAR 20:050 Section 1(1)(f) (implementing KRS 318.134), a state plumbing installation permit is required for a new water heater installation or a water heater that is to be replaced, and this applies statewide including single-family homes. Permits are issued only to a licensed master plumber or to a homeowner performing the work personally in their own residence; no permit is needed for repairing leaks, cocks, or valves or for cleaning out waste or sewer pipes (Section 1(3)). Some local governments administer delegated plumbing programs, so procedures may vary by jurisdiction.