Garrard County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All residential and business structures on parcels under 10 acres across unincorporated Garrard County, administered through the Judge/Executive's office.

Department

Garrard County Code Enforcement - Building Code Enforcement Division

Address

15 Public Square, Lancaster, KY 40444

Phone

(859) 792-3531

Website

https://garrardcountyky.gov/county-department/code-enforcement/building-code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download or pick up the Garrard County Building Permit Application from the county website or Judge/Executive's office.
2. Complete applicant and property details, noting required trade contacts.
3. Assemble supporting documentation: septic soil evaluation, floor plans, wall section, lot diagram, deed/restriction copies, truss diagrams, and Worker Affidavit of Assurances.
4. Submit the completed packet with fee payment to the Judge/Executive's office at 15 Public Square, Lancaster, KY 40444.
5. After permit issuance, contact Building Inspector Tim Scott (859-339-0739) and trade inspectors to schedule the four standard inspections.
6. Pass all required inspections: Footer/Foundation, Framing, Insulation, and Final.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact the Judge/Executive's office at (859) 792-3531 to confirm.

Source: Garrard County Code Enforcement - Building Code Enforcement Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all residential and business structures on parcels smaller than 10 acres in unincorporated Garrard County. Manufactured and mobile homes must also comply with the Kentucky Residential Code and floodplain requirements.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Septic soil evaluation report
• Floor plans
• Typical wall section
• Lot diagram
• Deed or covenant copies
• Truss diagrams
• Worker Affidavit of Assurances
• Engineered details as needed

Permit validity

Not defined in publicly published materials; confirm permit expiration term with the Judge/Executive's office.

Building code

Kentucky Residential Code, statewide plumbing code, and National Electrical Code as administered through a Level 1 inspection program.

Owner-builder

Applicants must attest that the listed builder/owner is registered with the County Tax Administrator and carries workers' compensation and liability coverage.

Contractor requirements

All builders and contractors must register with the county administrator, maintain insurance coverage, and provide installer/license numbers for manufactured and mobile homes.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25 (accessory buildings under 144 sq ft); $200 (residential new construction up to 1,999 sq ft)

Permit fee formula

Residential: tiered by square footage ($200-$350); Commercial: per square foot (10-16 cents); Flat fees for decks, carports, pools, mobile homes, signs, and zone hearings.

Penalty (no permit)

Civil sanctions or Class A misdemeanor penalties (fines, jail, daily violations) for unpermitted construction

Payment note

Payment collected at the Judge/Executive's office when the application is submitted. Call (859) 792-3531 for acceptable payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Garrard County Code Enforcement - Building Code Enforcement Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Inspector Tim Scott (phone)
• (859) 339-0739 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: Footer/Foundation, Framing, Insulation, Final inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Residential Code, statewide plumbing code, and National Electrical Code as administered through a Level 1 inspection program.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Garrard County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all residential and business structures on parcels smaller than 10 acres in unincorporated Garrard County. Manufactured and mobile homes must also comply with the Kentucky Residential Code and floodplain requirements.

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

The minimum permit fee is $25 (accessory buildings under 144 sq ft); $200 (residential new construction up to 1,999 sq ft). Fees are calculated as: Residential: tiered by square footage ($200-$350); Commercial: per square foot (10-16 cents); Flat fees for decks, carports, pools, mobile homes, signs, and zone hearings..

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

1. Download or pick up the Garrard County Building Permit Application from the county website or Judge/Executive's office. 2. Complete applicant and property details, noting required trade contacts. 3. Assemble supporting documentation: septic soil evaluation, floor plans, wall section, lot diagram, deed/restriction copies, truss diagrams, and Worker Affidavit of Assurances. 4. Submit the completed packet with fee payment to the Judge/Executive's office at 15 Public Square, Lancaster, KY 40444. 5. After permit issuance, contact Building Inspector Tim Scott (859-339-0739) and trade inspectors to schedule the four standard inspections. 6. Pass all required inspections: Footer/Foundation, Framing, Insulation, and Final.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time varies; contact the Judge/Executive's office at (859) 792-3531 to confirm..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspector Tim Scott, (859) 339-0739.