City Building Permits

Murray, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Calloway County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All construction, alteration, demolition, and accessory structures within the City of Murray home-rule boundaries.

Department
Department of Planning & Engineering, Building Code Enforcement
Address
500 Main Street, Murray, KY 42071
Phone
(270) 762-0330
Website
https://www.murrayky.gov/planning/building/forms.htm

Online Permit Portal

Open KLC SmartForms Building Permit Application

Platform: KLC SmartForms • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Request the building permit application through the SmartForms portal or by calling Planning & Engineering (270-762-0330) to request a paper packet by mail.
  2. Fill out the application and attach two complete sets of construction plans, a detailed site plan, subcontractor list, worker's compensation affidavit, and any mechanical or electrical documentation required.
  3. Submit the completed packet to Planning & Engineering for plan review, which includes approvals from Calloway County Health Department, utility providers, stormwater, and other required agencies.
  4. Once plans are approved, pay the applicable fee schedule and secure any separate tap permits.
  5. Receive the building permit before commencing work.
  6. Schedule required inspections (footing, framing, final, and specialty inspections) with the Building Official.
  7. Secure the Certificate of Occupancy once all inspections pass before occupying the building.

Typical processing time: Approximately two weeks for administrative review of building-permit applications after submission.

Source: Department of Planning & Engineering, Building Code Enforcement

General Requirements

New buildings, significant renovations, accessory structures 120 sq. ft. (commercial) or 200 sq. ft. (residential) when affixed to the ground, fences taller than 7 feet, and pools exceeding 24 inches in depth or 250 square feet require permits. Decks must be evaluated by the department.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Two complete sets of building construction plans
  • Detailed site plan
  • Subcontractor list
  • Worker's compensation affidavit
  • Mechanical calculations and engineered drawings (commercial projects)
  • Any additional documentation required for specialty trades (electrical, HVAC, plumbing)
Permit validity
Work cannot begin until the permit is issued. No structure may be occupied until the building official issues a Certificate of Occupancy after all final inspections and certifications.
Building code
Kentucky Building Code (2018 Kentucky Residential Code/Kentucky Building Code and referenced standards)
Owner-builder
Applicants must sign the KRS 198B.030 affidavit confirming worker's compensation and unemployment insurance compliance and owner authorization. No plan deviation is allowed without approval.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must hold a City of Murray business license before work begins. Electrical work is inspected by a state-certified inspector, HVAC installers must be state licensed, and plumbing plans must be approved by Calloway County Health Department.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Residential: square-foot based. Commercial: valuation-based with tiered rates.
Payment note
Work may not begin until the fee is paid and the approved permit is issued. Contact Planning & Engineering at (270) 762-0330 for current charges.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Portable buildings left on their runners smaller than 120 sq. ft. (commercial) or 200 sq. ft. (residential) and not affixed to a foundation
  • Pull-out fences under 7 feet in height (must meet zoning setbacks)
  • Small pools less than 24 inches deep or 250 square feet in area

Important: Minor decks may be exempt after confirmation with the department. Contact Planning & Engineering to verify qualifying exclusions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (270) 762-0350 ext. 1134 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
A minimum 24-hour notice is recommended before each inspection.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, concrete/under-floor, framing, gypsum, special systems (sprinkler, fire alarm, range hood), and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Planning & Engineering, Building Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murray Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Murray, KY?
New buildings, significant renovations, accessory structures 120 sq. ft. (commercial) or 200 sq. ft. (residential) when affixed to the ground, fences taller than 7 feet, and pools exceeding 24 inches in depth or 250 square feet require permits. Decks must be evaluated by the department.
How much does a building permit cost in Murray, KY?
Fees are calculated as: Residential: square-foot based. Commercial: valuation-based with tiered rates..
How do I apply for a building permit in Murray, KY?
1. Request the building permit application through the SmartForms portal or by calling Planning & Engineering (270-762-0330) to request a paper packet by mail. 2. Fill out the application and attach two complete sets of construction plans, a detailed site plan, subcontractor list, worker's compensation affidavit, and any mechanical or electrical documentation required. 3. Submit the completed packet to Planning & Engineering for plan review, which includes approvals from Calloway County Health Department, utility providers, stormwater, and other required agencies. 4. Once plans are approved, pay the applicable fee schedule and secure any separate tap permits. 5. Receive the building permit before commencing work. 6. Schedule required inspections (footing, framing, final, and specialty inspections) with the Building Official. 7. Secure the Certificate of Occupancy once all inspections pass before occupying the building.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Murray, KY?
Typical processing time is Approximately two weeks for administrative review of building-permit applications after submission..
What work is exempt from building permits in Murray, KY?
The following work is generally exempt: Portable buildings left on their runners smaller than 120 sq. ft. (commercial) or 200 sq. ft. (residential) and not affixed to a foundation; Pull-out fences under 7 feet in height (must meet zoning setbacks); Small pools less than 24 inches deep or 250 square feet in area. Note: Minor decks may be exempt after confirmation with the department. Contact Planning & Engineering to verify qualifying exclusions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Murray, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 762-0350 ext. 1134. A minimum 24-hour notice is recommended before each inspection..

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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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