On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hardin County
HCPDC requires building and electrical permits and inspections for all new construction, additions, and remodeling.
Note: No countywide public exempt-work list was located. Public materials frame permits as required for new construction, additions, and remodeling. Verify edge cases with HCPDC before starting work.
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
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Residential Code
- 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.
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 15 working days for residential plan review on houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and for commercial plan review
- 01 Confirm whether the project needs a permit; HCPDC requires building and electrical permits for all new construction, additions, and remodeling.
- 02 Assemble the required permit packet, including building permit application, building affidavit, plot plan, deed, and any required encroachment, septic, floodplain, or stream construction approvals.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hardin County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150 for single family dwellings and residential additions; $100 minimum for many residential remodel categories; $100 minimum for commercial permits
02
Plan check fee
$200 for single family dwellings 2,000 square feet and above; $250 minimum for commercial plan review
03
Permit fee formula
Residential permits are largely category and square-footage based; commercial permits use the non-residential construction cost fee chart
04
Reinspection fee
$50
05
Penalty (no permit)
$150 plus permit fee for starting construction without permit
Applicants must submit permits in person; checks are made payable to Kentucky Building Code on the residential application
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (270) 769-5479 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing, framing, final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hardin County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hardin County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Hardin County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hardin County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hardin County, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hardin County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Hardin County, KY typically run 15 working days for residential plan review on houses over 2,000 square feet of roofed area and for commercial plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hardin County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hardin County, KY via: (270) 769-5479.
last verified April 2026
source Hardin County Planning and Development Commission ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/hardin/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hardin County Planning and Development Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.