Cave City, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City ordinance requires permits for every structure or alteration and refers to the Kentucky Uniform State Building Code; inspections are conducted by the Glasgow/Barren County building inspector staff.

Department

Cave City Building Inspector

Address

P.O. Box 567 / 103 Duke St., Cave City, KY 42127

Phone

(270) 773-2188

Website

https://cavecity.ky.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Do not begin construction or alterations until the Cave City Building Inspector issues a permit (Section 150.18(A)).
2. Submit a complete application listing the property, contractor, description, construction classification, estimated cost, and compliance with the Kentucky Uniform State Building Code along with the required plans (Section 150.18(B)).
3. Pay the building permit fee, which covers plan review and inspections, and allow the City of Glasgow Building Inspector to review for Kentucky code and local compliance.
4. Coordinate with the Joint City-County Planning Commission for zoning compliance certificates, which are due within ten working days for municipalities under that commission.
5. Schedule inspections through (270) 651-3921 once the permit is issued and do not occupy the structure before the final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Joint City-County Planning Commission zoning compliance certificates have a ten working day deadline; permit review timelines are managed by the inspector.

Source: Cave City Building Inspector

General Requirements

Any new structure, addition, alteration, or demolition within the city; the ordinance prohibits starting work until a permit is issued.

Required Documents

• Application with owner and contractor information
• Project description and property address
• Code classifications
• Sufficient plans complying with the Kentucky Uniform State Building Code and local zoning

Permit validity

Permits follow the standard 180-day validity unless extended.

Building code

Kentucky Uniform State Building Code plus the Kentucky Residential/Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code (per the county building inspector).

Owner-builder

Owner-occupants can perform property electrical work; landlords, rental properties, or work for others must hire a licensed electrician.

Contractor requirements

Electrical contractors must hold the appropriate Kentucky license; other trades comply with statewide licensing enforced through plan review.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30 for the first 1,000 square feet of a single- or two-family dwelling

Plan check fee

Included in the building permit fee, which also covers all plan review and inspection services (Section 150.18(C))

Permit fee formula

$30 for the first 1,000 square feet plus $2 for each additional 100 square feet for dwellings; accessory work follows tiered square footage increments

Reinspection fee

$50 per reinspection per the county fee schedule

Payment note

Fees are collected with the permit application, either online through Cloudpermit or at the inspector's office at 200 South Green St.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural-only buildings on ten or more acres

Important: The Kentucky Residential Code exemptions apply; the county office highlights agricultural-only buildings on ten or more acres as exempt, while the rest of the code governs other exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (270) 651-3921 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Calls before 9:00 AM CST are usually handled the same day.

Inspection hours

Five days a week

Time windows

Same-day inspections available for calls before 9:00 AM CST; later requests are handled as staffing allows.

Typical inspection sequence: Kentucky Residential/Building Code checkpoints, including footing, foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and final, as detailed in the checklists.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Uniform State Building Code plus the Kentucky Residential/Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code (per the county building inspector).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cave City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cave City, KY?

Any new structure, addition, alteration, or demolition within the city; the ordinance prohibits starting work until a permit is issued.

How much does a building permit cost in Cave City, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $30 for the first 1,000 square feet of a single- or two-family dwelling. Fees are calculated as: $30 for the first 1,000 square feet plus $2 for each additional 100 square feet for dwellings; accessory work follows tiered square footage increments. Plan check fee: Included in the building permit fee, which also covers all plan review and inspection services (Section 150.18(C)).

How do I apply for a building permit in Cave City, KY?

1. Do not begin construction or alterations until the Cave City Building Inspector issues a permit (Section 150.18(A)). 2. Submit a complete application listing the property, contractor, description, construction classification, estimated cost, and compliance with the Kentucky Uniform State Building Code along with the required plans (Section 150.18(B)). 3. Pay the building permit fee, which covers plan review and inspections, and allow the City of Glasgow Building Inspector to review for Kentucky code and local compliance. 4. Coordinate with the Joint City-County Planning Commission for zoning compliance certificates, which are due within ten working days for municipalities under that commission. 5. Schedule inspections through (270) 651-3921 once the permit is issued and do not occupy the structure before the final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Cave City, KY?

Typical processing time is Joint City-County Planning Commission zoning compliance certificates have a ten working day deadline; permit review timelines are managed by the inspector..

What work is exempt from building permits in Cave City, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural-only buildings on ten or more acres. Note: The Kentucky Residential Code exemptions apply; the county office highlights agricultural-only buildings on ten or more acres as exempt, while the rest of the code governs other exemptions.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Cave City, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 651-3921. Calls before 9:00 AM CST are usually handled the same day..

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