McCreary County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

McCreary County is the only Kentucky county without incorporated cities. The Fiscal Court administers building and electrical permitting countywide through contracted inspectors.

Department

McCreary County Fiscal Court – Building & Electrical Inspections

Address

McCreary County Health Department, 119 Medical Lane, Whitley City, KY 42653; Judge Executive mailing: PO Box 579, Whitley City, KY 42653

Phone

606-875-7444 (Inspector Dennis Crist); 606-376-2413 (Judge Executive office)

Email

bgreene@mccrearycounty.com (Judge Executive) , joshuae.wilson@ky.gov (state building inspector)

Website

https://mccrearycounty.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning with the local planning/zoning authority before designing.
2. Determine whether the project falls under local jurisdiction or state (DHBC) authority.
3. Contact the McCreary County Judge Executive's office and contracted inspector to document local procedural expectations and obtain the number of printed sets required.
4. Assemble the application with owner/contractor details, site survey, complete plans, structural/MEP details, and supporting forms per the DHBC plan guide.
5. Upload one set of completed plans, the fee worksheet, and supplemental shop drawings to SmartGov; local authority may require additional paper copies after submission.
6. Obtain plan approval from DHBC and local authorities.
7. Schedule field inspections through the county inspector once plans are approved.
8. Pass rough, specialty, and final inspections (including electrical sign-off) before occupancy paperwork is issued.

Typical processing time: No published fixed turnaround; standard timing determined case by case by the local inspector. DHBC offers one-week fast-track review with 50% surcharge.

Source: McCreary County Fiscal Court – Building & Electrical Inspections

General Requirements

All new buildings, additions, change of occupancy, alterations, and significant repairs are subject to 815 KAR 7:120 plan review and the 2015 Kentucky Building Code with 2018 amendments, or 815 KAR 7:125 for one- and two-family dwellings.

Required Documents

• Sealed site survey
• Site diagram
• Building plans
• Structural details
• MEP layouts
• Fire and special systems documentation
• Energy calculations
• Affidavits
• Completed application with owner and design professional information

Permit validity

Permit issuance tied to approved plans and fees. Plan supplements and resubmissions require new fees. Expiration schedule not separately published by McCreary County; property owners must verify timelines with the Judge Executive's office.

Building code

2015 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments statewide. Single-family and townhouse projects follow 815 KAR 7:125.

Owner-builder

Applications must identify the owner. General erection/construction work does not require a state license.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sprinklers/suppression, boilers, elevators, and related specialties require state licenses. State-certified contractors must appear on permit paperwork. General building erection needs no state license but may follow local jurisdiction requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$285

Permit fee formula

Valuation schedule (Table 121.3.1) with cents-per-square-foot multipliers by occupancy type and minimum thresholds for additions, alterations, and change-of-use. Expedite requests add 50% of base fee (capped between $400 and $3,000).

Payment note

Inspection and permit fees paid to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction are typically remitted to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the McCreary County Fiscal Court – Building & Electrical Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 606-875-7444 (Inspector Dennis Crist) (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday 8:00 AM–9:00 AM EST; call for other windows or to confirm same-day slots

Typical inspection sequence: Submit plans via SmartGov, wait for DHBC/local review, then pass rough/mechanical/final inspections (including electrical) before inspector signs off on occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments statewide. Single-family and townhouse projects follow 815 KAR 7:125.
• Kentucky DHBC Main Website
• McCreary County Government
• DHBC Plan Submission Portal
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

McCreary County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McCreary County, KY?

All new buildings, additions, change of occupancy, alterations, and significant repairs are subject to 815 KAR 7:120 plan review and the 2015 Kentucky Building Code with 2018 amendments, or 815 KAR 7:125 for one- and two-family dwellings.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McCreary County, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Valuation schedule (Table 121.3.1) with cents-per-square-foot multipliers by occupancy type and minimum thresholds for additions, alterations, and change-of-use. Expedite requests add 50% of base fee (capped between $400 and $3,000)..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCreary County, KY?

1. Confirm zoning with the local planning/zoning authority before designing. 2. Determine whether the project falls under local jurisdiction or state (DHBC) authority. 3. Contact the McCreary County Judge Executive's office and contracted inspector to document local procedural expectations and obtain the number of printed sets required. 4. Assemble the application with owner/contractor details, site survey, complete plans, structural/MEP details, and supporting forms per the DHBC plan guide. 5. Upload one set of completed plans, the fee worksheet, and supplemental shop drawings to SmartGov; local authority may require additional paper copies after submission. 6. Obtain plan approval from DHBC and local authorities. 7. Schedule field inspections through the county inspector once plans are approved. 8. Pass rough, specialty, and final inspections (including electrical sign-off) before occupancy paperwork is issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McCreary County, KY?

Typical processing time is No published fixed turnaround; standard timing determined case by case by the local inspector. DHBC offers one-week fast-track review with 50% surcharge..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCreary County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 606-875-7444 (Inspector Dennis Crist).