Whitesburg, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The city charges a $20 local permit for renovations and change of occupancy while DHBC continues to enforce the 2018 Kentucky Building Code for structural work.

Department

City of Whitesburg Code Enforcement (City Clerk/Fire Chief) working with DHBC state inspectors

Address

38 East Main Street, Whitesburg, KY 41858

Phone

(606) 633-3700

Email

whitesburgcityclerk@gmail.com

Website

https://cityofwhitesburgky.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Meet with the City Clerk or Fire Chief to describe the project, pay the $20 permit, and let city staff know when renovations or occupancy changes are planned.
2. Submit the DHBC plan review application through SmartGov with all required drawings, fee sheet, and owner/contractor data.
3. Coordinate fire department inspections and stop work orders if safety concerns arise while waiting for DHBC approval.
4. Once DHBC and city inspections pass, receive the final permit/occupancy approval and schedule any outstanding punch-list inspections per the state checklist.

Typical processing time: No timeline is published publicly; contact the city clerk or call DHBC at (502) 573-0373 for current review times.

Source: City of Whitesburg Code Enforcement (City Clerk/Fire Chief) working with DHBC state inspectors

General Requirements

The city expects a permit for any renovation or occupancy change, and DHBC requires permits for major structural, mechanical, fire suppression, electrical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

• DHBC plan checklist: application, fee sheet, site plans, architectural/structural drawings, fire suppression form, affidavits
• City permit form

Permit validity

State approval is contingent on payment of required fees and must remain current according to Section 121 of the 2018 Kentucky Building Code; the city permit is valid until the work is completed or until new conditions arise.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (per state adoption)

Owner-builder

Owner-built projects must still submit the DHBC affidavit of assurances affirming worker compensation and unemployment insurance compliance.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, and mechanical trades must carry DHBC licenses or approvals even for city work, while general building contractors follow the state requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20 city permit; $285 DHBC plan review minimum

Plan check fee

Built into the DHBC plan review calculation in the fee worksheet

Permit fee formula

Square footage conversion per occupancy type (13-16 cents) plus fast-track and specialized-system surcharges as indicated in the state guide

Payment note

City permit fees are paid at City Hall; DHBC fees go to the Kentucky State Treasurer with project identifiers so the review is credited properly.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Whitesburg Code Enforcement (City Clerk/Fire Chief) working with DHBC state inspectors to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City Clerk/Fire Desk (phone)
• DHBC (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Coordinate scheduling with the city clerk/fire desk for the $20 permit inspection and with DHBC for state inspections.

Inspection hours

DHBC divisions operate 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST; City Hall operates during regular hours.

Typical inspection sequence: DHBC checklist lists building, plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, hazardous materials, elevators, boilers, and other systems; the city conducts a fire/code pre-review before those trades begin.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (per state adoption)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Letcher County Municipal Page
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Whitesburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Whitesburg, KY?

The city expects a permit for any renovation or occupancy change, and DHBC requires permits for major structural, mechanical, fire suppression, electrical, and plumbing work.

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

The minimum permit fee is $20 city permit; $285 DHBC plan review minimum. Fees are calculated as: Square footage conversion per occupancy type (13-16 cents) plus fast-track and specialized-system surcharges as indicated in the state guide. Plan check fee: Built into the DHBC plan review calculation in the fee worksheet.

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

1. Meet with the City Clerk or Fire Chief to describe the project, pay the $20 permit, and let city staff know when renovations or occupancy changes are planned. 2. Submit the DHBC plan review application through SmartGov with all required drawings, fee sheet, and owner/contractor data. 3. Coordinate fire department inspections and stop work orders if safety concerns arise while waiting for DHBC approval. 4. Once DHBC and city inspections pass, receive the final permit/occupancy approval and schedule any outstanding punch-list inspections per the state checklist.

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

Typical processing time is No timeline is published publicly; contact the city clerk or call DHBC at (502) 573-0373 for current review times..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Clerk/Fire Desk, DHBC. Coordinate scheduling with the city clerk/fire desk for the $20 permit inspection and with DHBC for state inspections..

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