Unincorporated Lewis County

A building permit is required for any construction, reconstruction, remodel, or alteration under KRS 67.410.

Note: No exempt-work list is published on the floodplain/zoning page or the DHBC contact sheet; verify with the inspector before starting work assumed to be exempt.

Building code

International Residential Code and Kentucky Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings.

Permit validity

Not published; confirm with the state inspector.

Owner-builder

Owner authorization must be signed whenever the applicant is not the owner.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must meet state requirements from KRS 198B.060 and KRS 342 for worker's compensation and unemployment insurance. Subcontractor roster changes must be reported to DHBC before construction begins.

1. 01
   Call or email Wade Trimble (state building inspector) to confirm the scope of required permits.
2. 02
   Coordinate with the Lewis County Judge Executive's office to route documentation to DHBC.
3. 03
   Provide the requested documentation (plans, insurance certifications, subcontractor list, trade scope) and permit fee to the inspector.
4. 04
   Receive the permit once DHBC approves the submission and schedule the listed inspections with the trade inspectors before beginning work.

Typical processing time: Not published; applicants must work directly with the state inspector for timing.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) ↗

• Wade Trimble (State Building Inspector) (phone)
• wade.trimble@ky.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Tuesday 8:00–9:30 a.m. EST at Lewis County Health Department

Typical sequence: Inspection duties are divided across HVAC, plumbing, elevator, and boiler inspectors listed on the DHBC contact sheet. Coordinate with each as directed.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) ↗