Frankfort, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The city department issues building permits and coordinates site plan reviews and certificates of occupancy for work inside the municipal boundaries. Large projects that meet the Commonwealth thresholds (20,000 sq ft or larger, three stories, or 100 or more occupants) undergo state review and still obtain a local permit. Plumbing and HVAC inspections are handled by the state and electrical inspections by Franklin County's code office.

Department

City of Frankfort Planning & Community Development / Planning and Building Codes Department

Address

City Hall, 315 West Second Street, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone

(502) 352-2094 (Planning & Community Development main line) and (502) 875-8567 (Planning and Building Codes Department)

Email

swatson@frankfort.ky.gov

Website

https://frankfort.ky.gov/508/Building-Construction

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project is subject to the Commonwealth's Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (state review is triggered for structures 20,000 sq ft or larger, three stories or more, or 100 or higher occupancy). Such projects still need state approval before the city issues a local permit.
2. Download the building permit application, the BUD "Before You Dig" form, the subcontractor list, and any other applicable forms.
3. Gather the required plan sets: two sets for single- and two-family dwellings, two sets plus seven site plans for multi-family, and site-specific requirements for other work.
4. Submit the completed forms, site plans, building plans, contractor signatures, and plan review fee at the Planning & Building Codes Department in City Hall.
5. Obtain any additional electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or zoning approvals the project requires.
6. Coordinate inspections (footer, framing, final) with the department; the city inspector confirms all structural, electrical, plumbing, and site improvements are ready before signature and the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
7. After all inspections and approvals (including state-managed plumbing/HVAC and Franklin County electrical inspections) are finished, obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, which also covers required site improvements.

Typical processing time: Not published to the public; call the Planning & Building Codes office for current turnaround expectations.

Source: City of Frankfort Planning & Community Development / Planning and Building Codes Department

General Requirements

Any individual or entity performing construction inside the city limits must obtain a building permit. Small projects such as detached buildings 200 sq ft or smaller, fences 7 ft or shorter, retaining walls under 4 ft, detached decks less than 30 inches above grade, play structures, and above-ground pools instead require only a zoning permit.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• BUD "Before You Dig" notice
• Subcontractor list
• Plan and site plan sets (two sets for single-/two-family; two sets plus seven site plans for multi-family; site-specific for other work)

Permit validity

The posted materials do not state an expiration or automatic renewal period; confirm with the department if the permit must be reissued after a certain time.

Building code

The city references the 2014 Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, the 2013 Kentucky Plumbing Code, the 2011 National Electrical Code, the 2012 International Mechanical Code, the 2009 National Fuel Gas Code, and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.

Owner-builder

The department does not list a separate owner-builder exemption, but builders of detached one- and two-family dwellings may elect either the Kentucky Building Code or the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code when submitting plans.

Contractor requirements

Electricians signing the application must be licensed. Every new business must obtain a City of Frankfort business license through the Finance Department. Electrical inspections for the city and Franklin County are arranged through the same Planning and Building Codes office, ensuring licensed trade contractors oversee the work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Single- and duplex residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft with a $125 minimum; multi-family and non-residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft with a $150 minimum

Plan check fee

$25

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based at $0.15 per square foot with stated minimums for residential and multi-family. Signage, manufactured home, relocation, and demolition permits have fixed fees. Short-term rental and temporary retail permits are flat $250 and $50 packets, respectively.

Reinspection fee

First additional building reinspection: $25; subsequent reinspections: $50, $100, and $250

Penalty (no permit)

$500 for work performed without a permit; higher penalties in historic districts

Payment note

Online payments through the department's "pay online" service carry a 2.95% processing fee. Contact the department for alternate payment options.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached buildings 200 sq ft or smaller
• Fences 7 ft or less
• Retaining walls under 4 ft
• Detached decks less than 30 inches above grade
• Play structures
• Above-ground pools

Important: These items do not require a building permit but still need a zoning permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (502) 352-2094 or (502) 875-8567 (phone)

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Fix the footer before pouring concrete, request the framing inspection before drywall, and schedule the final inspection after all work (including utilities and site improvements) is complete. Electrical inspections require separate applications and are handled by Franklin County. Each inspection needs its own application.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city references the 2014 Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, the 2013 Kentucky Plumbing Code, the 2011 National Electrical Code, the 2012 International Mechanical Code, the 2009 National Fuel Gas Code, and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Applications & Forms Page
• Planning & Community Development
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Frankfort Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Frankfort, KY?

Any individual or entity performing construction inside the city limits must obtain a building permit. Small projects such as detached buildings 200 sq ft or smaller, fences 7 ft or shorter, retaining walls under 4 ft, detached decks less than 30 inches above grade, play structures, and above-ground pools instead require only a zoning permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Frankfort, KY?

The minimum permit fee is Single- and duplex residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft with a $125 minimum; multi-family and non-residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft with a $150 minimum. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based at $0.15 per square foot with stated minimums for residential and multi-family. Signage, manufactured home, relocation, and demolition permits have fixed fees. Short-term rental and temporary retail permits are flat $250 and $50 packets, respectively.. Plan check fee: $25.

How do I apply for a building permit in Frankfort, KY?

1. Confirm whether the project is subject to the Commonwealth's Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (state review is triggered for structures 20,000 sq ft or larger, three stories or more, or 100 or higher occupancy). Such projects still need state approval before the city issues a local permit. 2. Download the building permit application, the BUD "Before You Dig" form, the subcontractor list, and any other applicable forms. 3. Gather the required plan sets: two sets for single- and two-family dwellings, two sets plus seven site plans for multi-family, and site-specific requirements for other work. 4. Submit the completed forms, site plans, building plans, contractor signatures, and plan review fee at the Planning & Building Codes Department in City Hall. 5. Obtain any additional electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or zoning approvals the project requires. 6. Coordinate inspections (footer, framing, final) with the department; the city inspector confirms all structural, electrical, plumbing, and site improvements are ready before signature and the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued. 7. After all inspections and approvals (including state-managed plumbing/HVAC and Franklin County electrical inspections) are finished, obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, which also covers required site improvements.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Frankfort, KY?

Typical processing time is Not published to the public; call the Planning & Building Codes office for current turnaround expectations..

What work is exempt from building permits in Frankfort, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached buildings 200 sq ft or smaller; Fences 7 ft or less; Retaining walls under 4 ft; Detached decks less than 30 inches above grade; Play structures; Above-ground pools. Note: These items do not require a building permit but still need a zoning permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Frankfort, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 352-2094 or (502) 875-8567.

Other cities in Franklin County