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

Fees are calculated as: Flat fee for the zoning permit.

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

1. Complete the zoning permit form with applicant, contractor, project, and zoning details. 2. Include a scaled site drawing showing lot, street, building dimensions, and setbacks. 3. Attach utility approvals when hookups are required, and note whether the work is new construction, a change in use, alteration, addition, or demolition. 4. Submit the original application with the fee to City Hall or fax it to 270-526-3557; utility and Planning & Zoning signatures are required when appropriate. 5. The Zoning Administrator conditionally approves or denies the permit within two weeks; no work may begin until all conditions are met. 6. The Planning & Zoning Commission provides final approval at its next meeting (first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. local time). 7. Applicants receive final approval or documented reasons for denial with the required signatures.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Butler County Local Building Inspector (270-784-5050), Health Department (270-526-3221).

City Building Permits

Morgantown, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Butler County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to all building activity inside Morgantown's municipal limits (new construction, changes of use, additions, demolitions, and similar triggers).

Department: City of Morgantown Planning and Zoning Commission
Address: Morgantown City Hall, 117 N. Main St. / PO Box 397, Morgantown, KY 42261
Phone: 270-526-3557
Email: d.embry@morgantownky.gov
Website: https://morgantown-ky.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Zoning Permit Form

Platform: PDF Form • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Complete the zoning permit form with applicant, contractor, project, and zoning details.
Include a scaled site drawing showing lot, street, building dimensions, and setbacks.
Attach utility approvals when hookups are required, and note whether the work is new construction, a change in use, alteration, addition, or demolition.
Submit the original application with the fee to City Hall or fax it to 270-526-3557; utility and Planning & Zoning signatures are required when appropriate.
The Zoning Administrator conditionally approves or denies the permit within two weeks; no work may begin until all conditions are met.
The Planning & Zoning Commission provides final approval at its next meeting (first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. local time).
Applicants receive final approval or documented reasons for denial with the required signatures.

Typical processing time: Conditional response within two weeks; final vote at the next Planning & Zoning meeting (First Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.).

Source: City of Morgantown Planning and Zoning Commission

General Requirements

Any new construction, change in use, alteration, addition, or demolition inside Morgantown requires the zoning permit; multi-building projects must follow Article 6 procedures before final acceptance.

Required Documents

Fully completed application
Scaled lot/building drawing showing streets and setbacks
Utility sign-offs if hookups are requested
Any additional surveys or architectural drawings the Planning & Zoning Commission requests

Building code: Kentucky Building Code (Chapter 7, Title 815 KAR); State Plumbing Law (Chapter 20, Title 815 KAR); 1989 National Electric Code
Owner-builder: The applicant must identify whether the project is by the owner, contractor, or other and agree that any misstatement may lead to revocation; administrative appeals are allowed.
Contractor requirements: The form requests contractor contact information; licensed trade work is enforced through the state inspectors referenced on the county roster.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Flat fee for the zoning permit
Payment note: Submit payment with the application to City Hall; the form directs in-person, mail, or fax submissions.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Morgantown Planning and Zoning Commission to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Butler County Local Building Inspector (270-784-5050) (phone)
Health Department (270-526-3221) (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday 8:00 AM–9:00 AM CST

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections follow the trades involved (structural, plumbing, electrical, HVAC) via the state inspectors in the DHBC roster. The city's permit packet does not list separate inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky Building Code (Chapter 7, Title 815 KAR); State Plumbing Law (Chapter 20, Title 815 KAR); 1989 National Electric Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
City Directory
City Contact
Planning & Zoning Meeting Schedule
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 City of Morgantown Planning and Zoning Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morgantown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Morgantown, KY?: Any new construction, change in use, alteration, addition, or demolition inside Morgantown requires the zoning permit; multi-building projects must follow Article 6 procedures before final acceptance.
How much does a building permit cost in Morgantown, KY?: Fees are calculated as: Flat fee for the zoning permit.
How do I apply for a building permit in Morgantown, KY?: 1. Complete the zoning permit form with applicant, contractor, project, and zoning details. 2. Include a scaled site drawing showing lot, street, building dimensions, and setbacks. 3. Attach utility approvals when hookups are required, and note whether the work is new construction, a change in use, alteration, addition, or demolition. 4. Submit the original application with the fee to City Hall or fax it to 270-526-3557; utility and Planning & Zoning signatures are required when appropriate. 5. The Zoning Administrator conditionally approves or denies the permit within two weeks; no work may begin until all conditions are met. 6. The Planning & Zoning Commission provides final approval at its next meeting (first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. local time). 7. Applicants receive final approval or documented reasons for denial with the required signatures.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Morgantown, KY?: Typical processing time is Conditional response within two weeks; final vote at the next Planning & Zoning meeting (First Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.)..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Morgantown, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Butler County Local Building Inspector (270-784-5050), Health Department (270-526-3221).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Morgantown 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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