County Building Permits
Marshall County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Enforces the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code for Benton, Calvert City, Hardin, and the rest of Marshall County.
- Department
- Marshall County Building Office
- Address
- 1101 Main Street, Ste. 205, Benton, KY 42025
- Phone
- 270-527-4744
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CivicPlus/Marshall County Document Center • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download and complete the residential or commercial building permit application, identifying the project location (including the city jurisdiction), floodplain status, and contractor/designer information.
- Package the required documents: foundation plan, floor plan with square footage under roof, typical wall section, truss specifications, site plan, septic/site evaluation, and city zoning compliance certificate when applicable.
- Provide the plan set both on paper and in digital form when requested.
- Submit the signed packet to the building office in person or by mail (electronic copies can be arranged by contacting the office) along with specialized-system fees and any trade-specific payments.
- The office performs a plan review and issues a permit when the submission satisfies the code; denials are documented in writing by the building inspector.
- Applicant is notified to pay remaining fees and collect the permit.
Typical processing time: 5 working days for review before the permit is issued.
Source: Marshall County Building Office
General Requirements
Any excavation, construction, relocation, alteration, or expansion of structures 200 square feet or larger, any change of use, and any work in a flood-prone area must be permitted countywide.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Foundation plan
- Floor plan with square footage under roof
- Typical wall section
- Truss specifications
- Site plan
- Septic/site evaluation
- Proof of floodplain permit if applicable
- City zoning compliance certificate for projects inside Benton or Calvert City
- Permit validity
- Not posted publicly; confirm with the building office.
- Building code
- 2013 Kentucky Building Code and 2013 Kentucky Residential Code
- Owner-builder
- The application must be signed by the property owner or an authorized agent. Only the described work is covered; accessory structures not listed require separate permits.
- Contractor requirements
- The forms request a valid contractor license. Electrical/system contractors must include Kentucky license numbers and contract details with each submission.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential building fees start at $0.15 per square foot plus a $10 filing fee (total minimum $75)
- Plan check fee
- Incorporated into the building permit fee; specialized systems pay the full amount at submittal.
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based square-foot schedule including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, and other trade fees per the 2025 permit cost schedule
- Reinspection fee
- Additional trips are charged per the 2025 permit cost schedule
- Payment note
- Fees are nonrefundable and must be paid before review or inspections. Submit payment to Marshall County Building Office (checks or other accepted methods) when delivering the plan set.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Marshall County Building Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 270-527-4744 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Provide at least 24 hours notice with the permit number and site address.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing inspection (prior to pouring after rebar is tied), foundation inspection (before backfill), framing inspection (after rough trades and before insulation), and final inspection (when the project is complete).
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2013 Kentucky Building Code and 2013 Kentucky Residential Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Residential Building Permit Application
- Commercial Building Permit Application
- 2025 Permit 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 Marshall County Building Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marshall County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, KY?
- Any excavation, construction, relocation, alteration, or expansion of structures 200 square feet or larger, any change of use, and any work in a flood-prone area must be permitted countywide.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Marshall County, KY?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential building fees start at $0.15 per square foot plus a $10 filing fee (total minimum $75). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based square-foot schedule including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, and other trade fees per the 2025 permit cost schedule. Plan check fee: Incorporated into the building permit fee; specialized systems pay the full amount at submittal..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, KY?
- 1. Download and complete the residential or commercial building permit application, identifying the project location (including the city jurisdiction), floodplain status, and contractor/designer information. 2. Package the required documents: foundation plan, floor plan with square footage under roof, typical wall section, truss specifications, site plan, septic/site evaluation, and city zoning compliance certificate when applicable. 3. Provide the plan set both on paper and in digital form when requested. 4. Submit the signed packet to the building office in person or by mail (electronic copies can be arranged by contacting the office) along with specialized-system fees and any trade-specific payments. 5. The office performs a plan review and issues a permit when the submission satisfies the code; denials are documented in writing by the building inspector. 6. Applicant is notified to pay remaining fees and collect the permit.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, KY?
- Typical processing time is 5 working days for review before the permit is issued..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marshall County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-527-4744. Provide at least 24 hours notice with the permit number and site address..
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Marshall County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works