Unincorporated Johnson County

New buildings, additions, structural alterations, occupancy changes, and any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area require a permit under the 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC).

Note: No exempt-work list is published on the county portal. Verify with the building inspector whether specific work (for example, minor repairs) can proceed without a permit.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) with Kentucky-specific amendments mirroring the 2015 IBC/IRC editions

Owner-builder

Owner-builders should confirm whether they qualify through the building inspector.

Contractor requirements

Kentucky has no statewide general contractor license; counties set their own licensing requirements. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and similar trades must hold the appropriate DHBC license. Verify Johnson County-specific allowances before contracting work.

1. 01
   Contact Bob Stewart, the local building inspector, at (606) 789-2600 to confirm whether your project needs a permit and request the correct application packet.
2. 02
   Submit the completed application and any supporting documentation to the Johnson County Health Department at 630 James S. Trimble Boulevard, Paintsville, KY 41240.
3. 03
   If the property lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area, coordinate with Floodplain Coordinator Jeff Cochran at (606) 789-2550 to obtain the required state and local floodplain permits before starting construction.
4. 04
   After the application is accepted, work with the same office to schedule mandatory inspections and finalize issuance.

Source: Johnson County Community Development/Building Inspection (Fiscal Court) ↗

• (606) 789-2600 (phone)

Typical sequence: Not documented; the inspector will advise on the required inspection sequence during the permit review.