Lyon County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The joint commission oversees planning, zoning, and permit reviews for unincorporated Lyon County and provides coordination with the cities of Eddyville and Kuttawa. Frank Wallace serves as the local building inspector for the county.

Department

Eddyville-Kuttawa-Lyon County Joint Planning Commission / Lyon County Planning & Zoning Office

Address

500 West Dale Avenue, PO Box 598, Eddyville, KY 42038

Phone

270-388-7311

Website

https://www.lyoncountyky.com/planningzoning

Application Process

1. Begin with an optional conceptual plan review to consult with the Technical Review Committee before formal submission.
2. File twelve copies of the preliminary development plan on the first working day of the month (approximately six weeks before the Planning Commission meeting) and include required construction, grading, erosion control, stormwater, and landscaping plans.
3. Present the plan to the Technical Review Committee, respond to staff comments, and submit revised preliminary plans and reduced copies for commission mailings.
4. The Planning Commission reviews the application, may attach conditions, and once approved, the owner receives signed final plan copies (one official for the commission, one for the owner, and one for recording).
5. No building permit is issued until the final plan is signed; the building inspector issues the certificate of occupancy only after required improvements are complete or bonded.

Typical processing time: Preliminary plan filings must hit the first working day of the month to align with the six-week review schedule. No other fixed permit clock is published.

Source: Eddyville-Kuttawa-Lyon County Joint Planning Commission / Lyon County Planning & Zoning Office

General Requirements

No land, structure, or change of use may be erected, altered, or occupied until the building inspector issues a building permit and the certificate of occupancy confirms conformity with the zoning regulations.

Required Documents

• Preliminary and final development plans
• Site preparation, grading, and erosion control plans
• Stormwater and landscaping plans
• Engineer and surveyor certifications and stamps
• Other certificates as required by development plan guidelines

Building code

Kentucky enforces the statewide 2015 International Building Code for design, construction, and safety.

Owner-builder

The guidelines treat the applicant as the responsible owner/developer and require signed certifications. No separate owner-builder exemptions are provided; confirm with the planning office when necessary.

Contractor requirements

Local ordinances do not list a county-level contractor license requirement. Kentucky enforces statewide contractor licensing through the 2015 International Building Code apparatus.

Fees

Payment note

No online payment portal is shown; arrange payment methods directly with the Planning & Zoning Office during submission.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Eddyville-Kuttawa-Lyon County Joint Planning Commission / Lyon County Planning & Zoning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Frank Wallace (Building Inspector) (phone)
• Planning & Zoning Office (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: The inspector enforces the ordinance so that permit issuance and occupancy hinge on the signed final plan, completion of the required improvements, and certification of compliance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky enforces the statewide 2015 International Building Code for design, construction, and safety.
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lyon County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, KY?

No land, structure, or change of use may be erected, altered, or occupied until the building inspector issues a building permit and the certificate of occupancy confirms conformity with the zoning regulations.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, KY?

1. Begin with an optional conceptual plan review to consult with the Technical Review Committee before formal submission. 2. File twelve copies of the preliminary development plan on the first working day of the month (approximately six weeks before the Planning Commission meeting) and include required construction, grading, erosion control, stormwater, and landscaping plans. 3. Present the plan to the Technical Review Committee, respond to staff comments, and submit revised preliminary plans and reduced copies for commission mailings. 4. The Planning Commission reviews the application, may attach conditions, and once approved, the owner receives signed final plan copies (one official for the commission, one for the owner, and one for recording). 5. No building permit is issued until the final plan is signed; the building inspector issues the certificate of occupancy only after required improvements are complete or bonded.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, KY?

Typical processing time is Preliminary plan filings must hit the first working day of the month to align with the six-week review schedule. No other fixed permit clock is published..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lyon County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Frank Wallace (Building Inspector), Planning & Zoning Office.