Clay County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Entire county outside Manchester municipal boundary; state DHBC intervenes when local slot is open.

Department

Clay County Judge/Executive's Office (Fiscal Court) with Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC)

Address

102 Richmond Road, Suite 201, Manchester, KY 40962 (Judge/Executive office); Clay County Health Department, 330 Shamrock Rd, Manchester, KY 40962 (inspections)

Phone

(606) 598-2071 (Judge/Executive office); (606) 598-2425 ext. 224 (health department/inspector)

Email

wf.skils@gmail.com (Residential inspector Wes Finley)

Website

https://claycounty.ky.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the work falls under DHBC state, expanded, or local jurisdiction per SmartGov guidance.
2. Call the Clay County Health Department inspector to discuss the project before preparing documents.
3. Submit plans that comply with 815 KAR 7:120 (commercial) and 815 KAR 7:125 (residential) through SmartGov or directly to the inspector for simple residential projects.
4. Pay the calculated fees based on occupancy-specific cost-per-square-foot tables.
5. Await DHBC approval and schedule required inspections through SmartGov or by phone.

Typical processing time: Fast-track review: one-week turnaround for site/foundation approval with 50% surcharge (minimum $400, maximum $3,000). Standard timelines not posted.

Source: Clay County Judge/Executive's Office (Fiscal Court) with Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC)

General Requirements

All buildings must follow the 2015 IBC with 2018 Kentucky amendments (815 KAR 7:120 §2). For one- and two-family dwellings, the 2015 IRC with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code applies (815 KAR 7:125 §2). Single-family dwellings are exempt unless a local ordinance adds a requirement.

Required Documents

• Plans for new buildings, additions, and repairs
• Plans must conform to administrative regulations per KAR 7:120 §4 and KAR 7:125 §3

Permit validity

Permit expiration not published by county or DHBC; confirm with inspector at intake.

Building code

2015 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments (815 KAR 7:120) and 2015 IRC with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125)

Owner-builder

Single-family dwellings do not require permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy unless a local ordinance says otherwise (815 KAR 7:125 §2(2)(a)).

Contractor requirements

Contractors must carry appropriate DHBC state credentials (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, sprinkler/fire alarm, building inspectors).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$285

Plan check fee

Occupancy-based per Table 121.3.1; fast-track surcharge is 50% of base fee (minimum $400, maximum $3,000)

Permit fee formula

Occupancy-specific cost-per-square-foot from Table 121.3.1 times building area; alternate calculations for additions, alterations, and specialized systems

Payment note

$1 surcharge for ACH/e-check payments through SmartGov

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Clay County Judge/Executive's Office (Fiscal Court) with Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• (606) 598-2425 ext. 224 (phone)

Inspection hours

Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Clay County Health Department; contact by portal or phone for other times

Typical inspection sequence: DHBC enforces statewide plan review/inspection for site/foundation, framing, mechanical, and final inspections once plans conform to KAR 7:120/7:125. No detailed sequence published; confirm with inspector.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments (815 KAR 7:120) and 2015 IRC with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• DHBC SmartGov Portal
• Kentucky Administrative Regulations 815 KAR 7:120
• Kentucky Administrative Regulations 815 KAR 7:125
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Clay County Building Permit FAQ

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

All buildings must follow the 2015 IBC with 2018 Kentucky amendments (815 KAR 7:120 §2). For one- and two-family dwellings, the 2015 IRC with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code applies (815 KAR 7:125 §2). Single-family dwellings are exempt unless a local ordinance adds a requirement.

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

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Occupancy-specific cost-per-square-foot from Table 121.3.1 times building area; alternate calculations for additions, alterations, and specialized systems. Plan check fee: Occupancy-based per Table 121.3.1; fast-track surcharge is 50% of base fee (minimum $400, maximum $3,000).

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

1. Determine whether the work falls under DHBC state, expanded, or local jurisdiction per SmartGov guidance. 2. Call the Clay County Health Department inspector to discuss the project before preparing documents. 3. Submit plans that comply with 815 KAR 7:120 (commercial) and 815 KAR 7:125 (residential) through SmartGov or directly to the inspector for simple residential projects. 4. Pay the calculated fees based on occupancy-specific cost-per-square-foot tables. 5. Await DHBC approval and schedule required inspections through SmartGov or by phone.

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

Typical processing time is Fast-track review: one-week turnaround for site/foundation approval with 50% surcharge (minimum $400, maximum $3,000). Standard timelines not posted..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family dwellings are exempt from permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy unless a local ordinance imposes one (815 KAR 7:125 §2(2)(a)). Note: No broader exempt-work list published by Clay County; inquire with the inspector or county clerk for clarification.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (606) 598-2425 ext. 224.