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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Richmond
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.
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
- Exempt Existing commercial repairs for maintenance or to correct damage
- Exempt Replacement of existing commercial interior finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets, and countertops
- Exempt Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet
- Exempt Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
- Exempt Work on decks and porches that does not meet Richmond's listed permit triggers for size, height, roofing, front-door service, or structural attachment
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Allow up to five business days for plan review once all required documents are received.
- 01 Confirm the address is inside Richmond city limits using the city's map if needed.
- 02 Choose online Accela filing or a physical application. Richmond publishes separate residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, demolition, and certificate of occupancy forms.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 Pay fees at submission. Richmond's forms state payment is required at the time of submission.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Richmond building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
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.
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
No general reinspection or penalty schedule was clearly posted in the reviewed Richmond fee documents.
Richmond states payment is required at the time of submission and before plan review is completed and permits are issued.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Richmond permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Richmond, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Richmond, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Richmond, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Richmond, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Richmond, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Richmond, KY typically run Allow up to five business days for plan review once all required documents are received.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Richmond, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Richmond, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Richmond, KY 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..
last verified April 2026
source City of Richmond Building Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/madison/richmond-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Richmond Building Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.