How do I apply for a building permit in Smithfield, KY?

1. Request the zoning permit application forms from the zoning enforcement officer; the office keeps the standard forms on file. 2. Provide a dimensional drawing/site plan showing building placement, parking, and water/sewage facilities plus the County Health Officer's preliminary approval for the proposed utilities. 3. Pay the required fees (per resolution), submit the package, and allow the enforcement officer to review within a reasonable time, typically three business days. 4. After zoning approval, bring the approved copy to the city/county/state building inspector to obtain the building permit under the adopted Kentucky Building Code/Residential Code.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Smithfield, KY?

Typical processing time is Approximately three business days for zoning review..

What work is exempt from building permits in Smithfield, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance regardless of cost.; Alterations of existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less.; Construction or service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities.; Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and the like in conjunction with site improvements prior to building development.; Installation of improvements required by an approved preliminary subdivision plat or approved planned development plat.; Any structure (other than signs) containing less than 15 square feet of floor space.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Enforcement Officer before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Smithfield, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Jim Bond (State Building Inspector), Henry County Health Department.

City Building Permits

Smithfield, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Henry County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Smithfield under the Henry County Zoning Ordinance adopted by the Smithfield City Council and the fiscal court.

Department: Henry County Planning & Zoning Commission / Zoning Enforcement Officer
Address: 19 South Property Road, New Castle, KY 40050
Phone: 502-845-5707
Email: amy.mahoney@ky.gov
Website: https://henrycounty.ky.gov/Departments/Pages/Planning-Zoning.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Open Henry County Planning & Zoning

Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Request the zoning permit application forms from the zoning enforcement officer; the office keeps the standard forms on file.
Provide a dimensional drawing/site plan showing building placement, parking, and water/sewage facilities plus the County Health Officer's preliminary approval for the proposed utilities.
Pay the required fees (per resolution), submit the package, and allow the enforcement officer to review within a reasonable time, typically three business days.
After zoning approval, bring the approved copy to the city/county/state building inspector to obtain the building permit under the adopted Kentucky Building Code/Residential Code.

Typical processing time: Approximately three business days for zoning review.

Source: Henry County Planning & Zoning Commission / Zoning Enforcement Officer

General Requirements

Any building, manufactured home, or other structure that is erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered must receive a building permit issued by the zoning enforcement officer and the applicable building inspector before work starts.

Required Documents

Dimensional drawing of the building plan in duplicate showing building locations, lot area, parking, and water/sewage utilities
County Health Officer's preliminary approval of the proposed water and sewage facilities

Permit validity: Building permits expire one year after the date of issuance unless the Planning Commission extends them.
Building code: Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code
Owner-builder: The ordinance defers to the Kentucky Building Code/Residential Code for construction standards and does not list additional owner-builder exemptions, so owner-builders must meet the same submission requirements as other applicants.
Contractor requirements: Henry County has no local contractor licensing authority; the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction provides the statewide licensing and inspection staff referenced for Henry County, so licensed trades should follow DHBC registration before pulling permits.

Fees

Payment note: Fees are set by Planning Commission resolution and posted in the zoning enforcement officer's office; no publicly posted schedule was located online. Fees must be paid in full before the zoning enforcement officer acts; payments are handled at the office and no online payment portal is advertised. Contact the zoning enforcement officer for the current fee sheet.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Recurring maintenance regardless of cost.
Alterations of existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less.
Construction or service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities.
Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and the like in conjunction with site improvements prior to building development.
Installation of improvements required by an approved preliminary subdivision plat or approved planned development plat.
Any structure (other than signs) containing less than 15 square feet of floor space.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Enforcement Officer before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Jim Bond (State Building Inspector) (phone)
Henry County Health Department (phone)

Inspection hours: Tuesday 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM EST

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections follow the Kentucky Building Code/Residential Code framework adopted by the county, so the inspector schedules customary stage inspections (foundation, framing, mechanical, final) per the state code; confirm the exact sequence with the inspector.

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Henry County Planning & Zoning Commission / Zoning Enforcement Officer before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smithfield Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Smithfield, KY?: Any building, manufactured home, or other structure that is erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered must receive a building permit issued by the zoning enforcement officer and the applicable building inspector before work starts.
How do I apply for a building permit in Smithfield, KY?: 1. Request the zoning permit application forms from the zoning enforcement officer; the office keeps the standard forms on file. 2. Provide a dimensional drawing/site plan showing building placement, parking, and water/sewage facilities plus the County Health Officer's preliminary approval for the proposed utilities. 3. Pay the required fees (per resolution), submit the package, and allow the enforcement officer to review within a reasonable time, typically three business days. 4. After zoning approval, bring the approved copy to the city/county/state building inspector to obtain the building permit under the adopted Kentucky Building Code/Residential Code.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Smithfield, KY?: Typical processing time is Approximately three business days for zoning review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Smithfield, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance regardless of cost.; Alterations of existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less.; Construction or service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities.; Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and the like in conjunction with site improvements prior to building development.; Installation of improvements required by an approved preliminary subdivision plat or approved planned development plat.; Any structure (other than signs) containing less than 15 square feet of floor space.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Enforcement Officer before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Smithfield, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Jim Bond (State Building Inspector), Henry County Health Department.

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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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