Richmond, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The department enforces codes within the City of Richmond and does not review plans or perform inspections outside Richmond city limits or inside the City of Berea.

Department

City of Richmond Building Inspection Department

Address

239 West Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475

Phone

859-625-6428

Email

kcappel@richmondky.gov

Website

https://richmondky.gov/departments/building_inspections/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the address is inside Richmond city limits using the city's map if needed.
2. Choose online Accela filing or a physical application. Richmond publishes separate residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, demolition, and certificate of occupancy forms.
3. Submit the signed application with required supporting documents. Residential building applications require construction documents, site plan with setbacks, easements and driveway locations, and utility tap fee receipt signed by the utility company.
4. Submit subcontractor information. Richmond requires a subcontractor list, and contractors working on the project need a City of Richmond business license. Workers compensation documentation is required if applicable.
5. Pay fees at submission. Richmond's forms state payment is required at the time of submission.
6. Allow for plan review, then schedule required inspections at least 24 hours ahead. Final approval and certificate of occupancy follow completion of required building, trade, and planning inspections.

Typical processing time: Allow up to five business days for plan review once all required documents are received.

Source: City of Richmond Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for all new construction; residential structural additions or alterations, basement occupant-load changes, and footprint changes; existing commercial renovations and additions other than maintenance repairs; accessory structures at or above posted square-foot thresholds; retaining walls 4 feet high and taller; decks and porches meeting posted triggers; electrical, HVAC, mechanical systems; in-ground pools with 24 inches or more of water; and plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Signed permit application
• Construction documents
• Labeled floor plan
• Foundation plan
• Exterior finish and envelope drawings
• Wall and roof assembly or cross section
• Window and door schedule
• Site plan with setbacks, easements, and driveway locations
• Utility tap fee receipt
• Subcontractor list
• Business license number for contractors
• Additional floodplain documentation if applicable

Permit validity

Building applications state permits become void if work does not begin within 180 days or is suspended for more than 180 days. Inspection sheets state the permit expires 180 days after issuance or 180 days after the last inspection unless progress is shown.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code, 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, Kentucky State Plumbing Law, 2012 NFPA 1, 2012 NFPA 54, 2023 NFPA 70, 2013 NFPA 72, 2012 NFPA 101, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code

Owner-builder

Any owner or authorized agent may apply. Richmond's electrical fee schedule says homeowners performing their own electrical work are exempt from electrician licensing if they submit a notarized Homeowner Affidavit.

Contractor requirements

Anyone other than the homeowner performing work must have a City of Richmond business license. For electrical and HVAC installation, the installer must hold the applicable state master license. Richmond also requires workers compensation insurance if applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review is 13 to 16 cents per square foot by occupancy, with $285 minimum. Alteration and repair plan review uses a 0.0030 factor or occupancy-square-foot method, whichever is less, with $285 minimum.

Permit fee formula

Valuation based for commercial and residential building permits: $30 up to $2,000; $42 for the first $2,000 plus $5 per additional $1,000 up to $15,000; $104 for the first $15,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000 up to $50,000; $244 for the first $50,000 plus $3.50 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $380 for the first $100,000 plus $2.25 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000; $1,280 for the first $500,000 plus $1.75 per additional $1,000 over $500,000. Demolition permit is $150.

Reinspection fee

No general reinspection or penalty schedule was clearly posted in the reviewed Richmond fee documents.

Payment note

Richmond states payment is required at the time of submission and before plan review is completed and permits are issued.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Existing commercial repairs for maintenance or to correct damage
• Replacement of existing commercial interior finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets, and countertops
• Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet
• Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
• Work on decks and porches that does not meet Richmond's listed permit triggers for size, height, roofing, front-door service, or structural attachment

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 859-625-6428 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours advance scheduling required. Inspection sheets require permit number, owner or contractor name, site address, inspection type, and contact phone number.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Residential work commonly uses footing, poured wall or stem wall, foundation, slab, envelope, framing, insulation, and final. Commercial work commonly uses footing, poured wall or stem wall, foundation, slab, envelope, structural steel or pre-engineered metal building, framing, above-ceiling, insulation, and final. Trade rough-in and final inspections must be completed before building final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code, 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, Kentucky State Plumbing Law, 2012 NFPA 1, 2012 NFPA 54, 2023 NFPA 70, 2013 NFPA 72, 2012 NFPA 101, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City of Richmond GIS Map
• Required Inspections - Residential
• Required Inspections - Commercial
• Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Richmond, KY?

Permits are required for all new construction; residential structural additions or alterations, basement occupant-load changes, and footprint changes; existing commercial renovations and additions other than maintenance repairs; accessory structures at or above posted square-foot thresholds; retaining walls 4 feet high and taller; decks and porches meeting posted triggers; electrical, HVAC, mechanical systems; in-ground pools with 24 inches or more of water; and plumbing systems.

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

The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for commercial and residential building permits: $30 up to $2,000; $42 for the first $2,000 plus $5 per additional $1,000 up to $15,000; $104 for the first $15,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000 up to $50,000; $244 for the first $50,000 plus $3.50 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $380 for the first $100,000 plus $2.25 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000; $1,280 for the first $500,000 plus $1.75 per additional $1,000 over $500,000. Demolition permit is $150.. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review is 13 to 16 cents per square foot by occupancy, with $285 minimum. Alteration and repair plan review uses a 0.0030 factor or occupancy-square-foot method, whichever is less, with $285 minimum..

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

1. Confirm the address is inside Richmond city limits using the city's map if needed. 2. Choose online Accela filing or a physical application. Richmond publishes separate residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, demolition, and certificate of occupancy forms. 3. Submit the signed application with required supporting documents. Residential building applications require construction documents, site plan with setbacks, easements and driveway locations, and utility tap fee receipt signed by the utility company. 4. Submit subcontractor information. Richmond requires a subcontractor list, and contractors working on the project need a City of Richmond business license. Workers compensation documentation is required if applicable. 5. Pay fees at submission. Richmond's forms state payment is required at the time of submission. 6. Allow for plan review, then schedule required inspections at least 24 hours ahead. Final approval and certificate of occupancy follow completion of required building, trade, and planning inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Allow up to five business days for plan review once all required documents are received..

What work is exempt from building permits in Richmond, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Existing commercial repairs for maintenance or to correct damage; Replacement of existing commercial interior finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets, and countertops; Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet; Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Work on decks and porches that does not meet Richmond's listed permit triggers for size, height, roofing, front-door service, or structural attachment.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-625-6428. At least 24 hours advance scheduling required. Inspection sheets require permit number, owner or contractor name, site address, inspection type, and contact phone number..

Other cities in Madison County