County Building Permits
McLean County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Rumsey is not incorporated and therefore relies on the county zoning authority for building permits.
- Department
- McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission
- Address
- McLean County Courthouse, 210 Main Street, P.O. Box 127, Calhoun, KY 42327
- Phone
- (270) 280-7671
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CivicPlus • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Use the county Building Permit Application, include the scale plan and Health Officer certificate, and submit it to the Planning & Zoning office.
- The Planning Commission chair reviews within two weeks and issues or denies the permit; approved permits are signed.
- Notify the chairperson when the work is ready for occupancy and receive the Certificate of Occupancy after a final inspection within three days.
Typical processing time: Two-week review window.
General Requirements
All new, altered, or moved buildings and accessory structures require a permit with the same exemptions as other county areas.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Scale drawing showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, yards, and parking
- County Health Officer certificate
- Permit validity
- One year unless substantial progress is made.
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code statewide
- Owner-builder
- Not spelled out beyond the standard application.
- Contractor requirements
- State DHBC licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades apply.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential: $0.13 per square foot (capped at $250); Commercial/Industrial: $75 for 0-1,000 sq ft tier
- Permit fee formula
- Residential: square-foot-based ($0.13/sq ft, max $250). Commercial/Industrial: tiered flat amounts (0-1,000 sf = $75, 1,001-2,000 sf = $150, 2,001-5,000 sf = $225, 5,001-25,000 sf = $300, over 25,000 sf = $450). Certificate of Occupancy bundled with permit cost.
- Payment note
- Fees are paid when submitting the printed application; no online payment is provided.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Recurring maintenance that does not change the structure's strength or mechanical systems
- Installation of required improvements per an already approved plan
- Agricultural facilities as defined in the ordinance
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning Commission before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (270) 280-7671 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Use the Planning & Zoning office hours
Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection within three days of readiness; Certificate of Occupancy issued after compliance.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code statewide
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Planning & Zoning Commission (contact form, notices)
- Building Permit Application downloads
- County inspectors roster (state-certified inspectors)
- 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 McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
McLean County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- All new, altered, or moved buildings and accessory structures require a permit with the same exemptions as other county areas.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential: $0.13 per square foot (capped at $250); Commercial/Industrial: $75 for 0-1,000 sq ft tier. Fees are calculated as: Residential: square-foot-based ($0.13/sq ft, max $250). Commercial/Industrial: tiered flat amounts (0-1,000 sf = $75, 1,001-2,000 sf = $150, 2,001-5,000 sf = $225, 5,001-25,000 sf = $300, over 25,000 sf = $450). Certificate of Occupancy bundled with permit cost..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- 1. Use the county Building Permit Application, include the scale plan and Health Officer certificate, and submit it to the Planning & Zoning office. 2. The Planning Commission chair reviews within two weeks and issues or denies the permit; approved permits are signed. 3. Notify the chairperson when the work is ready for occupancy and receive the Certificate of Occupancy after a final inspection within three days.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Two-week review window..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance that does not change the structure's strength or mechanical systems; Installation of required improvements per an already approved plan; Agricultural facilities as defined in the ordinance. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning Commission before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McLean County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (270) 280-7671.
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