County Building Permits
Martin County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers the full unincorporated territory of Martin County. No local building inspector is appointed; the state inspector completes project review and inspection duties.
- Department
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Building Codes Enforcement
- Address
- 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Phone
- (502) 573-0373
- HBC.bceta@ky.gov
- Website
- https://dhbc.ky.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Contact the Martin County code enforcement office or DHBC to confirm whether the work falls under state or local review.
- Assemble the required documents including owner/contractor information, project description, code compliance statements, valuation worksheet, and plan sets.
- Submit the application materials via SmartGov or the county office as directed, including the 2018 Kentucky Building Code plan review fee worksheet.
- Pay the assessed fees once plan review is complete, pick up or download the approved permit, and schedule inspections through SmartGov or the county office.
- Pass required inspections and secure the final inspection report or certificate of occupancy prior to occupancy.
Typical processing time: Not published; timelines are determined by the DHBC review queue.
Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Building Codes Enforcement
General Requirements
The 2018 Kentucky Building Code and Residential Code apply to new construction, additions, alterations, relocations, and occupancy changes that affect structural, electrical, or mechanical systems.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
- Contractor information
- Detailed plans
- Site plan
- Valuation summary
- Code compliance statements
- Permit validity
- Not published; applicants must verify the duration with DHBC when the permit is issued.
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC)
- Owner-builder
- No statewide owner-builder exemption list is published; verify eligibility with DHBC.
- Contractor requirements
- General building contractors are not licensed by DHBC, but plumbing, electrical, HVAC, manufactured housing, and elevator trades require state-issued licenses.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based worksheet tied to the 2018 KBC/Residential Code; DHBC supplies rates once valuation is entered.
- Payment note
- Payments accepted as directed during permit issuance, typically through SmartGov for online applicants.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Building Codes Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- SmartGov (online)
- (502) 573-0373 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: plan review, permit issuance, sequential inspections (foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and finals), issuance of final inspection report.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC)
- DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide
- 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 Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Building Codes Enforcement before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Martin County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY?
- The 2018 Kentucky Building Code and Residential Code apply to new construction, additions, alterations, relocations, and occupancy changes that affect structural, electrical, or mechanical systems.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Martin County, KY?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based worksheet tied to the 2018 KBC/Residential Code; DHBC supplies rates once valuation is entered..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY?
- 1. Contact the Martin County code enforcement office or DHBC to confirm whether the work falls under state or local review. 2. Assemble the required documents including owner/contractor information, project description, code compliance statements, valuation worksheet, and plan sets. 3. Submit the application materials via SmartGov or the county office as directed, including the 2018 Kentucky Building Code plan review fee worksheet. 4. Pay the assessed fees once plan review is complete, pick up or download the approved permit, and schedule inspections through SmartGov or the county office. 5. Pass required inspections and secure the final inspection report or certificate of occupancy prior to occupancy.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Not published; timelines are determined by the DHBC review queue..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Martin County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov, (502) 573-0373.
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