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

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: square-foot fees per occupancy type, with fast-track surcharge and specialized system fees for range hoods, suppression, etc.. Plan check fee: Identical to the valuation-based plan review fee per DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide, Table 121.3.1; plumbing-only submissions pay only the plumbing review fee..

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

1. Confirm zoning/planning status: Beattyville has no local zoning department, so call Lee County government or DHBC for guidance on allowable uses before applying. 2. Determine jurisdiction: DHBC handles the permit review because Beattyville lacks an inspector. Contact (502) 573-0373 if the project might be eligible for local plan review. 3. Upload application packages and fees via SmartGov per the DHBC checklist (applications, fee sheets, plan sets, fire suppression data, etc.). 4. Submit the required payment (check to the Kentucky State Treasurer) along with highlighted scope information and licensed designer/contractor documentation as required. 5. Once plans are approved, work with the assigned DHBC inspector for Beattyville to schedule site, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory structures (one-story, typically 120 square feet or less) for storage or play; Nonstructural finish work such as painting, tiling, carpeting, or cabinets; Small mechanical/electrical/plumbing replacements (lighting fixtures, valves, portable equipment) that do not relocate or expand systems. Note: Refer to KBC Section 105.2 for state exemptions; Beattyville has no separate list. Verify edge cases with DHBC-BCE before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Division of Building Codes Enforcement, State Building Inspector for Lee County (859-358-4467).

City Building Permits

Beattyville, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Lee County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Beattyville does not maintain a planning or zoning department, so commercial or residential building permits must go through DHBC (the state authority) via the same process used for the rest of Lee County.

Department: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC-BCE)
Address: Municipal operations share the Lee County Health Department/City Hall vicinity in Beattyville, KY; see city contact details on the municipal site.
Phone: (606) 464-5007 (municipal inquiries); (502) 573-0373 (DHBC main desk); (859) 358-4467 (State Building Inspector for Lee County)
Email: info@774e217440.nxcli.io (general city contact) , HBC.BCE@ky.gov (DHBC general questions)
Website: https://beattyville.org

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov (DHBC plan review portal)

Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

DHBC Permit/Licensing Portal

Application Process

Confirm zoning/planning status: Beattyville has no local zoning department, so call Lee County government or DHBC for guidance on allowable uses before applying.
Determine jurisdiction: DHBC handles the permit review because Beattyville lacks an inspector. Contact (502) 573-0373 if the project might be eligible for local plan review.
Upload application packages and fees via SmartGov per the DHBC checklist (applications, fee sheets, plan sets, fire suppression data, etc.).
Submit the required payment (check to the Kentucky State Treasurer) along with highlighted scope information and licensed designer/contractor documentation as required.
Once plans are approved, work with the assigned DHBC inspector for Beattyville to schedule site, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.

Typical processing time: No set statewide timeline is published. Contact DHBC via (502) 573-0373 for a case-specific review window or fast-track option.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC-BCE)

General Requirements

Kentucky Building Code Section 105.1 lists the types of construction, demolition, alteration, and installation activities that require permits. Beattyville relies on the state code for enforcement.

Required Documents

Completed application form
Fee sheet
Fire suppression form
Complete plan sets
Sequence of operations
Structural/geotechnical reports
Accessibility details
Energy compliance documentation
Plumbing riser diagrams
License documentation

Permit validity: Kentucky Building Code Section 105.5: the 180-day expiration rule and extension process apply to all Beattyville projects.
Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (2015 IBC-based)
Owner-builder: Section 106 requires owner-builders to provide sealed documents when a registered design professional is necessary and to follow any professional registration rules set by KRS chapters 322/323.
Contractor requirements: Plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, HVAC, boiler, elevator, and similar trades must hold state licenses even for Beattyville jobs. General construction contractors are not licensed by DHBC.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $285
Plan check fee: Identical to the valuation-based plan review fee per DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide, Table 121.3.1; plumbing-only submissions pay only the plumbing review fee.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based: square-foot fees per occupancy type, with fast-track surcharge and specialized system fees for range hoods, suppression, etc.
Payment note: Payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, rounded to the nearest dollar. Project location and applicant information must be listed on the check.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Small detached accessory structures (one-story, typically 120 square feet or less) for storage or play
Nonstructural finish work such as painting, tiling, carpeting, or cabinets
Small mechanical/electrical/plumbing replacements (lighting fixtures, valves, portable equipment) that do not relocate or expand systems

Important: Refer to KBC Section 105.2 for state exemptions; Beattyville has no separate list. Verify edge cases with DHBC-BCE before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Division of Building Codes Enforcement (phone)
State Building Inspector for Lee County (859-358-4467) (phone)

Inspection hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern

Typical inspection sequence: KBC Section 107 inspectors will visit footings, foundations, framing, service, fire/suppression, and final checks before occupancy is granted.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (2015 IBC-based)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Beattyville Municipal Site
Lee County Government Portal
DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide
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 Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC-BCE) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beattyville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Beattyville, KY?: Kentucky Building Code Section 105.1 lists the types of construction, demolition, alteration, and installation activities that require permits. Beattyville relies on the state code for enforcement.
How much does a building permit cost in Beattyville, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: square-foot fees per occupancy type, with fast-track surcharge and specialized system fees for range hoods, suppression, etc.. Plan check fee: Identical to the valuation-based plan review fee per DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide, Table 121.3.1; plumbing-only submissions pay only the plumbing review fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Beattyville, KY?: 1. Confirm zoning/planning status: Beattyville has no local zoning department, so call Lee County government or DHBC for guidance on allowable uses before applying. 2. Determine jurisdiction: DHBC handles the permit review because Beattyville lacks an inspector. Contact (502) 573-0373 if the project might be eligible for local plan review. 3. Upload application packages and fees via SmartGov per the DHBC checklist (applications, fee sheets, plan sets, fire suppression data, etc.). 4. Submit the required payment (check to the Kentucky State Treasurer) along with highlighted scope information and licensed designer/contractor documentation as required. 5. Once plans are approved, work with the assigned DHBC inspector for Beattyville to schedule site, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Beattyville, KY?: Typical processing time is No set statewide timeline is published. Contact DHBC via (502) 573-0373 for a case-specific review window or fast-track option..
What work is exempt from building permits in Beattyville, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory structures (one-story, typically 120 square feet or less) for storage or play; Nonstructural finish work such as painting, tiling, carpeting, or cabinets; Small mechanical/electrical/plumbing replacements (lighting fixtures, valves, portable equipment) that do not relocate or expand systems. Note: Refer to KBC Section 105.2 for state exemptions; Beattyville has no separate list. Verify edge cases with DHBC-BCE before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Beattyville, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Division of Building Codes Enforcement, State Building Inspector for Lee County (859-358-4467).

Need help with your project?

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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.

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