How much does a building permit cost in Paris, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Fees based on total estimated construction cost provided by applicant; calculated by the office during review..

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

1. Select the appropriate building permit packet (residential or commercial). 2. Prepare complete site plan, floor plans, structural sections, roof/floor framing plans, subcontractor list with contact information, total estimated construction cost, contractor/business license numbers, and proof of insurance. 3. Submit all materials via the iWorQ portal or drop off at the Paris Municipal Center, Room 112. 4. The Joint Planning Office reviews the package for completeness and contacts applicant with the calculated fee. 5. For trade work: electrical permits pulled through the joint office, plumbing through Bourbon County Health Department (farm exemption available for large tracts), HVAC through state inspector. 6. Pay the calculated fee (cash, check, or credit card accepted). Trade permits must be on file. 7. Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued; post permit at site before work begins. 8. Owner authorization paperwork must be on file if applicant is not the owner.

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

Typical processing time is 7 to 10 business days for initial review.

What work is exempt from building permits in Paris, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farmstead exemption available for new construction on qualifying farms (per agricultural exemption and farmstead application forms). Note: Contact the Joint Planning Office for confirmation about specialty structures and specific exemption eligibility.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Paris, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-987-2150.

City Building Permits

Paris, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Bourbon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Paris and surrounding areas under the Joint Planning Commission interlocal agreement. Historic district projects require approval from Paris Board of Architectural Review before permit issuance.

Department: Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission (Joint Planning Office)
Address: Paris Municipal Center, 525 High Street, Room 112, Paris, KY
Phone: 859-987-2150
Email: contact via planning office form on website
Website: https://www.bourboncountyplanning.com

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ ePermitting Portal

Platform: iWorQ ePermitting • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Select the appropriate building permit packet (residential or commercial).
Prepare complete site plan, floor plans, structural sections, roof/floor framing plans, subcontractor list with contact information, total estimated construction cost, contractor/business license numbers, and proof of insurance.
Submit all materials via the iWorQ portal or drop off at the Paris Municipal Center, Room 112.
The Joint Planning Office reviews the package for completeness and contacts applicant with the calculated fee.
For trade work: electrical permits pulled through the joint office, plumbing through Bourbon County Health Department (farm exemption available for large tracts), HVAC through state inspector.
Pay the calculated fee (cash, check, or credit card accepted). Trade permits must be on file.
Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued; post permit at site before work begins.
Owner authorization paperwork must be on file if applicant is not the owner.

Typical processing time: 7 to 10 business days for initial review

Source: Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission (Joint Planning Office)

General Requirements

Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy for a building or structure, including decks, garages, sheds over 200 square feet, carports, and wall moves.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan (showing setbacks, easements, utilities, driveway)
Floor plans with room uses and mechanical locations
Footer plans and bearing-wall cross sections
Roof and floor framing plans
Subcontractor roster with contact information
Total construction cost estimate
Contractor contact information and business licenses
Insurance certificates

Permit validity: Not specified in public materials; confirm with the Joint Planning Office.
Building code: International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings
Owner-builder: If applicant is not the owner, the owner must sign authorization. All contractors and subcontractors must comply with Kentucky worker's compensation and unemployment insurance statutes.
Contractor requirements: Bourbon County business license required. Work inside Paris city limits requires the city's annual business license. Projects outside city limits require occupational license (contact Cindy Sommer, 859-987-2135 x238).

Fees

Permit fee formula: Fees based on total estimated construction cost provided by applicant; calculated by the office during review.
Penalty (no permit): Fines apply if work begins without required permits or inspections
Payment note: Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Fee amount determined after document submission and review.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission (Joint Planning Office) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

859-987-2150 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed noon to 1:00 PM)
Time windows: Inspections offered Tuesdays and Thursdays

Typical inspection sequence: The Joint Planning Office coordinates building inspection with state inspectors for electrical (Larry Rice, state electrical inspector), plumbing (state health/plumbing inspector), and HVAC (state HVAC inspector), covering each trade in turn.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings
Zoning information: View zoning info
Board of Architectural Review (historic district oversight)
License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission (Joint Planning Office) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paris Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Paris, KY?: Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy for a building or structure, including decks, garages, sheds over 200 square feet, carports, and wall moves.
How much does a building permit cost in Paris, KY?: Fees are calculated as: Fees based on total estimated construction cost provided by applicant; calculated by the office during review..
How do I apply for a building permit in Paris, KY?: 1. Select the appropriate building permit packet (residential or commercial). 2. Prepare complete site plan, floor plans, structural sections, roof/floor framing plans, subcontractor list with contact information, total estimated construction cost, contractor/business license numbers, and proof of insurance. 3. Submit all materials via the iWorQ portal or drop off at the Paris Municipal Center, Room 112. 4. The Joint Planning Office reviews the package for completeness and contacts applicant with the calculated fee. 5. For trade work: electrical permits pulled through the joint office, plumbing through Bourbon County Health Department (farm exemption available for large tracts), HVAC through state inspector. 6. Pay the calculated fee (cash, check, or credit card accepted). Trade permits must be on file. 7. Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued; post permit at site before work begins. 8. Owner authorization paperwork must be on file if applicant is not the owner.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Paris, KY?: Typical processing time is 7 to 10 business days for initial review.
What work is exempt from building permits in Paris, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farmstead exemption available for new construction on qualifying farms (per agricultural exemption and farmstead application forms). Note: Contact the Joint Planning Office for confirmation about specialty structures and specific exemption eligibility.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Paris, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-987-2150.

Need help with your project?

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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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