Hardin County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Official county building and electrical permitting authority for unincorporated Hardin County.

Department

Hardin County Planning and Development Commission

Address

150 N Provident Way, Suite 225, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone

(270) 769-5479

Email

permits@hardincountyky.gov

Website

https://www.hcpdc.com/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit; HCPDC requires building and electrical permits for all new construction, additions, and remodeling.
2. Assemble the required permit packet, including building permit application, building affidavit, plot plan, deed, and any required encroachment, septic, floodplain, or stream construction approvals.
3. Submit the permit packet in person at the HCPDC office. All building and electrical permits must be submitted in person, except registered certified electrical contractors using the portal.
4. If plans are required, allow plan review time. New houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and all commercial projects require plan review with an estimated 15 working days.
5. After issuance, call or use the inspection request tools for footing, framing, and final inspections before occupancy.

Typical processing time: 15 working days for residential plan review on houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and for commercial plan review

Source: Hardin County Planning and Development Commission

General Requirements

HCPDC requires building and electrical permits and inspections for all new construction, additions, and remodeling.

Required Documents

• Residential building/zoning permit application
• Building affidavit
• Deed
• Plot plan showing distances to property lines and structures
• Encroachment permit for new and existing private access off state and county roads
• On-site sewage evaluation for dwellings or structures with plumbing
• Construction plans for all new houses
• Plan review submittal for houses with 2,000 or more square feet of roofed area
• Floodplain or stream construction approvals where applicable

Permit validity

If no inspections are requested for 180 days or more, the permit is deemed inactive and closed; new application and fees are required to reopen and complete the project.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Residential Code

Owner-builder

Homeowner electrical waiver and owner electrical affidavit are published; building packet includes affidavit and workers compensation compliance statement. Homeowners may use waiver forms where allowed.

Contractor requirements

Electrical contractors must hold electrical contractor and master electrician credentials for the HCPDC program. Building affidavit requires workers compensation and unemployment insurance compliance under KRS 198B.060(10).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150 for single family dwellings and residential additions; $100 minimum for many residential remodel categories; $100 minimum for commercial permits

Plan check fee

$200 for single family dwellings 2,000 square feet and above; $250 minimum for commercial plan review

Permit fee formula

Residential permits are largely category and square-footage based; commercial permits use the non-residential construction cost fee chart

Reinspection fee

$50

Penalty (no permit)

$150 plus permit fee for starting construction without permit

Payment note

Applicants must submit permits in person; checks are made payable to Kentucky Building Code on the residential application

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Hardin County Planning and Development Commission to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (270) 769-5479 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, framing, final

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Residential Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building How-To
• Applications
• KBC Handouts
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Hardin County Building Permit FAQ

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

HCPDC requires building and electrical permits and inspections for all new construction, additions, and remodeling.

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

The minimum permit fee is $150 for single family dwellings and residential additions; $100 minimum for many residential remodel categories; $100 minimum for commercial permits. Fees are calculated as: Residential permits are largely category and square-footage based; commercial permits use the non-residential construction cost fee chart. Plan check fee: $200 for single family dwellings 2,000 square feet and above; $250 minimum for commercial plan review.

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

1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit; HCPDC requires building and electrical permits for all new construction, additions, and remodeling. 2. Assemble the required permit packet, including building permit application, building affidavit, plot plan, deed, and any required encroachment, septic, floodplain, or stream construction approvals. 3. Submit the permit packet in person at the HCPDC office. All building and electrical permits must be submitted in person, except registered certified electrical contractors using the portal. 4. If plans are required, allow plan review time. New houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and all commercial projects require plan review with an estimated 15 working days. 5. After issuance, call or use the inspection request tools for footing, framing, and final inspections before occupancy.

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

Typical processing time is 15 working days for residential plan review on houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and for commercial plan review.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 769-5479.