City of Hyden

Section 121 of the 2018 Kentucky Building Code mandates a permit before new construction, additions, alterations, removals, or changes of occupancy.

• Exempt Small accessory structures
• Exempt Minor repairs
• Exempt Ordinary maintenance

Note: See Kentucky Building Code Section 105.2 for the full list of work types exempt from permits. Local jurisdictions may have additional agreements.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (based on the 2015 IBC), 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IRC), plus the referenced NFPA, energy, plumbing, and boiler regulations

Permit validity

The publicly posted guide does not set a standard expiration; verify timing and extension rules with Building Code Enforcement at (502) 573-0373.

Owner-builder

Submit the Affidavit of Assurances (KRS 198B.060(10)) with each state-licensed project under state jurisdiction, confirming all contractors/subcontractors comply with Kentucky workers' compensation and unemployment insurance requirements.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sprinkler/suppression, boiler, tank, and other trade installations need DHBC-issued licenses and certificates; general building construction permits do not require a separate state license but are still inspected by DHBC.

Source: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement ↗

1. 01
   Confirm land use requirements with the local planning/zoning authority before work begins, especially if rezoning or variances may be needed.
2. 02
   Determine whether the project is under DHBC or a local code official per KBC Sections 104.1 and 104.2; if no local program exists, the state retains jurisdiction for Hyden projects.
3. 03
   Submit one completed application form plus the fee worksheet, plan sets, and supporting documents through the SmartGov portal.
4. 04
   Include complete architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, accessibility, seismic, and special inspection information as listed in the plan guide.
5. 05
   Pay the plan review fee calculated from Table 121.3.1 (cost per square foot or valuation-based formula), including any specialized system fees; the minimum review fee is $285.
6. 06
   After approval, schedule the required inspections (including any special inspections per Section 1704) and obtain trade-specific certificates (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sprinklers, etc.) before requesting occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not published in the guide; applicants should call Building Code Enforcement at (502) 573-0373 for queue status.

Source: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement ↗

Checks are payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer with project name/location noted; payments may accompany mailed plan sets if not all materials are uploaded

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Building Code Enforcement main line (phone)
• HVAC division (phone)
• Plumbing division (phone)
• Electrical division (phone)

Inspection hours

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST

Typical sequence: Submit the Statement of Special Inspections for structures needing special inspection, then progress through site/foundation, framing, mechanical/plumbing/electrical, and final inspections, with each system requiring its own certificate before legal occupancy.

Source: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement ↗