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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nicholasville
All construction within the City of Nicholasville; includes new buildings, additions, renovations, demolition, decks, and accessory structures.
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
- Exempt Accessory structures under 50 sq ft do not require a permit (subject to zoning standards)
- Exempt Minor fencing and walls under specified heights typically exempt
- 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Disclosure forms (if applicable)
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Application expires if permit is not obtained within 180 days of submittal. Issued permit remains valid through completion if work is continuous.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not formally specified; dependent on application completeness and inspection scheduling.
- 01 Download the appropriate building permit application form from the City's planning and zoning website.
- 02 Obtain required site plan and construction plans compliant with Nicholasville standards.
- 03 Submit completed application with all required documents by mail or in-person at City Hall.
- 04 City review for completeness and routing to applicable departments.
- 05 Building inspections coordinated through the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective December 4, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00 for structures 50-399 sq ft; $100.00 + $0.05/sq ft for structures 400+ sq ft
02
Plan check fee
Engineering review fee is $100.00/hour, charged initially and on re-checks; included in permit application review.
03
Permit fee formula
Flat rate for accessory structures; residential and commercial permits may use per-square-foot or valuation-based approach (confirm with city)
04
Reinspection fee
$100.00/hour engineering review fee for re-checks after first allowed re-check.
Accepted at City Clerk's office; methods include cash, check, or credit/debit card (confirm current accepted methods).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective December 4, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (859) 885-9385 (phone)
- permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Foundation/footing, framing/rough-in, final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nicholasville permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nicholasville, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Nicholasville, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nicholasville, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Nicholasville, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nicholasville, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Nicholasville, KY typically run Not formally specified; dependent on application completeness and inspection scheduling.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nicholasville, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nicholasville, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Nicholasville, KY via: (859) 885-9385, permits@NicholasvilleKY.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/jessamine/nicholasville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Nicholasville Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.