Unincorporated Clay County

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.

• 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.

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)

Permit validity

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

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).

1. 01
   Determine whether the work falls under DHBC state, expanded, or local jurisdiction per SmartGov guidance.
2. 02
   Call the Clay County Health Department inspector to discuss the project before preparing documents.
3. 03
   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. 04
   Pay the calculated fees based on occupancy-specific cost-per-square-foot tables.
5. 05
   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) ↗

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

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

• 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 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.