Crescent Springs, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

PDS' Kenton County service matrix lists Crescent Springs in both the building-code and planning-zoning one-stop groups.

Department

Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS), Building Codes Administration

Address

1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 3400, Covington, KY 41011

Phone

859-957-2408

Email

permits@pdskc.org

Website

https://www.pdskc.org/about/pds-departments/building-codes-administration

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Identify the needed building and zoning permit type with PDS.
2. Open a GovBuilt account or use downloadable forms.
3. Submit the permit application, site plan, and any project checklists.
4. PDS reviews zoning and building compliance for Crescent Springs.
5. Pay posted fees once assessed.
6. Respond to corrections if the reviewer asks for revisions.
7. Receive issued permit before work begins.
8. Schedule inspections and proceed to final approval or CO as required.

Typical processing time: Electrical permits about 5 business days; zoning-only permits 1 to 3 business days; residential and commercial permits about 12 business days.

Source: Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS), Building Codes Administration

General Requirements

PDS requires permits for covered building, zoning, HVAC, electrical, and related site work.

Required Documents

• Permit validity/expiration: Permit expires after 6 months of no start, 6 months of stopped work, or no inspections, unless extended.

Permit validity

Permit expires after 6 months of no start, 6 months of stopped work, or no inspections, unless extended.

Building code

State Kentucky Building Code and related Kentucky codes administered by PDS, with local zoning handled under the Crescent Springs ordinance through the one-stop program.

Owner-builder

Owner or authorized agent may apply; no separate Crescent Springs owner-builder bulletin located.

Contractor requirements

State licensure applies to regulated trades; PDS HVAC fees track Kentucky DHBC requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential small project $117; commercial small project $121.

Plan check fee

No separate initial plan-check line item found; plan revision fees apply after the second submittal.

Permit fee formula

Mixed square-foot and flat-fee schedules depending on permit type.

Reinspection fee

Residential $166; commercial $204; no-permit work 2x fee.

Payment note

PDS fee schedules identify what is due with application, before permit, before CO, or at request; fees are listed as nonrefundable.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Sidewalks and driveways within exemption limits
• Painting and similar finish work
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Replacement windows and supported awnings
• New siding or residing
• Ordinary reroofing without structural replacement
• Ordinary nonstructural repairs

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call 859-957-2408 (phone)

Inspection hours

Not publicly broken into AM or PM windows

Typical inspection sequence: PDS field inspections from start through completion, varying by permit type

Additional Resources

• Building code: State Kentucky Building Code and related Kentucky codes administered by PDS, with local zoning handled under the Crescent Springs ordinance through the one-stop program.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• PDS permit forms:
• Floodplain guidance:
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Crescent Springs Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Crescent Springs, KY?

PDS requires permits for covered building, zoning, HVAC, electrical, and related site work.

How much does a building permit cost in Crescent Springs, KY?

The minimum permit fee is Residential small project $117; commercial small project $121.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed square-foot and flat-fee schedules depending on permit type.. Plan check fee: No separate initial plan-check line item found; plan revision fees apply after the second submittal..

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

1. Identify the needed building and zoning permit type with PDS. 2. Open a GovBuilt account or use downloadable forms. 3. Submit the permit application, site plan, and any project checklists. 4. PDS reviews zoning and building compliance for Crescent Springs. 5. Pay posted fees once assessed. 6. Respond to corrections if the reviewer asks for revisions. 7. Receive issued permit before work begins. 8. Schedule inspections and proceed to final approval or CO as required.

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

Typical processing time is Electrical permits about 5 business days; zoning-only permits 1 to 3 business days; residential and commercial permits about 12 business days..

What work is exempt from building permits in Crescent Springs, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Sidewalks and driveways within exemption limits; Painting and similar finish work; Swings and other playground equipment; Replacement windows and supported awnings; New siding or residing; Ordinary reroofing without structural replacement; Ordinary nonstructural repairs.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Crescent Springs, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 859-957-2408.