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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Union
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.
Note: Union does not publish its own exemption list. Because the building permit issuer is Boone County Building Department, county exemption categories govern permit exemptions in Union. See county exemption list on Boone County Building Department FAQ page.
- County permit application
- Plans
- Supporting specification sheets
- Affidavit of Assurances
- Zoning approval when required
- Union-adjacent work may also need city encroachment coordination
- 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.
- Permit validity
- County states permits expire if work does not begin within 6 months, with extensions available.
- 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 Union business materials do not publish a separate contractor permit licensing standard.
Application process
Typical processing: No Union-specific review timeline found. County notes 1 to 2 additional days for issuance after approval.
- 01 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.
- 02 Obtain zoning or development approval through Boone County Planning Commission when required.
- 03 Register in the Boone County Oracle portal and submit the building permit application with plans and supporting forms.
- 04 County staff reviews the submission, routes it to plan review, and sets fees in Oracle.
- 05 Pay fees online and respond to any required revisions.
- 06 Wait for formal permit issuance before beginning work.
- 07 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.
Fee schedule
Union building permit fees
County Oracle portal uses fee assessment after intake review and accepts Visa or Mastercard online.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Union permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Union, KY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Union, KY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Union, KY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Union, KY? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Union, KY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Boone County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.