Unincorporated Franklin County

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.

• 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.
• Exempt 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.

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.

Permit validity

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

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.

Source: Franklin County Planning, Zoning & Building Codes Department ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   Download the BOCA Form application and supporting documents, complete the subcontractor list, collect proof of workers compensation or affidavit.
3. 03
   Prepare two sets of plans showing foundations, framing, floor plans, roof structure, and other details called for in the checklist.
4. 04
   Deliver the completed application, plan sets, contractor/subcontractor details, insurance affidavits, and applicable fees to the County Planning & Zoning office in person.
5. 05
   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. 06
   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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 9, 2025) before budgeting.

• (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 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.

Source: Franklin County Planning, Zoning & Building Codes Department ↗