London, KY — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

501 South Main Street, London, KY 40741

Phone

(606) 864-8401

josh.wilson@londonky.gov

Coverage

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.

Online portal

City of London Development Page

PDF Downloads

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for London

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Vinyl siding

Exempt

Replacement windows

Exempt

Painting

Exempt

Shingles

Exempt

Exempt Vinyl siding
Exempt Replacement windows
Exempt Painting
Exempt Shingles

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

Building code: Ordinance 2023-19 adopts 815 KAR 7:120 (Kentucky Building Code) and 815 KAR 7:125 (Kentucky Residential Code)
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.
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.

§ 03

Application process

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

01

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.
02

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.
03

The building official reviews the submission, records plan approval, fills in the permit number and fee, and issues the permit.
04

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

London building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based, using the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other cost entries on the application.

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.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(606) 864-8401 (phone)

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

Typical 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.

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about London permits

01 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.

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

Building permit fees in London, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, using the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other cost entries on the application..

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

To apply for a building permit in London, KY, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in London, KY typically run Not published; contact the building inspector for current lead times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in London, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Vinyl siding; Replacement windows; Painting; Shingles. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in London, KY via: (606) 864-8401.

last verified April 2026 source City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement ↗ entry id permits/kentucky/laurel/london

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of London

Other jurisdictions in Laurel County.