Casey County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated Casey County parcels. The county building inspector is based at the Casey County Health Department, 199 Adams Street, Liberty, KY 42539.

Department

Casey County Government, Building Inspector's Office

Address

625 Courthouse Square, Liberty, KY 42539

Phone

606-787-8311 (Judge Executive); 270-634-4135 (Building Inspector Carley Fudge)

Website

https://libertycaseychamber.org/local-government

Application Process

1. Contact the Casey County Building Department to confirm the property's zoning status and verify jurisdiction.
2. Determine whether the Casey County Building Department or Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (DHBC) has jurisdiction based on project type and size.
3. Reach out to Building Inspector Carley Fudge at 270-634-4135 to obtain the required plan sets, checklists, and fee worksheet for your project.
4. Prepare construction documents including site plan, floor plans, door/hardware schedules, fire-resistance details, accessibility features, structural and mechanical information, and fire suppression criteria.
5. Submit the required construction documents (in-person or as directed by the inspector) along with the plan review worksheet and applicable fees.
6. Address any correction comments or resubmittals as directed by the county.
7. Obtain permit approval before beginning construction.

Typical processing time: No published processing time estimate; contact Building Inspector Carley Fudge at 270-634-4135 for current wait times.

Source: Casey County Government, Building Inspector's Office

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new business locations, renovations, additions, and other structural alterations that must satisfy the Kentucky Building Code and applicable local zoning rules.

Required Documents

• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Door and hardware schedules
• Wall and foundation details
• Fire-rated assembly details
• Accessibility features documentation
• Fire protection system criteria
• Mechanical, electrical, and structural data
• Plan review worksheet
• Any specialty submittals required by the inspector

Permit validity

No permit is issued until required fees are paid. Changes to estimated project cost trigger fee amendments. Refer to Kentucky Building Code Section 121.1.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code (2018 edition), enforced statewide through DHBC and local inspectors.

Owner-builder

Homeowner permits apply only to the owner's primary residence and must be personally performed by the owner. Cannot be used for rental properties or if the owner received a new construction permit within the prior five years.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold state-issued licenses for regulated trades (HVAC, plumbing, boilers, electrical, elevators, manufactured housing, and sprinkler systems) as administered by DHBC, even when the local agency handles the construction permit.

Fees

Plan check fee

Valuation-based: square footage multiplied by occupancy-specific rates in Table 121.3.1 (approximately 13-16 cents per square foot). Alterations: 0.0030 times alteration cost. Fast-track fees add 50% minimum. Specialized systems (sprinklers, range hoods, fire detection, standpipes, carbon dioxide, dry chemical) carry additional per-unit fees.

Permit fee formula

Square footage multiplied by occupancy-specific rates in Table 121.3.1 (approximately 13-16 cents per square foot); alterations: 0.0030 times alteration cost.

Payment note

All fees must accompany the plan submittal. Checks payable to Kentucky State Treasurer with project name and location. No permit is released until state and local fees are paid.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Casey County Government, Building Inspector's Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Inspector Carley Fudge (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Inspector's office at Casey County Health Department (199 Adams Street) offers Monday 8:00-9:30 AM drop-in window.

Typical inspection sequence: Ask the local code official for the order and timing of required inspections after the permit is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code (2018 edition), enforced statewide through DHBC and local inspectors.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Kentucky One Stop Building/Zoning Permits
• Casey County Clerk's Office (Property Records)
• DHBC Building Code Guidance
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Casey County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Casey County, KY?

Building permits are required for new business locations, renovations, additions, and other structural alterations that must satisfy the Kentucky Building Code and applicable local zoning rules.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Casey County, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Square footage multiplied by occupancy-specific rates in Table 121.3.1 (approximately 13-16 cents per square foot); alterations: 0.0030 times alteration cost.. Plan check fee: Valuation-based: square footage multiplied by occupancy-specific rates in Table 121.3.1 (approximately 13-16 cents per square foot). Alterations: 0.0030 times alteration cost. Fast-track fees add 50% minimum. Specialized systems (sprinklers, range hoods, fire detection, standpipes, carbon dioxide, dry chemical) carry additional per-unit fees..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Casey County, KY?

1. Contact the Casey County Building Department to confirm the property's zoning status and verify jurisdiction. 2. Determine whether the Casey County Building Department or Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (DHBC) has jurisdiction based on project type and size. 3. Reach out to Building Inspector Carley Fudge at 270-634-4135 to obtain the required plan sets, checklists, and fee worksheet for your project. 4. Prepare construction documents including site plan, floor plans, door/hardware schedules, fire-resistance details, accessibility features, structural and mechanical information, and fire suppression criteria. 5. Submit the required construction documents (in-person or as directed by the inspector) along with the plan review worksheet and applicable fees. 6. Address any correction comments or resubmittals as directed by the county. 7. Obtain permit approval before beginning construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Casey County, KY?

Typical processing time is No published processing time estimate; contact Building Inspector Carley Fudge at 270-634-4135 for current wait times..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Casey County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspector Carley Fudge.