City Building Permits

Ashland, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Boyd County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All residential and commercial permits within Ashland city limits.

Department
City of Ashland Community & Economic Development, Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Division
Address
1700 Greenup Avenue, Room 208, Ashland, KY 41101
Phone
606-385-3317
Website
https://www.ashlandky.gov/departments/community___economic_development/code_enforcement/building_inspection.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Online Action Center

Platform: MyGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Choose the correct application type (Commercial Permit/Plan Review, Residential One-and-Two-Family, Homeowner Permit, or Sign Permit).
  2. Submit the application in Room 208 or through the Online Action Center with required plans.
  3. Department reviews local compliance; commercial projects over 10,000 sq. ft. or with occupant load of 100+ are referred to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for concurrent review.
  4. Once compliance is confirmed and fees are paid, the city issues the building permit.
  5. Schedule inspections through the Online Action Center and monitor the project.
  6. Keep work exposed for review and request final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy via the portal when ready.

Typical processing time: Not published; call 606-385-3317 for current timelines.

Source: City of Ashland Community & Economic Development, Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

All residential and commercial construction, including new buildings (200 sq. ft. and larger), additions, renovations, demolitions, temporary structures, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and miscellaneous work such as decks, pools, signs, parking, or food-service improvements.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application (Commercial, Residential, Homeowner, or Sign permit packet)
  • Drawings/plan sets specific to the scope of work
Permit validity
Not published; verify deadlines with the Building Inspection office (606-385-3317).
Building code
2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments)
Owner-builder
Homeowner Permit applications cover homeowner-installed sheds under 200 sq. ft., carports, above-ground pools, and decks less than 200 sq. ft. and 30 inches above grade.
Contractor requirements
Plumbing and HVAC systems must be performed by licensed trades tracked by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Fees

Payment note
Payments and paperwork are handled at Room 208 (City Building) or through the portal; coordinate directly with the Building Inspection Division.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Ashland Community & Economic Development, Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: After permit issuance, each trade inspection is requested via the portal; the inspector visits the site and the final inspection triggers the Certificate of Occupancy if all work meets code.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ashland Community & Economic Development, Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ashland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ashland, KY?
All residential and commercial construction, including new buildings (200 sq. ft. and larger), additions, renovations, demolitions, temporary structures, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and miscellaneous work such as decks, pools, signs, parking, or food-service improvements.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ashland, KY?
1. Choose the correct application type (Commercial Permit/Plan Review, Residential One-and-Two-Family, Homeowner Permit, or Sign Permit). 2. Submit the application in Room 208 or through the Online Action Center with required plans. 3. Department reviews local compliance; commercial projects over 10,000 sq. ft. or with occupant load of 100+ are referred to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for concurrent review. 4. Once compliance is confirmed and fees are paid, the city issues the building permit. 5. Schedule inspections through the Online Action Center and monitor the project. 6. Keep work exposed for review and request final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy via the portal when ready.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ashland, KY?
Typical processing time is Not published; call 606-385-3317 for current timelines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ashland, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Online Action Center.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Ashland 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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