Jeffersontown, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Kentucky DHBC expressly excludes Jeffersontown from Louisville Metro local building jurisdiction. Jeffersontown's Building Department reviews, approves, permits, and inspects construction and related trade projects within the city limits. Plumbing, elevator, manufactured housing, KIBS, and many state-owned or state-licensed institutional occupancies remain under Kentucky DHBC.

Department

Building Department, City of Jeffersontown

Address

10416 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, KY 40299

Phone

(502) 267-8333

Email

permits@jeffersontownky.gov

Website

https://jeffersontownky.com/98/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify that the property is inside Jeffersontown city limits using LOJIC before preparing the application.
2. Determine the correct permit packet: residential building, commercial building, trade permit, sign, demolition, fire system, or development and zoning application.
3. Assemble the required application, plans, site plan, affidavits, homeowner waiver if applicable, business license or homeowner waiver documentation, and any required outside approvals such as planning, landscape, public works, MSD, health department, or Jeffersontown Fire Department approvals.
4. Submit the completed packet in person, by mail, or by email to permits@jeffersontownky.gov. Jeffersontown instructs applicants not to send web links or Dropbox links for plans.
5. Pay required fees. At least one-half of the commercial building permit fee is due at submittal for plan review; 50 percent of the residential building permit fee is due upon submittal of building plans.
6. After plan approval, provide any required final hard-copy set for stamping, keep approved plans on site, request inspections directly from the assigned inspector, and obtain final approval before project completion.

Typical processing time: No general building permit turnaround time is publicly posted. Fire detection permits are approximately 10 to 15 business days.

Source: Building Department, City of Jeffersontown

General Requirements

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter (including interior demolition only), move, change occupancy or use of a building or structure, install an in-ground swimming pool, or assemble any tent greater than 400 sq ft. Trade permits are required for electrical, mechanical or HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and fire detection work. Demolition permits are required to wreck, raze, or demolish an entire building or part of one.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• City business license or homeowner waiver
• Affidavit of assurances
• Workers compensation or unemployment affidavits
• Site plan
• Building plans (commercial: two complete plan sets plus one electronic copy; residential: floor plans, sections, elevations, and related details)
• Drainage bond proof where applicable
• MSD disturbance approval where applicable
• Outside-agency approvals as required

Permit validity

No general building permit expiration rule was clearly posted on Jeffersontown public pages. Confirm active-permit duration and extension policy directly with the department at intake.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code with referenced adopted codes and standards. The state retains jurisdiction over plumbing, elevator, institutional, and certain specialized occupancies.

Owner-builder

Jeffersontown publishes homeowner building, electrical, and HVAC waiver forms. Residential packets require either a city business license from Jeffersontown or the homeowner waiver, indicating a documented owner-builder path for qualifying owner occupants.

Contractor requirements

All contractors and subcontractors must have an active business license in the City of Jeffersontown before starting work on commercial permits. Residential packets also require city business license information unless the homeowner waiver applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100

Plan check fee

50 percent of the building permit fee due at plan submittal for residential; minimum one-half of the commercial building permit fee due at submittal for commercial.

Permit fee formula

New building permit fees are generally $0.15 per sq ft across listed occupancy groups. Alterations and repairs are $10 base fee plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

Reinspection fee

$50 per failed reinspection

Payment note

Jeffersontown accepts payment in person by cash, check, or credit card; by mail with checks; and by phone with credit card. Credit card fees apply.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential decks that do not serve the required egress door, are not attached to the dwelling, are no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and do not exceed 200 sq ft
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Tents and membrane structures with area of 400 sq ft or less
• Certain small detached accessory structures, tool sheds, and playhouses within the city posted code thresholds
• Retaining walls not over 4 ft high when not supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids
• Sidewalks and driveways within the posted exemption limits
• Fences not over 7 ft in height
• Cosmetic work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, or similar finish work
• Minor electrical repairs such as replacement of existing receptacles, switches, lights, and breakers in place, where no relocation or new wiring is involved
• Portable or small mechanical equipment within the city posted code exemptions

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (502) 267-8333 (phone)
• Email assigned inspector directly (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection requests must be made by the professional who performed the work. Trade or site inspections as applicable, rough inspections, above-ceiling or specialty inspections where needed, and final inspection before closeout. All permitted work must remain accessible and fully exposed until approved.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code with referenced adopted codes and standards. The state retains jurisdiction over plumbing, elevator, institutional, and certain specialized occupancies.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Permits Not Required
• LOJIC Property Lookup
• Kentucky DHBC Jefferson County Jurisdiction Sheet
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jeffersontown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Jeffersontown, KY?

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter (including interior demolition only), move, change occupancy or use of a building or structure, install an in-ground swimming pool, or assemble any tent greater than 400 sq ft. Trade permits are required for electrical, mechanical or HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and fire detection work. Demolition permits are required to wreck, raze, or demolish an entire building or part of one.

How much does a building permit cost in Jeffersontown, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: New building permit fees are generally $0.15 per sq ft across listed occupancy groups. Alterations and repairs are $10 base fee plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.. Plan check fee: 50 percent of the building permit fee due at plan submittal for residential; minimum one-half of the commercial building permit fee due at submittal for commercial..

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

1. Verify that the property is inside Jeffersontown city limits using LOJIC before preparing the application. 2. Determine the correct permit packet: residential building, commercial building, trade permit, sign, demolition, fire system, or development and zoning application. 3. Assemble the required application, plans, site plan, affidavits, homeowner waiver if applicable, business license or homeowner waiver documentation, and any required outside approvals such as planning, landscape, public works, MSD, health department, or Jeffersontown Fire Department approvals. 4. Submit the completed packet in person, by mail, or by email to permits@jeffersontownky.gov. Jeffersontown instructs applicants not to send web links or Dropbox links for plans. 5. Pay required fees. At least one-half of the commercial building permit fee is due at submittal for plan review; 50 percent of the residential building permit fee is due upon submittal of building plans. 6. After plan approval, provide any required final hard-copy set for stamping, keep approved plans on site, request inspections directly from the assigned inspector, and obtain final approval before project completion.

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

Typical processing time is No general building permit turnaround time is publicly posted. Fire detection permits are approximately 10 to 15 business days..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Residential decks that do not serve the required egress door, are not attached to the dwelling, are no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and do not exceed 200 sq ft; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Tents and membrane structures with area of 400 sq ft or less; Certain small detached accessory structures, tool sheds, and playhouses within the city posted code thresholds; Retaining walls not over 4 ft high when not supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids; Sidewalks and driveways within the posted exemption limits; Fences not over 7 ft in height; Cosmetic work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, or similar finish work; Minor electrical repairs such as replacement of existing receptacles, switches, lights, and breakers in place, where no relocation or new wiring is involved; Portable or small mechanical equipment within the city posted code exemptions.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 267-8333, Email assigned inspector directly.

Other cities in Jefferson County