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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bourbon County
Any new construction, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy for a building or structure.
Agricultural/farmstead exemptions available for new construction on qualifying farms
- Exempt Agricultural/farmstead exemptions available for new construction on qualifying farms
Note: Contact the Joint Planning Office for specific exemption eligibility.
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
- Building code
- International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings
- Permit validity
- Not specified in public materials; confirm with Joint Planning Office.
- Owner-builder
- Owner authorization required. All contractors and subcontractors must comply with Kentucky worker's compensation and unemployment insurance requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Bourbon County business license required. Work inside city limits also requires the respective city's business license. Rural projects use the county occupational license process.
Source: Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Joint Planning Office ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7 to 10 business days for initial review
- 01 Provide the same documentation as required for incorporated municipalities (site plan, structural plans, subcontractor list, cost estimate, contractor/business licenses, and insurance).
- 02 Submit via the iWorQ portal or drop off at the Paris Municipal Center, Room 112.
- 03 Allow 7 to 10 business days for review and fee quote from the Joint Planning Office.
- 04 Trade permits follow the same routing: electrical through the joint office, plumbing/health department, HVAC through state inspector.
- 05 After approvals and fee payment (cash, check, or credit card accepted), the permit is issued.
- 06 Post the permit at the site before work begins; owner-builder paperwork must be on file.
Typical processing time: 7 to 10 business days for initial review
Source: Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Joint Planning Office ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bourbon County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees based on total estimated construction cost provided by applicant; calculated by the office during review.
02
Penalty (no permit)
Fines apply for unpermitted work
Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Fee amount determined after document submission and review.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Building inspection plus state inspectors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Source: Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Joint Planning Office ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Bourbon County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
Any new construction, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy for a building or structure.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees based on total estimated construction cost provided by applicant; calculated by the office during review..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY, follow these steps: 1. Provide the same documentation as required for incorporated municipalities (site plan, structural plans, subcontractor list, cost estimate, contractor/business licenses, and insurance). 2. Submit via the iWorQ portal or drop off at the Paris Municipal Center, Room 112. 3. Allow 7 to 10 business days for review and fee quote from the Joint Planning Office. 4. Trade permits follow the same routing: electrical through the joint office, plumbing/health department, HVAC through state inspector. 5. After approvals and fee payment (cash, check, or credit card accepted), the permit is issued. 6. Post the permit at the site before work begins; owner-builder paperwork must be on file.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY typically run 7 to 10 business days for initial review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farmstead exemptions available for new construction on qualifying farms. Note: Contact the Joint Planning Office for specific exemption eligibility. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bourbon County, KY via: 859-987-2150.
last verified April 2026
source Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Joint Planning Office ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/bourbon/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Joint Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.