County Building Permits
Hancock County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the zoned portion of Hancock County (approximately one-third of the county outside municipal limits, plus the zoned areas within incorporated towns).
- Department
- Hancock County Urban Planning & Zoning
- Address
- Hancock County Administration Building, 3rd Floor, 225 Main Cross Street, Hawesville, KY 42348
- Phone
- 270-927-8169
- Website
- https://hancockky.us/
Application Process
- Call 270-927-8169 or email permits@hancockcounty.ky.gov to alert the Hancock County Urban Planning Commission that you plan new construction or a substantial renovation project.
- Describe the project (residential, mobile home, commercial, accessory structure, etc.) so staff can confirm it falls within the zoning boundary and determine the appropriate next steps.
- If the site lies in a designated flood zone, obtain the required flood permit along with the building permit before work begins.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact the office for current lead times.
General Requirements
Every new building and substantial renovation inside the zoned portion of Hancock County requires a permit. This includes homes, mobile homes, business/commercial structures, and accessory structures such as storage buildings, detached garages, covered porches, carports, and in-ground swimming pools. Flood-zone work also needs the corresponding flood permit.
- Building code
- Hancock County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Hancock County Urban Planning & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Hancock County Urban Planning Commission: 270-927-8169 (phone)
- permits@hancockcounty.ky.gov (email)
Additional Resources
- Building code: Hancock County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Hancock Clarion Permit Notice
- Kentucky PSC Published Meeting Notice
- DHBC Hancock County Inspector Sheet
- License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Hancock County Urban Planning & Zoning before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, KY?
- Every new building and substantial renovation inside the zoned portion of Hancock County requires a permit. This includes homes, mobile homes, business/commercial structures, and accessory structures such as storage buildings, detached garages, covered porches, carports, and in-ground swimming pools. Flood-zone work also needs the corresponding flood permit.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, KY?
- 1. Call 270-927-8169 or email permits@hancockcounty.ky.gov to alert the Hancock County Urban Planning Commission that you plan new construction or a substantial renovation project. 2. Describe the project (residential, mobile home, commercial, accessory structure, etc.) so staff can confirm it falls within the zoning boundary and determine the appropriate next steps. 3. If the site lies in a designated flood zone, obtain the required flood permit along with the building permit before work begins.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Not published; contact the office for current lead times..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hancock County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Hancock County Urban Planning Commission: 270-927-8169, permits@hancockcounty.ky.gov.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Hancock County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works