City Building Permits
Hopkinsville, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Hopkinsville limits.
- Department
- Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department
- Address
- 710 South Main Street, Post Office Box 1125, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240
- Phone
- (270) 887-4285
Application Process
- Contact CDS to confirm zoning and plan approvals before preparing construction documents.
- Determine whether the new work falls under CDS/local jurisdiction or the Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
- Submit all required documentation using Hopkinsville-specific application pages (pages 11-14 of the Application Guide).
- Pay construction review and permit fees.
- Respond to any reviewer comments.
- Schedule inspections once the permit is issued.
Source: Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department
General Requirements
All construction projects in Hopkinsville must obtain a building permit.
Required Documents
- Building permit application
- Site plan and survey
- Architectural and structural plans
- Wall and foundation details
- Door and window schedules
- Interior finish schedules
- Structural loads documentation
- Accessibility details
- Fire suppression and alarm plans
- Energy calculations
- Geotechnical reports
- Shop drawings
- Signed and sealed plans when required
- Kentucky DHBC plumbing plans
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code (2015 IBC), 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IRC), 2015 International Mechanical and Fire Codes, 2012 and 2009 International Energy Conservation Codes, ICC/ANSI A117.1, Kentucky plumbing and boiler laws, and referenced NFPA standards.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder certification required; homeowner confirms they will perform work without hiring additional labor.
- Contractor requirements
- Every contractor and subcontractor must hold a current business license and comply with Kentucky workers compensation and unemployment insurance rules.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $15
- Plan check fee
- $0.10 to $0.16 per square foot depending on occupancy
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based tiered increments; $15 minimum for first $1,000 and $0.13 per square foot for most residential work
- Payment note
- Fees accepted at CDS office; payment methods directed by staff when Accela portal is ready.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (270) 887-4285 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Plan review followed by structural/foundation, electrical (must be approved before permanent service), mechanical, fire, and any required special inspections per the KBC; plan review fee covers field inspections.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (2015 IBC), 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IRC), 2015 International Mechanical and Fire Codes, 2012 and 2009 International Energy Conservation Codes, ICC/ANSI A117.1, Kentucky plumbing and boiler laws, and referenced NFPA standards.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- CDS Codes Department forms and brochures
- Building permit application guide
- Code Enforcement overview
- 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 Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopkinsville Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Hopkinsville, KY?
- All construction projects in Hopkinsville must obtain a building permit.
- How much does a building permit cost in Hopkinsville, KY?
- The minimum permit fee is $15. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based tiered increments; $15 minimum for first $1,000 and $0.13 per square foot for most residential work. Plan check fee: $0.10 to $0.16 per square foot depending on occupancy.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Hopkinsville, KY?
- 1. Contact CDS to confirm zoning and plan approvals before preparing construction documents. 2. Determine whether the new work falls under CDS/local jurisdiction or the Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction. 3. Submit all required documentation using Hopkinsville-specific application pages (pages 11-14 of the Application Guide). 4. Pay construction review and permit fees. 5. Respond to any reviewer comments. 6. Schedule inspections once the permit is issued.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Hopkinsville, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 887-4285.
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