City Building Permits

Benton, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Marshall County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Benton Code 155.05 requires a zoning compliance certificate for new construction, alterations, or changes of use inside city limits. The certificate must accompany the Marshall County building permit application.

Department
City of Benton Planning & Zoning (Code Enforcement)
Address
1009 Main Street, Benton, KY 42025
Phone
270-527-8677
Website
https://benton.ky.gov/Pages/forms.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Open Zoning Compliance Permit (PDF)

Platform: Commonwealth of Kentucky (ky.gov) forms PDF download • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Complete the Zoning Compliance application, identifying the project type (new construction, alteration, or change of use) plus owner, builder, and property information.
  2. Attach a sketch that shows all structures on the lot, proposed additions, distances to lot lines, and utilities or streets.
  3. Deliver the packet to City Hall with the $150 compliance fee payable to Benton and any required documentation.
  4. Note: the application states that the certificate can be revoked if plans change without approval.
  5. Once the certificate is issued, present it to the Marshall County Building Office when submitting that jurisdiction's building permit.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact Benton City Hall for current review timelines.

Source: City of Benton Planning & Zoning (Code Enforcement)

General Requirements

Residential or commercial construction, accessory structures, or change of use within Benton city limits requires a zoning compliance certificate before the county building permit is issued.

Required Documents

  • Completed zoning compliance application
  • Detailed sketch showing all structures on the lot, proposed additions, distances to lot lines, and utilities or streets
  • Fee payment
  • Any additional city-specific information the planner requests
Permit validity
Not posted publicly; check with the city for local policy.
Building code
The city defers to the Marshall County Building Office, which enforces the 2013 Kentucky Building Code and 2013 Kentucky Residential Code.
Owner-builder
The applicant must certify they are the owner or authorized agent in order to proceed.
Contractor requirements
The county building permit form asks for a valid contractor license. Electrical/system contractors should include Kentucky license numbers.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$150 zoning compliance certificate fee
Plan check fee
Handled through the county building permit (plans reviewed with the permit fee).
Permit fee formula
Flat fee for the city certificate; the broader building permit follows the county's valuation-based square-foot schedule.
Reinspection fee
Charged at the rate listed in Marshall County's 2025 permit cost schedule.
Payment note
The $150 compliance fee is due with the application and payable to the City of Benton.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Benton Planning & Zoning (Code Enforcement) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 270-527-4744 (Marshall County Building Office) (phone)
Scheduling deadline
24-hour notice with permit number and site address.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (approximately)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, framing, and final inspections are required for residential and commercial projects.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Benton Planning & Zoning (Code Enforcement) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Benton, KY?
Residential or commercial construction, accessory structures, or change of use within Benton city limits requires a zoning compliance certificate before the county building permit is issued.
How much does a building permit cost in Benton, KY?
The minimum permit fee is $150 zoning compliance certificate fee. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee for the city certificate; the broader building permit follows the county's valuation-based square-foot schedule.. Plan check fee: Handled through the county building permit (plans reviewed with the permit fee)..
How do I apply for a building permit in Benton, KY?
1. Complete the Zoning Compliance application, identifying the project type (new construction, alteration, or change of use) plus owner, builder, and property information. 2. Attach a sketch that shows all structures on the lot, proposed additions, distances to lot lines, and utilities or streets. 3. Deliver the packet to City Hall with the $150 compliance fee payable to Benton and any required documentation. 4. Note: the application states that the certificate can be revoked if plans change without approval. 5. Once the certificate is issued, present it to the Marshall County Building Office when submitting that jurisdiction's building permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Benton, KY?
Typical processing time is Not published; contact Benton City Hall for current review timelines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Benton, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-527-4744 (Marshall County Building Office). 24-hour notice with permit number and site address..

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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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