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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clark County
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.
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.
- 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.
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
- 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).
- Permit validity
- Not detailed in the posted materials; verify the timeframe with Building Inspection when the permit is issued.
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not posted; call/email the Building Inspection office for current review timelines.
- 01 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).
- 02 File the application through the iWorQ portal, attaching all required documentation and any development plan approvals from the zoning ordinance.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 Request and schedule foundation, framing, insulation (non-commercial), and final inspections by contacting the office at least 24 hours ahead.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clark County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
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.
Section 150.03(B) deposits all permit fees into the county General Fund; confirm the preferred payment method with the Building Inspection Department.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation (non-commercial), and final inspections precede Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clark County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clark County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Clark County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Clark County, KY typically run Not posted; call/email the Building Inspection office for current review timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, KY via: 859-744-7019, inspections@winchesterky.com. At least 24 hours' notice required to request inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Clark County Building Inspector's Office ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/clark/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clark County Building Inspector's Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.