Kenton County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

PDS' published service matrix states unincorporated Kenton County is covered for one-stop building-code administration and one-stop planning and zoning administration.

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. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Kenton County and identify the permit class with PDS.
2. Create a GovBuilt account or use downloadable forms.
3. Submit the application, plans, site plan, and any permit-specific checklists.
4. PDS reviews zoning, floodplain, and building-code compliance for the unincorporated area.
5. Pay the assessed fees.
6. Respond to plan review comments if revisions are required.
7. Receive the issued permit before starting work.
8. Schedule inspections through PDS and complete final approval or CO as applicable.

Typical processing time: Electrical 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 administers covered building, zoning, HVAC, electrical, and related site permits in unincorporated Kenton County.

Required Documents

• Permit validity/expiration: PDS states permits expire after 6 months of no commencement, 6 months of stopped work, or no inspections.

Permit validity

PDS states permits expire after 6 months of no commencement, 6 months of stopped work, or no inspections.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code and related Kentucky codes under local PDS enforcement; local zoning and floodplain rules are also administered through PDS.

Owner-builder

Public PDS forms allow the owner or authorized agent to apply; no separate county owner-builder memo was located.

Contractor requirements

Regulated trades follow Kentucky state licensing requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

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

Plan check fee

No universal standalone initial plan-check fee posted; plan revision charges apply after the second submittal.

Permit fee formula

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

Reinspection fee

Residential $166; commercial $204; work without permit 2x fee.

Payment note

PDS schedules identify timing by permit class and list fees 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 dimensions
• Painting and similar finish work
• Swings and playground equipment
• Replacement windows and supported awnings
• New siding or residing
• Ordinary reroofing without structural repair
• Ordinary nonstructural repairs

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call 859-957-2408 (phone)

Inspection hours

No detailed window posted

Typical inspection sequence: PDS staged inspections through completion, with final approval or CO where applicable

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code and related Kentucky codes under local PDS enforcement; local zoning and floodplain rules are also administered through PDS.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floodplain management:
• LINK-GIS:
• PDS permit forms:
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Kenton County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kenton County, KY?

PDS administers covered building, zoning, HVAC, electrical, and related site permits in unincorporated Kenton County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kenton County, KY?

The minimum permit fee is Residential small project $117; commercial small project $121.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat-fee and square-foot schedules depending on permit class.. Plan check fee: No universal standalone initial plan-check fee posted; plan revision charges apply after the second submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kenton County, KY?

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Kenton County and identify the permit class with PDS. 2. Create a GovBuilt account or use downloadable forms. 3. Submit the application, plans, site plan, and any permit-specific checklists. 4. PDS reviews zoning, floodplain, and building-code compliance for the unincorporated area. 5. Pay the assessed fees. 6. Respond to plan review comments if revisions are required. 7. Receive the issued permit before starting work. 8. Schedule inspections through PDS and complete final approval or CO as applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kenton County, KY?

Typical processing time is Electrical 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 unincorporated Kenton County, 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 dimensions; Painting and similar finish work; Swings and playground equipment; Replacement windows and supported awnings; New siding or residing; Ordinary reroofing without structural repair; Ordinary nonstructural repairs.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kenton County, KY?

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