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

The minimum permit fee is $55. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for building permits: $55 up to $2,000; $67 plus $5 per $1,000 from $2,001 to $15,000; $129 plus $4 per $1,000 from $15,001 to $50,000; $269 plus $3.50 per $1,000 from $50,001 to $100,000; $405 plus $2.25 per $1,000 from $100,001 to $500,000; $1,305 plus $1.75 per $1,000 over $500,000. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review: 13 to 16 cents per square foot by occupancy with $285 minimum. Alteration and repair: 0.0030 factor or area method, whichever is less, with $285 minimum..

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

1. Open the Codes and Planning Department page and choose the applicable OpenGov category for permits, inspections, planning and zoning, contractor registration, floodplain, or commercial plan review. 2. Complete the building permit application in full. All requested information must be completed before a building permit can be issued. 3. Assemble the required submittal package including application, site plan with setbacks and lot size, foundation plan, floor plan, wall section and framing information, and engineered lumber spec sheets. 4. Attach outside approvals when triggered, including conditional use or variance decisions, Health Department approval for non-public sewer, and State Division of Water approval for floodplain sites. 5. Submit the package through OpenGov or to the Codes office. Separate electrical and mechanical permits are required and are not included in the building permit. 6. Call the Codes office for required inspections with at least 24 hours notice. Occupancy follows the required final inspections.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-986-8528. Minimum 24-hour notice is required for inspection scheduling..

City Building Permits

Berea, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Berea, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Madison County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The department regulates building and planning in the City of Berea. This section covers permit authority serving city properties in Madison County.

Department: City of Berea Codes and Planning Department
Address: 212 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40403
Phone: 859-986-8528
Email: ahaney@bereaky.gov
Website: https://bereaky.gov/government/city-departments/codes-planning-2/

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov Permits & Inspections

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Open the Codes and Planning Department page and choose the applicable OpenGov category for permits, inspections, planning and zoning, contractor registration, floodplain, or commercial plan review.
Complete the building permit application in full. All requested information must be completed before a building permit can be issued.
Assemble the required submittal package including application, site plan with setbacks and lot size, foundation plan, floor plan, wall section and framing information, and engineered lumber spec sheets.
Attach outside approvals when triggered, including conditional use or variance decisions, Health Department approval for non-public sewer, and State Division of Water approval for floodplain sites.
Submit the package through OpenGov or to the Codes office. Separate electrical and mechanical permits are required and are not included in the building permit.
Call the Codes office for required inspections with at least 24 hours notice. Occupancy follows the required final inspections.

Typical processing time: Expect a permit in no less than 24 hours once a complete application is submitted.

Source: City of Berea Codes and Planning Department

General Requirements

The department regulates building and planning in the city. Residential and commercial buildings, alterations and additions, accessory structures, electrical, mechanical, demolition, signs, street and curb cuts, tents and temporary structures, and related work require permits.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Site plan with setback dimensions and lot size
Foundation plan
Floor plan
Wall section and framing details
Engineered lumber specs
Utility and Public Works approvals as applicable
Conditional use or variance decision if applicable
Health Department approval for non-public sewer
State Division of Water approval for floodplain sites

Permit validity: Not clearly stated in the reviewed public Berea permit materials.
Building code: International Code, Kentucky Building Code, and Kentucky Residential Code
Owner-builder: The owner or an applicant or agent may apply. If someone other than the owner is obtaining the permit, the owner signature is required.
Contractor requirements: Contractors and subcontractors working in the city limits must have a Contractors Information Form on file, a current city business license, and be able to provide a certificate of insurance under KRS Chapters 341 and 342.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $55
Plan check fee: Commercial plan review: 13 to 16 cents per square foot by occupancy with $285 minimum. Alteration and repair: 0.0030 factor or area method, whichever is less, with $285 minimum.
Permit fee formula: Valuation based for building permits: $55 up to $2,000; $67 plus $5 per $1,000 from $2,001 to $15,000; $129 plus $4 per $1,000 from $15,001 to $50,000; $269 plus $3.50 per $1,000 from $50,001 to $100,000; $405 plus $2.25 per $1,000 from $100,001 to $500,000; $1,305 plus $1.75 per $1,000 over $500,000
Reinspection fee: Additional inspection beyond two trips is $65 per trip. Electrical trip charge or reinspection is $100. Change of use inspection is $125.
Payment note: Payment method details not clearly published. OpenGov is the online service portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024-2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Berea Codes and Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

859-986-8528 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Minimum 24-hour notice is required for inspection scheduling.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence includes: footings; silt fence and erosion control where applicable; foundations and slabs; envelope; framing; fire-rated partitions; insulation; final. Mechanical inspections include rough-in and final. Electrical inspections include temporary pole, rough-in, top, and final.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Code, Kentucky Building Code, and Kentucky Residential Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Management Ordinance Appendices
Plan Review Fee Schedule
License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Berea Codes and Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berea Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Berea, KY?: The department regulates building and planning in the city. Residential and commercial buildings, alterations and additions, accessory structures, electrical, mechanical, demolition, signs, street and curb cuts, tents and temporary structures, and related work require permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Berea, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $55. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for building permits: $55 up to $2,000; $67 plus $5 per $1,000 from $2,001 to $15,000; $129 plus $4 per $1,000 from $15,001 to $50,000; $269 plus $3.50 per $1,000 from $50,001 to $100,000; $405 plus $2.25 per $1,000 from $100,001 to $500,000; $1,305 plus $1.75 per $1,000 over $500,000. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review: 13 to 16 cents per square foot by occupancy with $285 minimum. Alteration and repair: 0.0030 factor or area method, whichever is less, with $285 minimum..
How do I apply for a building permit in Berea, KY?: 1. Open the Codes and Planning Department page and choose the applicable OpenGov category for permits, inspections, planning and zoning, contractor registration, floodplain, or commercial plan review. 2. Complete the building permit application in full. All requested information must be completed before a building permit can be issued. 3. Assemble the required submittal package including application, site plan with setbacks and lot size, foundation plan, floor plan, wall section and framing information, and engineered lumber spec sheets. 4. Attach outside approvals when triggered, including conditional use or variance decisions, Health Department approval for non-public sewer, and State Division of Water approval for floodplain sites. 5. Submit the package through OpenGov or to the Codes office. Separate electrical and mechanical permits are required and are not included in the building permit. 6. Call the Codes office for required inspections with at least 24 hours notice. Occupancy follows the required final inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Berea, KY?: Typical processing time is Expect a permit in no less than 24 hours once a complete application is submitted..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Berea, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-986-8528. Minimum 24-hour notice is required for inspection scheduling..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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