LaRue County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning Commission enforces zoning and building permits across the unincorporated areas of LaRue County under the countywide ordinance.

Department

Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning Commission with construction, plumbing, and septic permits issued through the LaRue County Environmental Office

Address

Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning, LaRue County Courthouse, 209 West High Street, Hodgenville, KY 42748; permit issuance at LaRue County Environmental Office, 215 East Main Street, Hodgenville, KY 42748

Phone

270-358-0830 (Planning administrator Ron Whitlock); 270-358-8665 (plumbing inspection scheduling)

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://laruecountyky.gov/departments/planning-zoning/

Application Process

1. Start at the LaRue County Environmental Office (215 East Main Street) to secure the required sewage site evaluation and construction permit, submitting site/floor/riser diagrams, a site plan, and an approved entrance to establish an address.
2. Purchase the septic system permit before a plumbing permit if the property is not on city sewer, hire a master plumber for the work, buy plumbing permits on Wednesdays between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., and schedule plumbing inspections by calling 270-358-8665 before 9:30 a.m. for Wednesday appointments.
3. Submit the building/zoning permit application (square footage-based fee) to Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning, noting that doublewides and modular homes are treated as mobile homes, and where agricultural divisions of five or more acres require an agriculture affidavit and are limited to one residence per tract.
4. After the administrative review, the building/zoning permit (valid for six months and renewable for cause) is issued; new dwellings must also secure a certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
5. Coordinate any remaining inspections through the planning/environmental office (the planning page lists only the plumbing-inspection window) and follow any additional conditions the commission imposes before final occupancy.

Source: Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning Commission with construction, plumbing, and septic permits issued through the LaRue County Environmental Office

General Requirements

No dwelling, structure, or other building may be constructed in the county without applying for and receiving a building/zoning permit; agricultural structures in the A-1 zone are exempt only if they are not dwellings.

Required Documents

• Site/floor/riser diagrams
• Site plan
• Driveway approval
• Site evaluation for on-site sewage systems (if not on city sewer)
• Agriculture affidavit for divisions of five or more acres (one residence per tract)

Permit validity

Building/zoning permits are valid for six months and may be renewed for cause.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code Program

Contractor requirements

All plumbing work must be performed by a master plumber. A septic permit must be secured before issuing a plumber permit if the property uses a septic system.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fee is based on the square footage of the building.

Payment note

Permits are issued at the LaRue County Environmental Office; no online payments or portals are described.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning Commission with construction, plumbing, and septic permits issued through the LaRue County Environmental Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 270-358-8665 before 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays (phone)

Inspection hours

Wednesdays only by appointment

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code Program
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• LaRue County Zoning Ordinance
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

LaRue County Building Permit FAQ

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

No dwelling, structure, or other building may be constructed in the county without applying for and receiving a building/zoning permit; agricultural structures in the A-1 zone are exempt only if they are not dwellings.

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

Fees are calculated as: Fee is based on the square footage of the building..

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

1. Start at the LaRue County Environmental Office (215 East Main Street) to secure the required sewage site evaluation and construction permit, submitting site/floor/riser diagrams, a site plan, and an approved entrance to establish an address. 2. Purchase the septic system permit before a plumbing permit if the property is not on city sewer, hire a master plumber for the work, buy plumbing permits on Wednesdays between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., and schedule plumbing inspections by calling 270-358-8665 before 9:30 a.m. for Wednesday appointments. 3. Submit the building/zoning permit application (square footage-based fee) to Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning, noting that doublewides and modular homes are treated as mobile homes, and where agricultural divisions of five or more acres require an agriculture affidavit and are limited to one residence per tract. 4. After the administrative review, the building/zoning permit (valid for six months and renewable for cause) is issued; new dwellings must also secure a certificate of occupancy before occupancy. 5. Coordinate any remaining inspections through the planning/environmental office (the planning page lists only the plumbing-inspection window) and follow any additional conditions the commission imposes before final occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated LaRue County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures in the A-1 zone (other than dwellings). Note: No broader exempt-work list is published on the planning page or ordinance. Confirm edge cases with the planning office.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-358-8665 before 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.