On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fulton County
All new construction, additions, structural repairs, change-of-use and demolition projects in unincorporated Fulton County require a permit under the Kentucky Building Code.
Plumbing repairs (plan review fees waived when the submission solely repairs plumbing)
- Exempt Plumbing repairs (plan review fees waived when the submission solely repairs plumbing)
Note: No broader exempt list was found. Verify any other exemptions with the inspector.
Required documents
- Construction drawings
- Site/plot plan
- Valuation
- Contractor/subcontractor list
- Specialty-system plans as described on the plan review worksheet
- Building code
- 2013 Kentucky Building Code and 2013 Kentucky Residential Code
- Permit validity
- Work must begin within six months of plan approval or the permit lapses, consistent with Kentucky Building Code practice.
- Owner-builder
- No owner-builder exemptions are listed; consult the inspector because contractor licensing expectations still apply.
- Contractor requirements
- The inspector expects licensed contractors/subcontractors even for unincorporated projects, aligning with the Kentucky Building Code's licensing standards.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; query the assigned inspector for current review timelines.
- 01 Contact the county planning/zoning authority to confirm zoning, floodplain and subdivision implications before preparing plans.
- 02 Determine the jurisdictional inspector (Michael Sullivan for unincorporated Fulton County) and prepare construction documents/site plans meeting the Kentucky Building Code, including valuations and specialty-system information.
- 03 Submit the plans and fees to the assigned DHBC inspector for code review.
- 04 Once the review is complete under the 2013 Kentucky Building Code, the inspector issues the permit.
- 05 Schedule standard inspections (footing, foundation, framing, occupancy, electrical, plumbing) with the inspector.
- 06 Post the permit on-site and coordinate any specialty inspections per the inspector's instructions.
Typical processing time: Not published; query the assigned inspector for current review timelines.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fulton County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$285
02
Plan check fee
Submit the plan review worksheet with the applicable cost-per-square-foot or valuation fee plus any specialty-system surcharges.
03
Permit fee formula
New construction uses occupancy-based square-foot rates per Table 121.3.1; additions/change-of-use follow the same table; alterations/repairs use 0.0030 of the construction cost or area-based formula.
04
Reinspection fee
Electrical inspections (and similar trades) are billed hourly plus mileage; a final certificate is withheld until all inspection fees are paid.
Attach the worksheet to each plan set. The inspector expects payment before the final certificate of compliance is issued.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 270-223-8699 (phone)
- Michaell.sullivan@ky.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM; otherwise coordinate by phone/email
Typical sequence: Standard inspections mirror the Fulton permit checklist: footings, foundation, framing, structure, termite, occupancy, electrical, plumbing.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Fulton County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
All new construction, additions, structural repairs, change-of-use and demolition projects in unincorporated Fulton County require a permit under the Kentucky Building Code.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Fulton County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: New construction uses occupancy-based square-foot rates per Table 121.3.1; additions/change-of-use follow the same table; alterations/repairs use 0.0030 of the construction cost or area-based formula.. Plan check fee: Submit the plan review worksheet with the applicable cost-per-square-foot or valuation fee plus any specialty-system surcharges..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fulton County, KY, follow these steps: 1. Contact the county planning/zoning authority to confirm zoning, floodplain and subdivision implications before preparing plans. 2. Determine the jurisdictional inspector (Michael Sullivan for unincorporated Fulton County) and prepare construction documents/site plans meeting the Kentucky Building Code, including valuations and specialty-system information. 3. Submit the plans and fees to the assigned DHBC inspector for code review. 4. Once the review is complete under the 2013 Kentucky Building Code, the inspector issues the permit. 5. Schedule standard inspections (footing, foundation, framing, occupancy, electrical, plumbing) with the inspector. 6. Post the permit on-site and coordinate any specialty inspections per the inspector's instructions.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Fulton County, KY typically run Not published; query the assigned inspector for current review timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Fulton County, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Plumbing repairs (plan review fees waived when the submission solely repairs plumbing). Note: No broader exempt list was found. Verify any other exemptions with the inspector. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fulton County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fulton County, KY via: 270-223-8699, Michaell.sullivan@ky.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Fulton County Judge Executive/Fiscal Court planning functions with building inspections overseen by Kentucky DHBC ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/fulton/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Fulton County Judge Executive/Fiscal Court planning functions with building inspections overseen by Kentucky DHBC before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.