Hart County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Hart County; the county does not maintain a countywide zoning ordinance.

Department

Hart County Building/Electrical Inspector

Address

Second Floor, Hart County Courthouse, 200 Main Street, Munfordville, KY 42765

Phone

(270) 524-1782

Email

john.nichols@hartcountyky.gov

Website

https://hartcounty.ky.gov/Departments/Pages/building-electrical-inspector.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm that the deed and plat are recorded with the county clerk and planning commission.
2. Request an address from the Hart County Courthouse (270-524-5219) as address is required on the permit form.
3. Obtain a septic-tank release number from Hart County Health Department (Jason Meadows, 270-524-2511 ext. 3) or provide sewer invoice if applicable.
4. Complete the Hart County building permit application including owner, contractor, site location, and project valuation details.
5. Submit the completed permit to the inspector's office or mail to PO Box 490, Munfordville, KY 42765.
6. Pay inspection fees through the Hart County portal (https://hartcountyky.gov/form.php) or by check to Hart County Fiscal Court before inspections are scheduled.
7. Call the inspector at (270) 524-1782 to schedule required inspections (temporary service, rough-in, final, etc.).
8. Obtain certificate of approval after passing all required inspections and submitting proof of septic release.

Typical processing time: Processing time not published; contact the inspector's office for current lead times.

Source: Hart County Building/Electrical Inspector

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all dwellings. Barns or other detached accessory buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres are exempt.

Required Documents

• Recorded deed and plat
• Address from courthouse
• Septic release number or sewer invoice
• Completed building permit application
• Owner and contractor information
• Detailed site-plan information

Permit validity

Certificate of approval is withheld until all fees and inspections are satisfied; no separate permit expiration published.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code and Residential Code, enforced through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Owner-builder

The permit application allows either the property owner or a contractor to submit the application.

Contractor requirements

All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$200 (single-family building up to 2,000 sq ft)

Permit fee formula

Residential: $200 base for single-family (up to 2,000 sq ft), then $50 per 1,000 sq ft tiers. Multi-family/commercial: $4 per $1,000 from $15K-$100K, $3 per $1,000 from $100K-$500K, $2 per $1,000 above $500K.

Reinspection fee

$50 per reinspection

Payment note

Pay through portal with name/email, or by check made out to Hart County Fiscal Court (mail to Inspectors Office, PO Box 490, Munfordville, KY 42765).

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Barns and other detached accessory buildings located on parcels of more than 10 acres

Important: Confirm any exempt status with the Hart County Building Inspector before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (270) 524-1782 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: temporary service, rough-in, temporary on main, final, and other residential inspections. Schedule in the order work will be completed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code and Residential Code, enforced through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning Commission
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Hart County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all dwellings. Barns or other detached accessory buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres are exempt.

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

The minimum permit fee is $200 (single-family building up to 2,000 sq ft). Fees are calculated as: Residential: $200 base for single-family (up to 2,000 sq ft), then $50 per 1,000 sq ft tiers. Multi-family/commercial: $4 per $1,000 from $15K-$100K, $3 per $1,000 from $100K-$500K, $2 per $1,000 above $500K..

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

1. Confirm that the deed and plat are recorded with the county clerk and planning commission. 2. Request an address from the Hart County Courthouse (270-524-5219) as address is required on the permit form. 3. Obtain a septic-tank release number from Hart County Health Department (Jason Meadows, 270-524-2511 ext. 3) or provide sewer invoice if applicable. 4. Complete the Hart County building permit application including owner, contractor, site location, and project valuation details. 5. Submit the completed permit to the inspector's office or mail to PO Box 490, Munfordville, KY 42765. 6. Pay inspection fees through the Hart County portal (https://hartcountyky.gov/form.php) or by check to Hart County Fiscal Court before inspections are scheduled. 7. Call the inspector at (270) 524-1782 to schedule required inspections (temporary service, rough-in, final, etc.). 8. Obtain certificate of approval after passing all required inspections and submitting proof of septic release.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time not published; contact the inspector's office for current lead times..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hart County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Barns and other detached accessory buildings located on parcels of more than 10 acres. Note: Confirm any exempt status with the Hart County Building Inspector before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 524-1782.