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

Typical processing time is Permits are acted on within two weeks of submission per county ordinance..

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.

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.

Kentucky Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within unincorporated McLean County. The same commission and ordinance cover all of McLean County, including the unincorporated land and the incorporated towns serviced by the joint planning body.

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
Email: Use the Planning & Zoning contact form labeled Contact Group on the commission page
Website: https://www.mcleancounty.ky.gov/planning-and-zoning-commission

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application (PDF download)

Platform: CivicPlus-hosted county website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Download the McLean County Building Permit Application PDF from the Planning & Zoning page.
Fill in owner, applicant, and contractor data; mark the work category (new construction, addition, alteration, etc.); attach the scale drawing describing lot dimensions, existing/proposed structures, yards, and parking.
Include the County Health Officer's certificate approving water and sewer before submitting.
Deliver the full packet with the computed fee to the Planning & Zoning office at 210 Main Street, Calhoun.
The Planning Commission chair or designee reviews the application within two weeks, approves or denies, and signs the permit if requirements are met.
Notify the chairperson when the structure is ready for occupancy; a final inspection must occur within three days and the Certificate of Occupancy is issued when the structure complies.

Typical processing time: Permits are acted on within two weeks of submission per county ordinance.

Source: McLean County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission

General Requirements

Any excavation, construction, alteration, moving, or change of use for buildings (including accessory structures) must wait for the zoning administrator's authorization; only recurring maintenance, approved improvements, or agricultural facilities proceed without a permit.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Scale plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, yards, and parking
County Health Officer certificate for water and sewer approval

Permit validity: Permits expire one year after issuance unless substantial progress is demonstrated.
Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code with Kentucky-specific amendments as provided through DHBC
Owner-builder: Published materials do not offer a separate owner-builder path; all applicants submit the same site plan and documentation.
Contractor requirements: Kentucky DHBC licenses cover electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades and are typically submitted with the plan package.

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: Applicants compute the fee and include payment with the hard-copy submission; no online payment portal 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: Contact Planning Commission chair or designee during county business hours

Typical inspection sequence: A final inspection is required within three days of notification and must pass before occupancy is granted.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code with Kentucky-specific amendments as provided through DHBC
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning & Zoning Commission landing page (news, agendas, contact form)
McLean County Comprehensive Plan overview
Kentucky DHBC homepage (statewide code and licensing)
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?: Any excavation, construction, alteration, moving, or change of use for buildings (including accessory structures) must wait for the zoning administrator's authorization; only recurring maintenance, approved improvements, or agricultural facilities proceed without a permit.
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. Download the McLean County Building Permit Application PDF from the Planning & Zoning page. 2. Fill in owner, applicant, and contractor data; mark the work category (new construction, addition, alteration, etc.); attach the scale drawing describing lot dimensions, existing/proposed structures, yards, and parking. 3. Include the County Health Officer's certificate approving water and sewer before submitting. 4. Deliver the full packet with the computed fee to the Planning & Zoning office at 210 Main Street, Calhoun. 5. The Planning Commission chair or designee reviews the application within two weeks, approves or denies, and signs the permit if requirements are met. 6. Notify the chairperson when the structure is ready for occupancy; a final inspection must occur within three days and the Certificate of Occupancy is issued when the structure complies.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McLean County, KY?: Typical processing time is Permits are acted on within two weeks of submission per county ordinance..
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.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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