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

The minimum permit fee is $25.00 for structures 50-399 sq ft; $100.00 + $0.05/sq ft for structures 400+ sq ft. Fees are calculated as: Flat rate for accessory structures; residential and commercial permits may use per-square-foot or valuation-based approach (confirm with city). Plan check fee: Engineering review fee is $100.00/hour, charged initially and on re-checks; included in permit application review..

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

1. Download the appropriate building permit application form from the City's planning and zoning website. 2. Obtain required site plan and construction plans compliant with Nicholasville standards. 3. Submit completed application with all required documents by mail or in-person at City Hall. 4. City review for completeness and routing to applicable departments. 5. Building inspections coordinated through the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer. 6. Upon successful final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy issued.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 50 sq ft do not require a permit (subject to zoning standards); Minor fencing and walls under specified heights typically exempt; Non-structural repairs, painting, and minor replacements typically exempt. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 885-9385, permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov.

City Building Permits

Nicholasville, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Jessamine County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Nicholasville limits; city maintains independent zoning and building code enforcement separate from county.

Department: City of Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department
Address: 517 North Main Street, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Phone: (859) 885-9385
Email: permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov
Website: https://nicholasville.org/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning and Zoning Forms and Links

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

Application Process

Download the appropriate building permit application form from the City's planning and zoning website.
Obtain required site plan and construction plans compliant with Nicholasville standards.
Submit completed application with all required documents by mail or in-person at City Hall.
City review for completeness and routing to applicable departments.
Building inspections coordinated through the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Upon successful final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Not formally specified; dependent on application completeness and inspection scheduling.

Source: City of Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

All construction within the City of Nicholasville; includes new buildings, additions, renovations, demolition, decks, and accessory structures.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Proof of property ownership or authorization
Disclosure forms (if applicable)

Permit validity: Application expires if permit is not obtained within 180 days of submittal. Issued permit remains valid through completion if work is continuous.
Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7) as adopted by the City of Nicholasville Ordinance Section 6-21.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders permitted for private residential use; consult City Ordinance Section 6 for specific requirements.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid state/local occupational license and maintain insurance compliance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25.00 for structures 50-399 sq ft; $100.00 + $0.05/sq ft for structures 400+ sq ft
Plan check fee: Engineering review fee is $100.00/hour, charged initially and on re-checks; included in permit application review.
Permit fee formula: Flat rate for accessory structures; residential and commercial permits may use per-square-foot or valuation-based approach (confirm with city)
Reinspection fee: $100.00/hour engineering review fee for re-checks after first allowed re-check.
Payment note: Accepted at City Clerk's office; methods include cash, check, or credit/debit card (confirm current accepted methods).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective December 4, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(859) 885-9385 (phone)
permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov (email)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing, framing/rough-in, final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7) as adopted by the City of Nicholasville Ordinance Section 6-21.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Nicholasville Planning and Zoning
Forms and Links
Nicholasville Code of Ordinances Chapter 6
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 Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicholasville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Nicholasville, KY?: All construction within the City of Nicholasville; includes new buildings, additions, renovations, demolition, decks, and accessory structures.
How much does a building permit cost in Nicholasville, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $25.00 for structures 50-399 sq ft; $100.00 + $0.05/sq ft for structures 400+ sq ft. Fees are calculated as: Flat rate for accessory structures; residential and commercial permits may use per-square-foot or valuation-based approach (confirm with city). Plan check fee: Engineering review fee is $100.00/hour, charged initially and on re-checks; included in permit application review..
How do I apply for a building permit in Nicholasville, KY?: 1. Download the appropriate building permit application form from the City's planning and zoning website. 2. Obtain required site plan and construction plans compliant with Nicholasville standards. 3. Submit completed application with all required documents by mail or in-person at City Hall. 4. City review for completeness and routing to applicable departments. 5. Building inspections coordinated through the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer. 6. Upon successful final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Nicholasville, KY?: Typical processing time is Not formally specified; dependent on application completeness and inspection scheduling..
What work is exempt from building permits in Nicholasville, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 50 sq ft do not require a permit (subject to zoning standards); Minor fencing and walls under specified heights typically exempt; Non-structural repairs, painting, and minor replacements typically exempt. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Nicholasville, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 885-9385, permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Nicholasville can be complicated.

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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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