City of Whitesburg

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.

Note: No city-specific exempt-work list is published; treat every structural, mechanical, or fire-related project as requiring at least the $20 city permit and any applicable state permit.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (per state adoption)

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.

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.

1. 01
   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. 02
   Submit the DHBC plan review application through SmartGov with all required drawings, fee sheet, and owner/contractor data.
3. 03
   Coordinate fire department inspections and stop work orders if safety concerns arise while waiting for DHBC approval.
4. 04
   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 ↗

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

• 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 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.