Boone County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building permits for unincorporated Boone County are issued by the county. This includes unincorporated communities such as Burlington, Hebron, Petersburg, and Rabbit Hash. Boone County Planning Commission reviews zoning items before many building permits are released.

Department

Boone County Building Department

Address

2950 Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Burlington, KY 41005

Phone

859-334-2218

Email

bcbd@boonecountyky.org

Website

https://www.boonecountyky.org/departments/building_inspection/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm with Boone County Planning Commission whether zoning approval is required before building review.
2. Register for an Oracle Public Sector account from the county portal link.
3. Start the permit record in Oracle and upload plans, specs, and permit-specific forms.
4. County office staff reviews intake completeness, routes the submission to plan review, and sets fees in Oracle.
5. Pay assessed fees online (Visa or Mastercard accepted).
6. Respond to revision comments in Oracle if the reviewer issues corrections.
7. After approval, wait for formal issuance before starting work. Payment alone does not authorize construction.
8. Download the issued permit and stamped plans from Oracle and keep approved plans on site for inspections.

Typical processing time: No public overall review SLA found. County states an approved permit may still take 1 to 2 days to issue.

Source: Boone County Building Department

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems must first obtain the required permit.

Required Documents

• Permit application in Oracle
• Plans
• Permit-specific specification sheets as applicable
• Zoning approval when required
• Affidavit of Assurances for all projects
• Trade-specific forms such as electrical, pool, deck, sign, tent, or floodplain items when applicable

Permit validity

County states the permit expires if work does not start within 6 months, though extensions are available.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code

Owner-builder

The permit applicant may be the owner or an authorized agent. The Affidavit of Assurances form can be signed by the contractor, owner, or owner's agent.

Contractor requirements

Affidavit of Assurances is required for all projects and addresses workers compensation and unemployment insurance compliance. HVAC plan submittals must be made by a Kentucky Master HVAC Contractor per the county commercial fee schedule.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 (residential alteration and repair); $150 (commercial new construction up to $49,999.99)

Plan check fee

Commercial schedule includes plan review and inspection services; Residential page lists a $50 plan revision fee but no separate line item for an initial plan check.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential uses valuation tables, square-foot minimum valuation factors, and multiple flat-fee items; commercial new construction and additions are based on the greater of actual construction value or minimum valuation table values.

Reinspection fee

$50 (residential)

Penalty (no permit)

Permit fees double for work started without a required permit under Boone County Ordinance 930.9

Payment note

Oracle portal payments are made after staff sets fees and accept Visa or Mastercard online. Commercial schedule states all fees must be paid in full at submittal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls less than 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support
• Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 859-334-2218 option 1 (building); 859-746-9111 (electrical); 859-341-8228 (plumbing) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call at least 24 hours in advance. For plumbing, call between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM Monday through Friday.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type. For a single-family dwelling: footer, foundation or slab, vapor barrier/insulation for walkout, frame and fire block, insulation, apron or sidewalk if applicable, and final. For additions: footer, foundation, frame and fire block, insulation, and final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County forms
• County FAQ
• County inspections page
• BCPC applications and checklists
• Floodplain state permit link
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Boone County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems must first obtain the required permit.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $50 (residential alteration and repair); $150 (commercial new construction up to $49,999.99). Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential uses valuation tables, square-foot minimum valuation factors, and multiple flat-fee items; commercial new construction and additions are based on the greater of actual construction value or minimum valuation table values.. Plan check fee: Commercial schedule includes plan review and inspection services; Residential page lists a $50 plan revision fee but no separate line item for an initial plan check..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

1. Confirm with Boone County Planning Commission whether zoning approval is required before building review. 2. Register for an Oracle Public Sector account from the county portal link. 3. Start the permit record in Oracle and upload plans, specs, and permit-specific forms. 4. County office staff reviews intake completeness, routes the submission to plan review, and sets fees in Oracle. 5. Pay assessed fees online (Visa or Mastercard accepted). 6. Respond to revision comments in Oracle if the reviewer issues corrections. 7. After approval, wait for formal issuance before starting work. Payment alone does not authorize construction. 8. Download the issued permit and stamped plans from Oracle and keep approved plans on site for inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

Typical processing time is No public overall review SLA found. County states an approved permit may still take 1 to 2 days to issue..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Oil derricks; Retaining walls less than 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support; Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Boone County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-334-2218 option 1 (building); 859-746-9111 (electrical); 859-341-8228 (plumbing). Call at least 24 hours in advance. For plumbing, call between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM Monday through Friday..