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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mason County
Whenever an owner or authorized agent proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing equipment, a building or remodeling permit must be pulled before work begins; only cosmetic changes or regular repairs and maintenance are excluded from the remodeling permit requirement.
Cosmetic changes and routine repairs and maintenance are excluded from the remodeling-permit requirement.
- Exempt Cosmetic changes and routine repairs and maintenance are excluded from the remodeling-permit requirement.
Required documents
- Site plan showing lot dimensions, setbacks, easements, utilities, driveway, and fences
- Labeled floor plans for each story
- Typical bearing-wall cross-section from footing to roof deck
- Floor framing plans for each level
- Contractor/subcontractor and owner contact information
- Estimated construction cost
- Subcontractor list and insurance certifications
- Owner authorization when the applicant is not the owner
- Building code
- Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code
- Permit validity
- Permits remain open until the required inspections are approved and the certificate of occupancy date is entered on the permit record.
- Owner-builder
- If the applicant is not the property owner, the owner must sign the authorization section, and all involved contractors and subcontractors must comply with KRS 198B.060 and KRS 342 by maintaining workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors are expected to show compliance with the state insurance statutes noted on the application; no local general-contractor license is listed, but licensed electrical inspectors are preapproved by the city commission.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Normally within one week after a complete application is submitted.
- 01 Confirm whether the work is new construction or remodeling and call Building Official Jim Fawcett at (606) 564-2525 to schedule an intake appointment and obtain the relevant form.
- 02 Download the completed application from the Revize Document Center with the required documents (site plan with setbacks and utilities, detailed floor plans for every level, typical cross-section, floor framing plan, estimated construction cost, owner authorization when applicable, subcontractor list, and insurance certifications).
- 03 Bring or mail the signed forms to the building inspection office with the permit fee or fee estimate.
- 04 The office reviews the submission and issues the permit once all required information is received.
- 05 When work is ready for inspection, call the building inspector to schedule each stage, and pass the final inspection to have the certificate of occupancy recorded on the permit file before closing out the project.
Typical processing time: Normally within one week after a complete application is submitted.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Mason County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based (estimated cost field) plus plan review fees determined by the office; details are provided at permit intake.
Submit application with payment at the office; the website emphasizes bringing payments in person or mailing them with the application.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (606) 564-2525 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Inspections follow the usual progression (base/foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final) with a certificate of occupancy issued after the final inspection files.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Mason County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
Whenever an owner or authorized agent proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing equipment, a building or remodeling permit must be pulled before work begins; only cosmetic changes or regular repairs and maintenance are excluded from the remodeling permit requirement.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Mason County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (estimated cost field) plus plan review fees determined by the office; details are provided at permit intake..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, KY, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the work is new construction or remodeling and call Building Official Jim Fawcett at (606) 564-2525 to schedule an intake appointment and obtain the relevant form. 2. Download the completed application from the Revize Document Center with the required documents (site plan with setbacks and utilities, detailed floor plans for every level, typical cross-section, floor framing plan, estimated construction cost, owner authorization when applicable, subcontractor list, and insurance certifications). 3. Bring or mail the signed forms to the building inspection office with the permit fee or fee estimate. 4. The office reviews the submission and issues the permit once all required information is received. 5. When work is ready for inspection, call the building inspector to schedule each stage, and pass the final inspection to have the certificate of occupancy recorded on the permit file before closing out the project.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Mason County, KY typically run Normally within one week after a complete application is submitted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Mason County, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic changes and routine repairs and maintenance are excluded from the remodeling-permit requirement.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mason County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mason County, KY via: (606) 564-2525.
last verified April 2026
source Mason County Building Inspection ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/mason/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Mason County Building Inspection before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.