City Building Permits
Madisonville, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Madisonville, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All municipal projects within Madisonville city limits, except day cares, nursing homes, and hospitals (which remain under state jurisdiction).
- Department
- City of Madisonville Community Development & Construction Standards / Zoning & Permit Office
- Address
- 67 North Main Street, Madisonville, KY 42431
- Phone
- 270-824-2100 (City Hall); 270-824-2196 (Building Official)
Online Permit Portal
Platform: City-hosted Wix site with downloadable PDFs • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Fill out the building permit application and affidavit, attach the deed/plat, and include proof of workers compensation/liability insurance plus current City occupational license numbers for the contractor and all subcontractors.
- Provide a detailed site plan (lot dimensions, structure locations, driveway info, easements, adjacent streets) and structural plans (floor plan/structural).
- City utilities review the submission; contact the Building Department to discuss timeline for complex projects.
- Separate trade permits (mechanical, plumbing, electrical) are arranged with the designated inspectors; once the building permit issues, schedule inspections with the Building Official with 24-hour notice.
Typical processing time: 3-5 business days for city utilities review; larger projects should confirm timing with the Building Office
Source: City of Madisonville Community Development & Construction Standards / Zoning & Permit Office
General Requirements
For all new structures (including accessory buildings, decks, fences, and pools greater than 30 inches deep), structural additions/alterations, conversions of non-living space, and any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
Required Documents
- Complete Madisonville application and affidavit
- Site plan with lot dimensions, structure locations, driveway info, easements, and adjacent streets
- Building plans (floor plan/structural)
- City occupational license numbers for contractor and subcontractors
- Workers compensation and liability insurance info or exemption certificates
- Utility documentation
- Permit validity
- Permits remain valid while work continues; driveway encroachment permits must be issued at the same time; grading/paving permits must start within 60 days of issuance or be reissued.
- Building code
- Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Building Code; projects requiring design per Chapter 17 must provide special inspections per the KBC.
- Owner-builder
- The owner must certify authority on the affidavit and remain responsible for debris removal; any owner acting as GC still must ensure subcontractors provide insurance/licensing data.
- Contractor requirements
- GCs and subcontractors must provide workers compensation/liability proof; those without employees need state exemption certificates (Individual or Corporation/Partnership).
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $10 for residential demolition/grading; $25 for accessory access; $25 minimum for other permits
- Plan check fee
- Rolled into permit fee amounts; review occurs as part of each permit category
- Permit fee formula
- New residential: $125 + $0.08/sq ft; New commercial: $250 + $0.08/sq ft; Additions and accessory structures: base + per-sq-ft rates; Change-of-use: $0.02/sq ft (minimum $50)
- Reinspection fee
- $25 for code violations; construction without permit doubles the fee (100% late charge, $25 minimum, $500 maximum) in addition to standard permit charge
- Penalty (no permit)
- 100% late charge ($25 minimum, $500 maximum) for work started without a permit, in addition to standard permit fee
- Payment note
- Pay at City Hall when submitting the application; no additional grading/paving charge if those plans accompany the building permit.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Ordinary or cosmetic repairs that do not extend or structurally alter the building (roof shingles, windows, siding, paint)
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Building Official at 270-824-2196 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours' notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Time windows
- Call early in the day to reserve a time slot
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footer, rough frame, and final inspections as standard; special inspections required when Table 122.1 in the KBC mandates a designer-provided statement.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Building Code; projects requiring design per Chapter 17 must provide special inspections per the KBC.
- 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 City of Madisonville Community Development & Construction Standards / Zoning & Permit Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Madisonville Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Madisonville, KY?
- For all new structures (including accessory buildings, decks, fences, and pools greater than 30 inches deep), structural additions/alterations, conversions of non-living space, and any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
- How much does a building permit cost in Madisonville, KY?
- The minimum permit fee is $10 for residential demolition/grading; $25 for accessory access; $25 minimum for other permits. Fees are calculated as: New residential: $125 + $0.08/sq ft; New commercial: $250 + $0.08/sq ft; Additions and accessory structures: base + per-sq-ft rates; Change-of-use: $0.02/sq ft (minimum $50). Plan check fee: Rolled into permit fee amounts; review occurs as part of each permit category.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Madisonville, KY?
- 1. Fill out the building permit application and affidavit, attach the deed/plat, and include proof of workers compensation/liability insurance plus current City occupational license numbers for the contractor and all subcontractors. 2. Provide a detailed site plan (lot dimensions, structure locations, driveway info, easements, adjacent streets) and structural plans (floor plan/structural). 3. City utilities review the submission; contact the Building Department to discuss timeline for complex projects. 4. Separate trade permits (mechanical, plumbing, electrical) are arranged with the designated inspectors; once the building permit issues, schedule inspections with the Building Official with 24-hour notice.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Madisonville, KY?
- Typical processing time is 3-5 business days for city utilities review; larger projects should confirm timing with the Building Office.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Madisonville, KY?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary or cosmetic repairs that do not extend or structurally alter the building (roof shingles, windows, siding, paint).
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Madisonville, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Official at 270-824-2196. At least 24 hours' notice required.
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