Franklin County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building and electrical inspections, zoning administration, comprehensive planning, and floodplain services for the unincorporated parts of Franklin County. Projects inside the City of Frankfort or those subject to state review are routed to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Department

Franklin County Planning, Zoning & Building Codes Department

Address

321 West Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone

(502) 875-8701

Email

autumn.goderwis@franklincounty.ky.gov

Website

https://franklincounty.ky.gov/planning-zoning-building-code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit (decks, inground pools, storage buildings larger than 200 sq ft, residences, commercial buildings, or renovations beyond a simple facade change).
2. Download the BOCA Form application and supporting documents, complete the subcontractor list, collect proof of workers compensation or affidavit.
3. Prepare two sets of plans showing foundations, framing, floor plans, roof structure, and other details called for in the checklist.
4. Deliver the completed application, plan sets, contractor/subcontractor details, insurance affidavits, and applicable fees to the County Planning & Zoning office in person.
5. The department selects the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code or Kentucky Building Code for review, processes the plan examination, and issues the permit and approved plans once the plan review fee is paid and the paperwork is complete.
6. Schedule inspections by calling the office; inspectors must see the approved plans on site, and the work must remain exposed until it is approved during the required inspection stages.

Typical processing time: Not published on the public site; contact the Planning & Zoning office for current lead times.

Source: Franklin County Planning, Zoning & Building Codes Department

General Requirements

Projects such as decks, inground pools, storage buildings larger than 200 sq ft, residences, commercial buildings, or renovations beyond a simple facade change require a building permit. Any structural renovation beyond an exterior facade change requires a building permit.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application (BOCA Form)
• Two sets of legible plans (foundation, framing, floor plan, roof structure, engineered details)
• Subcontractor list with Franklin County business license numbers
• Workers compensation affidavit or insurance proof
• Health department approvals when applicable
• Floodplain or encroachment paperwork

Permit validity

The county does not publish permit expiration terms on the online materials; verify deadlines or renewal needs with the Planning & Zoning office.

Building code

Applicants choose either the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code or the 2018 Kentucky Building Code during review. Electrical inspections follow the edition of the National Electrical Code adopted by the Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction.

Owner-builder

A Farmstead Exemption under KRS 198B.06 lets property owners of at least ten acres of agricultural land construct a new dwelling or agricultural building without a building permit if the application, site plan, PVA statement, and affidavit are submitted, but floodplain, septic, plumbing, electrical, zoning, and business licenses still apply. Homeowners performing their own electrical work on their residence may apply for an electrical permit by filing the required affidavit.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must have a Franklin County Business License and list their license numbers on the permit. Electrical contractors must also hold county licenses with current workers compensation and liability insurance before their inspections are scheduled.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$250 for new single- or two-family and modular construction; $125 minimum for accessory structures, decks, remodels, and pools

Plan check fee

$25 per application

Permit fee formula

$0.15 per square foot for residential with stated minimums; commercial, sign, and other specialized permits follow the Kentucky Building Code fee schedules

Reinspection fee

$25 for first; $50 for second; $100 for third; $200 for each subsequent. Electrical reinspection is $50 per trip or based on 2% commercial contract fee schedule.

Penalty (no permit)

$500 for working without a permit

Payment note

Card payments can be accepted by phone with a 2.49% convenience fee; verify current payment methods with the office. Inspection or reinspection requests are not scheduled until the required fees are paid, and all reinspection fees must be cleared before the department reschedules.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 9, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Qualified farmsteads (minimum ten acres of registered agricultural land) may claim the Farmstead Exemption to build a residence or agricultural structure without a building permit, provided they submit the special application, site plan, and affidavit.
• Renovations limited to the exterior facade do not require a building permit.

Important: Farmstead exemptions and facade-only renovations still require floodplain, septic, electrical, plumbing, zoning, or business licenses as applicable.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (502) 875-8701 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

The office does not take inspection requests by email or voicemail; calls only.

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are scheduled first-come, first-served. Footing, framing, and final inspections are coordinated with electrical and plumbing approvals. The inspector must meet the contractor on site. Letters from engineers are only accepted when expressly requested. Framing and final inspections occur after electrical and plumbing are approved.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Applicants choose either the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code or the 2018 Kentucky Building Code during review. Electrical inspections follow the edition of the National Electrical Code adopted by the Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floodplain and Flood Information
• Planning & Zoning Department Home Page
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin County Building Permit FAQ

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

Projects such as decks, inground pools, storage buildings larger than 200 sq ft, residences, commercial buildings, or renovations beyond a simple facade change require a building permit. Any structural renovation beyond an exterior facade change requires a building permit.

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

The minimum permit fee is $250 for new single- or two-family and modular construction; $125 minimum for accessory structures, decks, remodels, and pools. Fees are calculated as: $0.15 per square foot for residential with stated minimums; commercial, sign, and other specialized permits follow the Kentucky Building Code fee schedules. Plan check fee: $25 per application.

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

1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit (decks, inground pools, storage buildings larger than 200 sq ft, residences, commercial buildings, or renovations beyond a simple facade change). 2. Download the BOCA Form application and supporting documents, complete the subcontractor list, collect proof of workers compensation or affidavit. 3. Prepare two sets of plans showing foundations, framing, floor plans, roof structure, and other details called for in the checklist. 4. Deliver the completed application, plan sets, contractor/subcontractor details, insurance affidavits, and applicable fees to the County Planning & Zoning office in person. 5. The department selects the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code or Kentucky Building Code for review, processes the plan examination, and issues the permit and approved plans once the plan review fee is paid and the paperwork is complete. 6. Schedule inspections by calling the office; inspectors must see the approved plans on site, and the work must remain exposed until it is approved during the required inspection stages.

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

Typical processing time is Not published on the public site; contact the Planning & Zoning office for current lead times..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Qualified farmsteads (minimum ten acres of registered agricultural land) may claim the Farmstead Exemption to build a residence or agricultural structure without a building permit, provided they submit the special application, site plan, and affidavit.; Renovations limited to the exterior facade do not require a building permit.. Note: Farmstead exemptions and facade-only renovations still require floodplain, septic, electrical, plumbing, zoning, or business licenses as applicable.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 875-8701. The office does not take inspection requests by email or voicemail; calls only..