McLean County, KY — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission

Street address

McLean County Courthouse, 210 Main Street, P.O. Box 127, Calhoun, KY 42327

Phone

(270) 280-7671

Use the Planning & Zoning contact form labeled Contact Group on the commission page

Coverage

Rumsey is not incorporated and therefore relies on the county zoning authority for building permits.

Online portal

Building Permit Application (PDF download)

CivicPlus

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for McLean County

All new, altered, or moved buildings and accessory structures require a permit with the same exemptions as other county areas.

Scope of work

Permit?

Recurring maintenance that does not change the structure's strength or mechanical systems

Exempt

Installation of required improvements per an already approved plan

Exempt

Agricultural facilities as defined in the ordinance

Exempt

Exempt Recurring maintenance that does not change the structure's strength or mechanical systems
Exempt Installation of required improvements per an already approved plan
Exempt 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.

Required documents

Completed permit application
Scale drawing showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, yards, and parking
County Health Officer certificate

Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code statewide
Permit validity: One year unless substantial progress is made.
Owner-builder: Not spelled out beyond the standard application.
Contractor requirements: State DHBC licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades apply.

Source: McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Two-week review window.

01

Use the county Building Permit Application, include the scale plan and Health Officer certificate, and submit it to the Planning & Zoning office.
02

The Planning Commission chair reviews within two weeks and issues or denies the permit; approved permits are signed.
03

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.

Source: McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

McLean County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

Fees are paid when submitting the printed application; no online payment is provided.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(270) 280-7671 (phone)

Inspection hours: Use the Planning & Zoning office hours

Typical sequence: Final inspection within three days of readiness; Certificate of Occupancy issued after compliance.

Source: McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated McLean County permits

01 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.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McLean County, KY? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated McLean County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in unincorporated McLean County, KY typically run Two-week review window.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McLean County, KY? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McLean County, KY? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McLean County, KY via: (270) 280-7671.

last verified April 2026 source McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission ↗ entry id permits/kentucky/mclean/rumsey

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated McLean County