How much does a building permit cost in London, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, using the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other cost entries on the application..

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

1. Fill out the building permit application with location, occupancy description, project type, valuation details for construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other costs, plus the Affidavit of Assurances, insurance carriers, and contractor/owner contact information. 2. Submit the completed packets and a complete set of construction plans to the building division at 501 S Main Street; the form records the plan review date and approving official. 3. The building official reviews the submission, records plan approval, fills in the permit number and fee, and issues the permit. 4. Notify the building inspector when the work is ready for inspection; final inspection requires copies of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC approvals before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact the building inspector for current lead times..

What work is exempt from building permits in London, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Vinyl siding; Replacement windows; Painting; Shingles.

How do I schedule a building inspection in London, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (606) 864-8401.

City Building Permits

London, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in London, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Laurel County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of London. The building division oversees the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, maintenance, and use of any building within the city limits while the London Planning Commission reviews proposed developments with the long-term vision of both London and Laurel County in mind.

Department: City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement
Address: 501 South Main Street, London, KY 40741
Phone: (606) 864-8401
Email: josh.wilson@londonky.gov
Website: https://www.londonky.gov/building-inspector/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of London Development Page

Platform: PDF Downloads • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Fill out the building permit application with location, occupancy description, project type, valuation details for construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other costs, plus the Affidavit of Assurances, insurance carriers, and contractor/owner contact information.
Submit the completed packets and a complete set of construction plans to the building division at 501 S Main Street; the form records the plan review date and approving official.
The building official reviews the submission, records plan approval, fills in the permit number and fee, and issues the permit.
Notify the building inspector when the work is ready for inspection; final inspection requires copies of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC approvals before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact the building inspector for current lead times.

Source: City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, moving structures over 120 square feet, change of use, affecting load-bearing walls, and similar work.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Project cost breakdown
Proof of insurance
Contractor and owner information
Complete set of construction plans
Notarized Affidavit of Assurances

Permit validity: The authorization becomes null if construction does not begin within six months. Any changes need inspector approval. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy are required before occupancy.
Building code: Ordinance 2023-19 adopts 815 KAR 7:120 (Kentucky Building Code) and 815 KAR 7:125 (Kentucky Residential Code)
Owner-builder: The Affidavit of Assurances requires every contractor or subcontractor on the project to comply with Kentucky workers' compensation and unemployment insurance statutes.
Contractor requirements: Electrical contractors must hold a City of London business license before the city will process electrical permit applications.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based, using the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other cost entries on the application.
Payment note: Fee schedule not posted online; contact the building inspector at (606) 864-8401 for current fees. Permit fee is entered on the application and paid when the permit is issued; no online payment portal is offered, so applicants deliver payment in person.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Vinyl siding
Replacement windows
Painting
Shingles

Inspections

How to Schedule

(606) 864-8401 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: plan review, permit issuance, coordination of electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections, final inspection, and issuance of a certificate of occupancy after all trade approvals are submitted.

Additional Resources

Building code: Ordinance 2023-19 adopts 815 KAR 7:120 (Kentucky Building Code) and 815 KAR 7:125 (Kentucky Residential Code)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Permit Application PDF
Electrical Permit Application PDF
Ordinance 2023-19
License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

London Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in London, KY?: A building permit is required for new construction, additions, moving structures over 120 square feet, change of use, affecting load-bearing walls, and similar work.
How much does a building permit cost in London, KY?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, using the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other cost entries on the application..
How do I apply for a building permit in London, KY?: 1. Fill out the building permit application with location, occupancy description, project type, valuation details for construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other costs, plus the Affidavit of Assurances, insurance carriers, and contractor/owner contact information. 2. Submit the completed packets and a complete set of construction plans to the building division at 501 S Main Street; the form records the plan review date and approving official. 3. The building official reviews the submission, records plan approval, fills in the permit number and fee, and issues the permit. 4. Notify the building inspector when the work is ready for inspection; final inspection requires copies of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC approvals before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in London, KY?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact the building inspector for current lead times..
What work is exempt from building permits in London, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Vinyl siding; Replacement windows; Painting; Shingles.
How do I schedule a building inspection in London, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (606) 864-8401.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.