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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Martin County
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.
Note: No public, county-specific exempt-work list could be located; consult the local code official or DHBC for any exemptions.
- Completed permit application
- Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
- Contractor information
- Detailed plans
- Site plan
- Valuation summary
- Code compliance statements
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC)
- Permit validity
- Not published; applicants must verify the duration with DHBC when the permit is issued.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; timelines are determined by the DHBC review queue.
- 01 Contact the Martin County code enforcement office or DHBC to confirm whether the work falls under state or local review.
- 02 Assemble the required documents including owner/contractor information, project description, code compliance statements, valuation worksheet, and plan sets.
- 03 Submit the application materials via SmartGov or the county office as directed, including the 2018 Kentucky Building Code plan review fee worksheet.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
Fee schedule
Martin County building permit fees
Payments accepted as directed during permit issuance, typically through SmartGov for online applicants.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- SmartGov (online)
- (502) 573-0373 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: plan review, permit issuance, sequential inspections (foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and finals), issuance of final inspection report.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Martin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Martin County, KY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Martin County, KY? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Martin County, KY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Building Codes Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.