Clark County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Section 150.02 requires permits for any construction, remodeling, or major repair in the unincorporated county. The Winchester building inspection staff administers those permits while the county's electrical inspector (appointed by the County Judge/Executive) enforces the National Electrical Code.

Department

Clark County Building Inspector's Office

Address

32 Wall Street, P.O. Box 40, Winchester, KY 40392

Phone

859-744-7019

Email

inspections@winchesterky.com

Website

https://winchester.klc.org/Departments/3/building-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Gather the location, valuation, and structural information required by Section 150.02, plus the portal's checklist (site plans, drainage/landscape/erosion plans, insurance, business license, septic approvals, floodplain details, and engineered or architect plans when triggered).
2. File the application through the iWorQ portal, attaching all required documentation and any development plan approvals from the zoning ordinance.
3. The Building Inspector's Office reviews the submission for compliance with the Kentucky One- and Two-Family Code (Section 150.01), the Kentucky Building Code, and local regulations before issuing a permit.
4. Pay the valuation-based fee prescribed in Section 150.03 via the portal or as directed by the department, ensuring prerequisite approvals (grading, floodplain, stormwater) are resolved first.
5. Request and schedule foundation, framing, insulation (non-commercial), and final inspections by contacting the office at least 24 hours ahead.
6. Pass the final inspection, obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, and conclude the permit.

Typical processing time: Not posted; call/email the Building Inspection office for current review timelines.

Source: Clark County Building Inspector's Office

General Requirements

Section 150.02 states no construction, remodeling, or major repair may begin in the unincorporated county without a permit. Floodplain work must meet all agency requirements before any permit is issued.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plans
• Drainage/landscape/erosion control plans
• Insurance assurance/exemption forms
• Business license
• Septic approval
• Kentucky code-compliant construction plans
• Engineered/architect documents when required
• Plats and variance letters

Permit validity

Not detailed in the posted materials; verify the timeframe with Building Inspection when the permit is issued.

Building code

The county has adopted the Kentucky One- and Two-Family Code for the unincorporated area (Section 150.01) and the National Electrical Code for wiring installations (Section 150.15).

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must submit the worker's comp assurance/exemption and full documentation with every application.

Contractor requirements

Contractor submittals must include the workers comp assurance form, any required city business license, and licensed electricians (including license numbers when a mobile home installation or similar electrical work is involved).

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based: $3 per $1,000 (or fraction) up to $25,000, $2.50 per $1,000 through $50,000, $1.50 per $1,000 through $100,000, and $1 per $1,000 thereafter.

Reinspection fee

Section 150.26 establishes a $30 reinspection fee and a $20 supplement for reinspections due to concealment or unapproved materials, plus standard $30 fees for construction service, final, rough-in, service changes, mobile homes, and temporary connections.

Payment note

Section 150.03(B) deposits all permit fees into the county General Fund; confirm the preferred payment method with the Building Inspection Department.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural property that meets the Kentucky Building Code definition of 'agricultural property', unless it sits within the county's FEMA-designated floodplain, which then imposes all applicable governmental requirements before a permit can be issued.

Important: Residences on agricultural land are not treated as agricultural buildings and therefore must obtain permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 859-744-7019 (phone)
• inspections@winchesterky.com (email)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours' notice required to request inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation (non-commercial), and final inspections precede Certificate of Occupancy issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county has adopted the Kentucky One- and Two-Family Code for the unincorporated area (Section 150.01) and the National Electrical Code for wiring installations (Section 150.15).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building/Electrical/Zoning Permit Applications
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Clark County Building Permit FAQ

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

Section 150.02 states no construction, remodeling, or major repair may begin in the unincorporated county without a permit. Floodplain work must meet all agency requirements before any permit is issued.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $3 per $1,000 (or fraction) up to $25,000, $2.50 per $1,000 through $50,000, $1.50 per $1,000 through $100,000, and $1 per $1,000 thereafter..

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

1. Gather the location, valuation, and structural information required by Section 150.02, plus the portal's checklist (site plans, drainage/landscape/erosion plans, insurance, business license, septic approvals, floodplain details, and engineered or architect plans when triggered). 2. File the application through the iWorQ portal, attaching all required documentation and any development plan approvals from the zoning ordinance. 3. The Building Inspector's Office reviews the submission for compliance with the Kentucky One- and Two-Family Code (Section 150.01), the Kentucky Building Code, and local regulations before issuing a permit. 4. Pay the valuation-based fee prescribed in Section 150.03 via the portal or as directed by the department, ensuring prerequisite approvals (grading, floodplain, stormwater) are resolved first. 5. Request and schedule foundation, framing, insulation (non-commercial), and final inspections by contacting the office at least 24 hours ahead. 6. Pass the final inspection, obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, and conclude the permit.

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

Typical processing time is Not posted; call/email the Building Inspection office for current review timelines..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural property that meets the Kentucky Building Code definition of 'agricultural property', unless it sits within the county's FEMA-designated floodplain, which then imposes all applicable governmental requirements before a permit can be issued.. Note: Residences on agricultural land are not treated as agricultural buildings and therefore must obtain permits.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-744-7019, inspections@winchesterky.com. At least 24 hours' notice required to request inspections..