Hopkinsville, KY — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department

Street address

710 South Main Street, Post Office Box 1125, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240

Phone

(270) 887-4285

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Hopkinsville limits.

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Hopkinsville

All construction projects in Hopkinsville must obtain a building permit.

Note: All construction projects in Hopkinsville must obtain a building permit; no separate exempt work list is published.

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.

Source: Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Contact CDS to confirm zoning and plan approvals before preparing construction documents.
02

Determine whether the new work falls under CDS/local jurisdiction or the Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
03

Submit all required documentation using Hopkinsville-specific application pages (pages 11-14 of the Application Guide).
04

Pay construction review and permit fees.
05

Respond to any reviewer comments.
06

Schedule inspections once the permit is issued.

Source: Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Hopkinsville building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

Fees accepted at CDS office; payment methods directed by staff when Accela portal is ready.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(270) 887-4285 (phone)

Typical 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.

Source: Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Hopkinsville permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Hopkinsville, KY? ▸

All construction projects in Hopkinsville must obtain a building permit.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Hopkinsville, KY? ▸

Building permit fees in Hopkinsville, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hopkinsville, KY? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Hopkinsville, KY, follow these steps: 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.

04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hopkinsville, KY? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hopkinsville, KY via: (270) 887-4285.

last verified April 2026 source Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department ↗ entry id permits/kentucky/christian/hopkinsville

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community and Development Services - Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Hopkinsville

Other jurisdictions in Christian County.