City Building Permits

Russell, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Russell, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Greenup County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Fourth-class home rule city of about 3,744 residents along U.S. 23.

Department
City of Russell Building Department
Address
P.O. Box 394, Russell, KY 41169
Phone
606-836-9666
Website
https://www.russellky.net/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Russell

Platform: City-hosted static pages linking to downloadable permit PDFs • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Fill the residential/commercial building permit form with applicant, owner, and contractor information plus the project valuation.
  2. Submit two sets of plans, a site plan showing dimensions/setbacks, corner markers, easements, and any required zoning permit before breaking ground (only one set is retained).
  3. Provide the electrical permit if applicable and plan for the city's certified inspectors to perform rough/final inspections.
  4. Receive the building permit, complete work, and obtain a certificate of occupancy before using the premises.

Source: City of Russell Building Department

General Requirements

Categories on the application include residential, commercial, mixed-use, demolition, and accessory structures; all construction, alteration, or contemplated uses must comply with city ordinances.

Required Documents

  • Two sets of plans
  • Site plan (dimensions, adjacent structures, setbacks, and easements)
  • Additional local/state permits if required
  • Certificate of occupancy required before use
Permit validity
Zoning permit expires after six months unless substantial progress is made.
Owner-builder
The owner or authorized agent must sign and certify the accuracy of the application; the permit does not authorize work until the application is approved.
Contractor requirements
The building permit requests state/local license numbers and states licenses/workers compensation must be valid at issuance.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Fees are based on project valuation and zoning fees, with totals calculated on the application.
Payment note
Submit fees along with the application in person or by mail to the city building. Electrical permit fees: $25 for residential and $50 for commercial electrical work.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Russell Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Inspector Richie Blum: 606-836-9666 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Electrical permits list certified inspectors (Virgil Morrison, Mike Tackett, Michael Garlinger) who perform the inspections for the city; only certified inspectors may inspect.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Russell Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Russell Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Russell, KY?
Categories on the application include residential, commercial, mixed-use, demolition, and accessory structures; all construction, alteration, or contemplated uses must comply with city ordinances.
How much does a building permit cost in Russell, KY?
Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on project valuation and zoning fees, with totals calculated on the application..
How do I apply for a building permit in Russell, KY?
1. Fill the residential/commercial building permit form with applicant, owner, and contractor information plus the project valuation. 2. Submit two sets of plans, a site plan showing dimensions/setbacks, corner markers, easements, and any required zoning permit before breaking ground (only one set is retained). 3. Provide the electrical permit if applicable and plan for the city's certified inspectors to perform rough/final inspections. 4. Receive the building permit, complete work, and obtain a certificate of occupancy before using the premises.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Russell, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspector Richie Blum: 606-836-9666.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Russell can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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