City Building Permits

Union, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Union, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Boone County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Union's business packet identifies Boone County Building Permits and Boone County Planning Commission as the primary permitting contacts. City of Union separately controls local public works and encroachment matters and publishes its city hall contact at 1843 Bristow Drive, Union, KY 41091, 859-384-1511.

Department
Boone County Building Department
Address
2950 Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone
859-334-2218
Website
https://www.boonecountyky.org/departments/building_inspection/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Oracle Public Sector

Platform: Oracle Public Sector • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Identify whether the project needs local city coordination in addition to county review. Union's materials direct applicants to Boone County Building Permits and Boone County Planning Commission, and county zoning forms separately note City of Union contact for encroachment permits in Union.
  2. Obtain zoning or development approval through Boone County Planning Commission when required.
  3. Register in the Boone County Oracle portal and submit the building permit application with plans and supporting forms.
  4. County staff reviews the submission, routes it to plan review, and sets fees in Oracle.
  5. Pay fees online and respond to any required revisions.
  6. Wait for formal permit issuance before beginning work.
  7. Download the permit and stamped plans and keep them on site for inspections.

Typical processing time: No Union-specific review timeline found. County notes 1 to 2 additional days for issuance after approval.

Source: Boone County Building Department

General Requirements

Union does not publish a separate building-permit threshold page; the city refers applicants to Boone County Building Department, whose permit requirement standard covers construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated trade systems.

Required Documents

  • County permit application
  • Plans
  • Supporting specification sheets
  • Affidavit of Assurances
  • Zoning approval when required
  • Union-adjacent work may also need city encroachment coordination
Permit validity
County states permits expire if work does not begin within 6 months, with extensions available.
Building code
Union routes building permits through Boone County Building Department, whose codes page references the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code.
Owner-builder
No separate Union owner-builder rule found. County permit materials allow filing by an owner or authorized agent.
Contractor requirements
County permit materials require Affidavit of Assurances for all projects and trade-specific state credentials where applicable. Union business materials do not publish a separate contractor permit licensing standard.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 (residential alteration); $150 (commercial)
Plan check fee
Commercial fee includes plan review and inspections; residential page lists a $50 plan revision fee rather than a separate initial plan-check fee.
Permit fee formula
County valuation table and flat-fee mix.
Reinspection fee
$50 (residential)
Penalty (no permit)
Permit fees double for work begun without a required permit.
Payment note
County Oracle portal uses fee assessment after intake review and accepts Visa or Mastercard online.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Boone County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

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 ahead. Electrical and plumbing inspections are coordinated through their separate listed offices.
Inspection hours
County office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Union city hall hours listed in the business packet are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Boone County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Union Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Union, KY?
Union does not publish a separate building-permit threshold page; the city refers applicants to Boone County Building Department, whose permit requirement standard covers construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated trade systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Union, KY?
The minimum permit fee is $50 (residential alteration); $150 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: County valuation table and flat-fee mix.. Plan check fee: Commercial fee includes plan review and inspections; residential page lists a $50 plan revision fee rather than a separate initial plan-check fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Union, KY?
1. Identify whether the project needs local city coordination in addition to county review. Union's materials direct applicants to Boone County Building Permits and Boone County Planning Commission, and county zoning forms separately note City of Union contact for encroachment permits in Union. 2. Obtain zoning or development approval through Boone County Planning Commission when required. 3. Register in the Boone County Oracle portal and submit the building permit application with plans and supporting forms. 4. County staff reviews the submission, routes it to plan review, and sets fees in Oracle. 5. Pay fees online and respond to any required revisions. 6. Wait for formal permit issuance before beginning work. 7. Download the permit and stamped plans and keep them on site for inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Union, KY?
Typical processing time is No Union-specific review timeline found. County notes 1 to 2 additional days for issuance after approval..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Union, 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 ahead. Electrical and plumbing inspections are coordinated through their separate listed offices..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Union can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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