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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Beattyville
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.
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
- Exempt Small detached accessory structures (one-story, typically 120 square feet or less) for storage or play
- Exempt Nonstructural finish work such as painting, tiling, carpeting, or cabinets
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code (2015 IBC-based)
- Permit validity
- Kentucky Building Code Section 105.5: the 180-day expiration rule and extension process apply to all Beattyville projects.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No set statewide timeline is published. Contact DHBC via (502) 573-0373 for a case-specific review window or fast-track option.
- 01 Confirm zoning/planning status: Beattyville has no local zoning department, so call Lee County government or DHBC for guidance on allowable uses before applying.
- 02 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.
- 03 Upload application packages and fees via SmartGov per the DHBC checklist (applications, fee sheets, plan sets, fire suppression data, etc.).
- 04 Submit the required payment (check to the Kentucky State Treasurer) along with highlighted scope information and licensed designer/contractor documentation as required.
- 05 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Beattyville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$285
02
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.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based: square-foot fees per occupancy type, with fast-track surcharge and specialized system fees for range hoods, suppression, etc.
Payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, rounded to the nearest dollar. Project location and applicant information must be listed on the check.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: KBC Section 107 inspectors will visit footings, foundations, framing, service, fire/suppression, and final checks before occupancy is granted.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Beattyville permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Beattyville, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Beattyville, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Beattyville, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Beattyville, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Beattyville, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Beattyville, KY typically run No set statewide timeline is published. Contact DHBC via (502) 573-0373 for a case-specific review window or fast-track option.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Beattyville, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Beattyville, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Beattyville, KY via: Division of Building Codes Enforcement, State Building Inspector for Lee County (859-358-4467).
last verified April 2026
source Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC-BCE) ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/lee/beattyville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC-BCE) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.