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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gallatin County
A land-use permit is required for new construction, additions, remodeling, accessory buildings, and demolition for single-family, two-family, and multi-family uses.
Note: No explicit exempt-work list is published. The permit verifies land use and is not a state-approved building permit. Contact the county planning office for clarification on exemptions.
- Completed Residential or Commercial Land Use Permit application
- Site plan/drawing with all dimensions and setbacks
- Estimated construction cost worksheet
- PVA card (property assessment)
- Contractor information
- Demolition/clean-up plan if applicable
- Utility supply information
- Floodplain compliance documentation
- Building code
- Kentucky Building, Plumbing, and Standards of Safety codes as adopted by Kentucky state law.
- Permit validity
- Not described in publicly posted materials; applicants should confirm with the planning office at submission.
- Owner-builder
- Not provided on application forms or county pages.
- Contractor requirements
- Forms list state electrical, plumbing, and HVAC inspector contacts, implying licensed trades must be used per state law.
Application process
Typical processing: Plan for review at the first Tuesday meeting; approximately 2-4 weeks depending on submission date.
- 01 Download the Residential or Commercial Land Use Permit application from the forms page.
- 02 Fill in property, applicant, owner, and contractor information, and describe the proposed use.
- 03 Attach required drawings: measured site plan with setbacks, estimated construction costs, PVA card, and any demolition/cleanup plans.
- 04 Submit the packet with payment to Gallatin County Planning Commission at 200 Washington Street.
- 05 Submissions are reviewed at the Joint Planning Commission meeting, which occurs the first Tuesday of each month.
- 06 The Planning Commission verifies zoning, setbacks, and floodplain compliance, then issues the permit.
- 07 Coordinate with the relevant state inspectors listed on the application for each trade.
Typical processing time: Plan for review at the first Tuesday meeting; approximately 2-4 weeks depending on submission date.
Fee schedule
Gallatin County building permit fees
Checks payable to Gallatin County Fiscal Court.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (859) 567-5691 (phone)
- Gallatin County Planning Commission (in-person)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Planning Commission verifies setbacks (front, rear, side) and floodplain compliance before permit approval. State inspectors handle trade-specific inspections (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) via contacts listed on the application.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Gallatin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Gallatin County, KY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gallatin County, KY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gallatin County, KY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gallatin County, KY? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gallatin County, KY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Gallatin County Joint Planning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.