County Building Permits

Hopkins County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Hopkins County and coordination with member municipalities (Madisonville, Earlington, Hanson, Dawson Springs, Mortons Gap) and zoned/non-zoned towns (White Plains, Nebo, St. Charles, Nortonville).

Department
Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission - Building Permit Department
Address
67 North Main Street, Madisonville, KY 42431
Phone
270-825-4457
Website
https://www.hopkinscountyplanning.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission

Platform: Wix-based site with downloadable PDFs • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Finalize the permit application package with the deed/recorded plat, building/site plans, plot plan, floodplain/environmental approvals, notarized affidavit, and worker's compensation verification listing all contractors.
  2. Deliver the complete package to HCJPC with payment; schedule an appointment by calling 270-825-4457 before arriving.
  3. HCJPC coordinates any required floodplain or Division of Water approvals, assigns addresses, and issues the permit when all documentation is in order.
  4. Call the building official listed on the permit to schedule the required inspections (footer, rough frame, final); inspectors may add special visits as needed.

Typical processing time: 5-7 business days after a complete submittal

Source: Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission - Building Permit Department

General Requirements

Before beginning construction, additions, structural alterations, change of use, or any work on plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, or septic utilities; ordinary/cosmetic repairs that do not affect structure or utilities are exempt.

Required Documents

  • Deed or recorded plat
  • Scaled building plans
  • Plot/site plan
  • HCJPC application form
  • Notarized affidavit
  • Worker's compensation disclosure for general contractor and subcontractors
  • Environmental or floodplain approvals (if applicable)
Permit validity
Work must remain ongoing; if construction stops for six months, HCJPC may revoke the permit and forfeit fees.
Building code
Kentucky Residential Building Code (Kentucky Board of Housing, Buildings and Construction); 2018/KBC editions
Owner-builder
The owner/applicant must certify property ownership or authorization on the affidavit, and the application must be signed by the owner or responsible contractor.
Contractor requirements
Contractors and subcontractors must report workers compensation and liability coverage; exemptions verified if they have no employees. All must comply with KRS Chapters 341/342 before issuance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Accessory structures under 300 sq ft in unincorporated areas: free; 300-500 sq ft: $50 minimum; other categories start at $25
Plan check fee
Same structure as permit fee (base + per sq ft)
Permit fee formula
New residential: $125 + $0.08/sq ft; Additions: $50 + $0.08/sq ft; Accessory buildings: per zoning status; Unfinished basements and code-violation re-inspections: specialized fees
Reinspection fee
$25 for code violations; additional fee equal to permit fee (up to $500 minimum $25) when work starts without a permit
Penalty (no permit)
Additional fee equal to permit fee (up to $500, minimum $25) for work started without a permit
Payment note
Submit payment with project name on check, made payable to Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission, along with required plan copies and worksheets.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Agricultural structures on qualifying farmland (10+ contiguous acres for livestock/crop or 5+ acres for aquaculture) with filed affidavit
  • Manufactured homes built under HUD standards (exterior utility connections and additions require permits)
  • Above-ground swimming pools fully above grade

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Official at 270-825-4457 or number on permit (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Call at least 24 hours in advance, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Time windows
Contact early in the day to secure a time slot

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footer inspection (with rebar in place before concrete), rough frame after trade rough-ins, final inspection after all work (electrical, plumbing, gas) is complete.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission - Building Permit Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopkins County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
Before beginning construction, additions, structural alterations, change of use, or any work on plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, or septic utilities; ordinary/cosmetic repairs that do not affect structure or utilities are exempt.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
The minimum permit fee is Accessory structures under 300 sq ft in unincorporated areas: free; 300-500 sq ft: $50 minimum; other categories start at $25. Fees are calculated as: New residential: $125 + $0.08/sq ft; Additions: $50 + $0.08/sq ft; Accessory buildings: per zoning status; Unfinished basements and code-violation re-inspections: specialized fees. Plan check fee: Same structure as permit fee (base + per sq ft).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
1. Finalize the permit application package with the deed/recorded plat, building/site plans, plot plan, floodplain/environmental approvals, notarized affidavit, and worker's compensation verification listing all contractors. 2. Deliver the complete package to HCJPC with payment; schedule an appointment by calling 270-825-4457 before arriving. 3. HCJPC coordinates any required floodplain or Division of Water approvals, assigns addresses, and issues the permit when all documentation is in order. 4. Call the building official listed on the permit to schedule the required inspections (footer, rough frame, final); inspectors may add special visits as needed.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
Typical processing time is 5-7 business days after a complete submittal.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures on qualifying farmland (10+ contiguous acres for livestock/crop or 5+ acres for aquaculture) with filed affidavit; Manufactured homes built under HUD standards (exterior utility connections and additions require permits); Above-ground swimming pools fully above grade.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hopkins County, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Official at 270-825-4457 or number on permit. Call at least 24 hours in advance, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

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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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